Breast Implants Frequently Asked Questions

How big an implant can I have?

For an implant to fit in, a pocket has to be created and the skin and existing breast tissue has to stretch. In a slim woman with very small breasts and who has not had any children the amount of skin available to cover the implant will not be as much as someone who has reasonable size breasts and the breasts had deflated since breast feeding. There is therefore a limit as to how big an implant can be used. Dr Chan will advise you.

Are they safe?

A lot of scientific research has been conducted and we now know that breast implants do not cause any serious disease including breast cancer. Most implants are made with a silicone shell which is very inert and is then filled with either salt water or silicone gel. Silicone is probably the most inert man-made substance to be implanted into the body.

Are silicone gel filled implants safe?

They are no more dangerous that salt water-filled implants. Most silicone gels used these days are cohesive i.e. it does not run like honey but tends to clump together. Different manufacturers have different degrees of cohesiveness. However the more cohesive an implant the harder it will feel.

Do implants cause serious disease?

How long do they last?

There is gradual wear and tear of the surface covering of any implant. In saline implants a hole can wear in the envelope very much like a water bed can spring a leak with continued use. Saline is absorbed in the body and the breasts therefore decrease in volume and deflate.

When a gel implant wears a hole in the covering of the implant, the cohesive gel is still within the scar tissue barrier that naturally forms around the implant after the operation. You will probably not know as it is not dangerous or toxic and does not cause any symptoms. Sometimes this is only detected when a routine mammogram is performed.

How long does the manufacturer cover the implant against leakage?

Some implant manufacturers will only cover the implant for seven years for free replacement. Dr Chan uses implants that have a lifetime replacement which means that anytime in your life your implant leaks you will be given a new implant at no cost. You will have to pay other costs associated with the second operation such as doctors fees and hospital costs.

Will my health fund cover any of the operation?

Generally a health fund will not cover a cosmetic operation. However if corrective surgery is needed the health fund will then usually cover the theatre and hospital fees. It is therefore advantageous to be covered by a health fund for peace of mind in case any unforeseen complications occur after the operation.

Are shaped (teardrop) implants more natural?

No. The normal human breast tissue is roughly round in the breast and changes in shape depending on the effect of gravity. Therefore a breast is normally round and slightly flatter when lying but tear dropped shaped when standing or sitting. Therefore a soft round implant which behaves the same way with gravity will feel soft and change in shape more naturally. A teardrop shaped implant remains teardrop shaped no matter what position the patient assumes. It may not behave quite as naturally as human tissue and often feels firmer.

How much do implants cost?

They vary according to the manufacturer. Generally shaped implants and textured implants cost more than smooth round implants even from the same manufacturer. They range from $1200 to $3,000 a pair.

Are textured rough implants better than smooth implants?

Depending on the surgeon you speak to, some use mainly smooth and some use textured rough implants. It can be quite confusing. Dr Chan has had over 25 years experience and has followed the development of different implants and tried them. He generally prefers a smooth implant but if you prefer textured implants he will also perform the operation for you. In some patients he will actually recommend the textured implants but he will always explain the pros and cons of each implant as they relate to you and, once you possess this information, you can then make a decision that suits you.