All About Breast Implants with Dr Terence Goh

Thanks for your question. While modern breast implants are very durable and safe, it’s important to realise that they are not expected to last a lifetime. According to some studies, rupture rates are initially very low and begin to increase about 6-8 years after implantation. The chances of implants rupturing and leaking then gradually increases over time. Although rates do vary, you can expect that after 10 years, there is an approximately 10% chance of implant rupture and leakage occurring. This does vary with the type of implant used.

Advantages A softer and more adaptable gel, which results in a more natural appearance when standing and lying down, with movement and softness more similar to natural breast tissue. The softer gel makes inserting the implants possible through a smaller incision. A nano-textured surface. This has a finer texture compared to conventional breast implants. This reduces the risk of complications such as seroma, capsular contracture, and BIA-ALCL. The formation of a thin, soft capsule will allow the breast to remain soft over time.

The thing about textured implants is that most of the textured implants at the moment, there’s still some risk relation to ALCL. Studies have shown patients with round implants also have ALCL. But upon clarification, they realised that these patients have had both round and textured implants before. So they’re not exactly sure if round implants do cause ALCL. But the belief is that textured implant causes it. So round implants are definitely safer. To answer the question, I would say that I would definitely choose a round implant where possible.

Thank you for your question. If the capsule is soft and not calcified it can be left alone. Having said that, I do find that there is a slightly higher risk of seroma if the capsule is left intact compared to removing it. Some patients prefer to remove all of the capsule. This is certainly possible. I find it easier to do it in an enbloc manner, meaning the entire capsule and implant are removed as one piece. However, doing this will usually mean it has to be done through a larger scar.

There are more and more patients considering implant removal. And when they remove the implants they can either change them to other implant types or replace them with fat. The truth is that breast implants are not meant for life. They’re all man-made devices so as with any man-made device, there’s a shelf life. Of course, nowadays the technology has gotten better, so now there are 6th generation breast implants. The implant shell is better, the gel is better, and the chance of implant ruptures are all reduced and the complications are lower.