Breast Implants - A Substitute for Roadkill?

Posted Tuesday, July 22, 2008 to PROCEDURES > Breast

Posted by mmoore

Apparently, one of the ultimate tests of toughness is whether a product can be run over by a car. Or better yet, a truck. Or a Semi tractor trailer. Does the military have any spare tanks or Humvees that aren't currently in the act of spreading freedom?

But seriously folks, some people do seem to believe that if you can run over something and it's not completely destroyed, it must be all right. The "something" I'm referring to is not a Timex (who here remembers the commercial where they're playing ice hockey with a Timex watch instead of a puck?) but rather a breast implant.

Yes, apparently someone decided that it would be a good idea to a) drive over an implant and b) film this event. I work with a Saratoga Springs breast augmentation surgeon and I guarantee this is not part of the pre-surgery prep process. And I also guarantee that this was not part of the decade of testing that went into the FDA's decision to approve cohesive silicone gel implants for the majority of women considering breast enlargement.

In the video (which has apparently been removed from YouTube), the breast implant (type of implant is not made clear) is run over and appears to get through the ordeal intact. As a few other Web sites have already mentioned, it's impossible to tell if the breast implant really is in one piece, as there could have been internal rupture or a slow leak may have been created.

Obviously, I have a few issues with this demonstration. First, it's pretty much the most unscientific way of showing breast implant durability that I can think of. How about we cover an implant with Alpo and catapult it into a pack of wolves? Or fire one out of a cannon? My point is this: breast implants are not (and should not be) engineered to handle absurdly high amounts of pressure and stress.

I say implants shouldn't be engineered this way for a couple reasons. They'd be unbelievably expensive for one thing (I know, I know, what price health?). But more importantly, they would no longer be able to serve their purpose of creating a naturally-enhanced breast look and feel. They need to behave like natural tissue. Last time I checked, except for a few fame seekers in the Guiness Book, humans generally don't live too long after being run over by a car.

The reality is that all types of implants can leak or rupture. And the other reality is that when this occurs, the science tells us that there is no demonstrable link between rupture and serious health problems. I understand and respect that women who have had prior generations of silicone implants don't agree with these scientific conclusions. And when I see a clear cause and effect link, I'll change my tune.

I've had a little fun with this latest breast implant spectacle, but there is an important message here. All women considering breast enlargement need to take the risks seriously, talk with a number of surgeons for professional advice, and make a decision that is best for their long-term health and happiness. Saratoga Springs breast augmentation patients who follow these steps no doubt are happier about their decision and are better equipped to love their looks for the long term.

Add Comment

To discourage SPAM, we ask that you type your code (displayed below) in the text box.

Your Code:
Enter Code:	*