16 Feb Here’s What You Need to Know about the Latest FDA Guidelines for Breast Implants
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released new guidelines for breast implants in 2020. If you’ve been thinking about breast augmentation, know that Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center is committed to providing you with the safest, most beautiful, and natural-looking results. It’s critical that you only work with a reputable plastic surgeon for any cosmetic surgical procedure, but it’s also a good idea to understand what’s happening in the world of breast implants.
The 2020 guidelines were a revision of what was drafted in 2019. However, the 2020 version also provides “recommendations for manufacturers to incorporate a boxed warning and a patient-decision checklist into their labeling for breast implants to better ensure certain information is received and understood by patients.” In other words, the FDA is prioritizing information exchange so that patients know exactly what they can and should expect from breast augmentation surgery.
Why These Breast Augmentation Guidelines Matter
You may have heard of the so-called “breast implant illness” that made headlines last year. Know that complications from breast implants are quite low, and have been for the many decades that breast augmentation has been available. Plus, the implants that were linked to these complications are a specific brand and type. When you start considering breast implants, you’ll discover that there are many manufacturers and types of breast implants. Still, the FDA rightfully saw the need to take a stand and make sure that there was transparency when it came to breast implants. Knowing any possible risks should always be a critical part of the process, and a reputable surgeon will make sure to explain this to every patient.
Ultimately, there are no major changes to the FDA information. The primary revision is for the recommended ongoing screening tests that gel implant patients may have to undergo, including MRIs and ultrasounds. No matter what type of breast implant you get, routine screenings should be part of your aftercare. This can be especially important for anyone who gets silicone implants because these implants don’t “deflate” in the rare instance of a rupture. You will see right away if a saline implant has ruptured, but don’t worry. Saline is perfectly safe to be absorbed into the body. Silicone stays largely in place, so it’s always a good idea to get these implants checked on a scheduled basis for your safety and peace of mind.
Your Safety is Our Top Priority
You might be wondering if breast implants are safe, especially after some of last year’s news articles. Generally speaking, the answer is a resounding yes. Breast implants have been one of the most popular plastic surgeries for many years, but of course there is potential for complications in every surgery. Unfortunately, we tend to hear about the bad news rather than the good news—after all, a news article wouldn’t get very many clicks if it just overviewed the hundreds of thousands of women who are thrilled with their results. We do get a small taste of this when a celebrity decides to share their after photos.
There are a number of organizations that help drive changes like the 2020 FDA guidelines, including the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation, The Aesthetic Society, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Each of these associations testified at the FDA headings that triggered the revisions. These organizations are comprised of ethical cosmetic surgeons who always put patient welfare first, and they have called for what is considered “fully informed consent” about both the benefits and risks of breast augmentation.
What You Can Do to Maximize Your Odds for a Great Outcome
The latest FDA guidelines do not address how important it is to find a skilled board-certified cosmetic surgeon. Great outcomes are created by great surgeons. You will dramatically lower your risk of complications when you choose the right surgeon because technique and experience are key to results you love. Sadly, a lot of patients don’t bother to read what is oftentimes a lot of guidelines and checklists when they opt for plastic surgery—it’s always in your best interest to take your time and read it over. A great surgeon can help you, highlighting information you really need to know.
If you’re interested in breast augmentation with a leading cosmetic surgeon, connect with Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center to schedule your complimentary consultation.