WHAT ARE SILICONE BUTTOCK IMPLANTS? IS SILICONE SAFE TO USE IN HUMANS? DOES SILICONE PRODUCE CANCER?
Silicone buttock implants are devices made up of an outer layer or envelope of silicone elastomer that is in contact with the body tissues and are filled with silicone gel. This gel is what maintains the shape of the implant. There are also implants of silicone gel that are enveloped with polyiurethane.
SINCE THE DISCOVERY OF SILICONE, SILICONE HAS HAD MANY APPLICATIONS IN EVERY DAY LIFE, MEDICAL APPLICATIONS, PHAMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS AND ALIMENTATION DURING THE PAST 50 YEARS. For example: Artificial joints, pumps, shunts, drains, ocular implants, pacemakers, breast implants, penile implants, testicular implants, tablets and capsules with silicone (anti-acids), lipstick, lotions, sunscreens, deodorants etc.
WE ARE CONSTANTLY EXPOSED TO SILICONE IN OUR EVERY DAY LIVES. UNTIL NOW, THERE IS NO SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE THAT SILICONE PRODUCES CANCER. Different scientific investigations have been carried out by the U.S. National Cancer Institute, International Epidemiology Institute y Karolinska Institute de Sweden, Danish Cancer Registry, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Institut Gustave Roussy en France, Alberta Canada Cancer Board, U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention y University of Southern California School of Medicine). THAT IS WHY YOU SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID.
IS THERE A SPECIAL RISK FOR WOMEN WHO ALREADY HAVE SILICONE IMPLANTS THAT ARE ENVELOPED WITH POLYURETHANE?
Silicone implants enveloped with polyurethane, which was introduced at the beginning of the 70´s, have the advantage that capsular contractures are less frequent. But they have the disadvantage that the implant fixes itself strongly in place and therefore is difficult to remove. There are scientific studies that show that the polyurethane (the most external layer of the implant) can break away therefore become a conventional implant. Between the chemical elements of polyurethane, a substance called toluen diamina (TDA), that has produced cancer in laboratory animals. AT THIS POINT IT IS NOT CLEAR IF IT CAN BE PRODUCED IN HUMAN BEINGS. The Food Drugs and Administration of the U.S.A. show that it is very improbable that a women will produce cancer because of the use of this type of implant (probability of 1 in 1 000 000 throughout the whole life of the patient).
CAN IMPLANTS CAUSE CONNECTIVE TISSUE OR AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE IN HEALTHY WOMEN?
Silicone, just like most other substances can produce an allergy. However allergies to Silicone are very uncommon. Some rare disorders such as lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT IMPLANTS PRODUCE THESE DISSORDERS.
Scientific investigations have been carried out by, Mayo Clinic, Harvard Medical School, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Emory University, University of Kansas Artritis Center, University of Washington Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Toronto, University of Maryland, University of Pittsburg, University of California, SanDiego y Johns Hopkins University Schools of Medicine.
WHY IS IT PROHIBITED TO USE LIQUID SILICONE ON ITS OWN?
Because liquid silicone migrates through the blood and the lymphatic vessels working its way to different organs, such as the liver, kidneys, brain and pancreas etc. SILICONE GEL (different to liquid silicone) IS NOT PROHIBIDED
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF IMPLANTS
DEPENDING ON THE SHAPE:
- Round
- Oval
THE SIZE:
- Variable, from 180cc(cubic centimeters) to 350cc
THE SURFACE:
- Smooth
- Textured
- Polyurethane
THE FILLING:
- Silicone Gel
INDICATIONS:
This surgery will benefit those with the following conditions:
Flat buttocks.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
We will not operate if we believe that your objective is not realistic. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE ON PEOPLE WITH EXAGERATED OR FANTASY EXPECTATIONS. I recommend you read the chapter “Psychological Aspects of Plastic Surgery” of this website.
- If you have poor health, above all cardiovascular and mental disorders we cannot operate.
- Those patients who smoke should stop completely at least one month before the operation because this operation may produce the loss of tissues.
- Patients who are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
- Patients who worry too much about small defects that in reality are very minute.
- Patients who will not accept the final scaring. ALL OF THESE OPERATIONS LEAVE SOME SCARING AND THE QUALITY OF THESE SCARS DEPENDS ON MANY UNKNOWN FACTORS.
- Previous allergies to substances or materials.
- If you have an infection in any part of the body.
- If you have a history of bad scaring.
SURGICAL OBJECTIVES:
- Increase the size of your buttocks with implants, if you have an inadequate volume, to improve your self-esteem.
- The place of the implants, the incisions will be definded after medical consultations and undergoing a careful and detailed study.
PLANNING THE SURGERY:
BEFORE THE OPERATION
First you must undergo a complete medical examination. Then we will be able to give you in writing, the modifications that are suitable for you. We always do a photo session as a fundamental part of evaluating your case.
WITHOUT PHOTOS WE DO NOT OPERATE. IT IS ALSO VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU REMEMBER THAT ALL THE INFORMATION YOU RECEIVE IN WRITING, SHOW AN ESTIMATION OF THE FINAL RESULT.
Between you, the patient and me the Plastic Surgeon, we should agree on the results that we are able to achieve. We ask for blood tests regularly.
- If you have the flu or are menstruating, please communicate 3 days beforehand.
- Do not drink alcohol at least 24 hours before operating.
- Do not take ASPIRIN 15 days before operating
- Organize your activities so that you are able to rest after the operation.
- Do not drive your car for at least 30 days after the operation.
- Only begin physical exercise gradually 2 months after the operation.
ANESTHESIA:
- Peridural or General Anesthesia.
PROCEDURES:
- The patient may be outgoing or ingoing.
- The estimated time of the operation is 3 hours.
- The incision is located between the two buttocks and is hidden when the patient is in a standing position.
- We then put the implant below the muscle.
- The implant is situated in the top 2/3 of the buttock.
- Drainage for the first 48 hours.
RECOVERY:
- The patient may be outgoing or ingoing.
- 12 days of bed rest, lying face down.
- If you need to sit during the first 30 days you must rest on your thighs.
- After these first 24 hours you may be able to start to walk around.
- Eat well, food high in protein and lots of vitamin C.
- You must keep the sterile tapes in place for 24 hours.
DO NOT WORRY IF IN THE FIRST DAYS YOU HAVE:
- Bruising and swelling, which can be more prominent on the second day.
- Some discomfort.
- We use a drain for around 48 hours after the operation.
- If you are in pain, take analgesics, BUT NEVER TAKE ASPIRIN, BECAUSE IT CAUSES BLEEDING. Generally placing the implant behind the pectoral muscle causes more discomfort or pain.
- We give antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Full showers can be taken from after 2 to 3 days.
- Stitches can be removed 2 weeks after the operation.
- Sterile tapes and or bandages are to be changed every 3 days during a 2 week period.
- For 30 days a special elastic garment is to be used.
- From 2 weeks onwards we indicate 10 lymphatic drainage sessions to help the recovery process, eliminate toxins and improve the circulation.
- As the days go by you will begin to feel better and better but be careful, this does not mean you are ready for intense physical activity. Take extra care with the arms as you can easily make the stitching come undone.
- You should be able to return to everyday activities 2 weeks after the operation and drive a car 1 month after.
- Intense physical activities can be taken up again some 60 days after the operation.
- Full recuperation of your sensitivity can take place within a few months time.
- The scars will be hidden between the two buttocks. THERE ARE MANY UNFORESEEN AND INDIVIDUAL VARIATIONS (such as wide and hypertrophic scars, depending on many factors such as the genetics of the patient).
- Sun bathing should be avoided for at least 3 months.
- Any increase in fever or if the area becomes red, or if there are any other unusual signs, contact your doctor or plastic surgeon immediately.
- Naturally, because of ones anxiety to see the final result, the first couple of days one can be somewhat depressed. But this is temporary. BEING PATIENT IS FUNDAMENTAL.
- After 6 months you will be able to get a good idea of the final result. Nevertheless the scars maintain some coloring and continue getting better until 1 to 2 years after the operation.
IT IS PROHIBITED TO GIVE INJECTIONS IN THE BUTTOCK, IF NECESSARY YOU THEY MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE ARM.
FINAL RESULTS:
Generally the results obtained are similar to what was planned.
More than 95% of women are happy with the long term results. They feel a lot better with their new image, proportional buttocks, better form and volume, self-esteem and happiness.
The buttocks will have an increased volume, improving consistency and shape. Remember there are different size implants, we always look for the best harmony between the size of the buttocks.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS:
They are rare, BUT REMEMBER, THERE IS NO PLASTIC SURGERY WITHOUT RISKS OR POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS (even if they are minimum, they still exist). SMOKERS HAVE A HIGHER RISK FACTOR.
- · HEMATOMAS: Occurs between 0.5 – 3 %. If not reabsorbed, it shall be removed.
- · INFECTION: Occurs in 2.2% of patients. Generally due to Staphylococcus Epidermidis. We always give antibiotics during the operation and for 5 to 7 days afterwards. Local culture is recommended, followed by antibiotics, draining and occasional removal of the implant.
- · SEROMAS: The acumulation of Serosos Liquids, just like the Hematoma, this can produce capsular contracture. Occasional draining is then used. The Seroma is not always acute. There are also late Seromas of unknown origen.
- · CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE: It is the most common problem encountered after buttock implants. This phenomenon of unknown cause probably has a multi-factor cause. Different degrees of unilateral or bilateral capsular contracture produce asymmetry, distortion, firmness and discomfort. In this situation there are different treatments, such as removing the capsular and changing the placement of the implant. The manufactures advise against the external Capsulotomy procedure, which can cause the rupture of the implant.
- CALCIFICATIONS: Of unknown cause, this has been reported in tissue adjacent to those of the implantation at times calling for the removal of the implant.
- IMPLANT RUPTURE, HOLE OR CUT: Generally due to piercing instruments or accidents. Most cases happen during surgery. In this case the implant must be changed.
- · EXTRUSION: Unstable of compromised cover tissue, excessive stress or trauma occurring in the location of the implantation and/or interruption of the scaring process can lead to extrusion of the implant.
- LOSS OF SENSIBILITY: Infrequent. It is almost always a process reversable with time.
- DISPLACEMENT OF THE IMPLANT: This problem, associated with the operating technique, may cause discomfort to the patient and discomfort and distortion of the desired shape.
- FOLDS: Any fold can lead to medical complication, such as reduction of tissue thickness, abrasion and extrusion which may be mistaken for palpable tumors. Immediate investigation must be carried out whenever there is any doubt.
- ASYMETRY: This may result from capsular contraction or rupture of the envelope, in the later case an assessment is required to decide whether or not there is the need to remove the implant.
- PAIN: Some patients may feel pain in the post operative period which should be investigated immediately.
- IMMUNOLOGICAL RESPONSE: Despite a number of studies there is no scientific proof of this cause and effect relation.
- CANCER: There is no scientific proof that implants produce cancer.
FINALLY WE WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT THE IMPLANTS ARE NOT FOREVER. THEREFORE AT SOME TIME IN THE FUTURE THE REMOVAL OF THE IMPLANTS COULD BE INDICATED.
