Dr. Nicholas Nikolov - The OC Register
May 10, 2010
Trade in breast implants like an old car?
Women shouldn’t get the idea that changing breast sizes is as simple as trading in a used car.
But some Hollywood celebrities are acting that way.
“Stars are treating breast surgery like getting a new car,” says Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Nikolov. Celebrities decide that their implants “are too big, too small, or they are uncomfortable. So they trade them in for a different model.”
He cites TV personality Sharon Osbourne, singer/designer Victoria Beckham and actress Denise Richards among the stars who have had their breast implants removed or plan to do so.
“Pamela Anderson can’t decide so she periodically changes the size of her breasts,” Nikolov says. “As she ages, Heidi Montag this will most likely follow in these celebs’ footsteps.”
“This in-and-out trend must stop! Breast surgery is an invasive procedure that must be taken seriously. A women needs to focus on what she is looking for and the surgeon needs to guide her so that together they achieve successful, long-lasting outcomes,” Nikolov adds.
That’s true as far as it goes. However, “long-lasting” is a relative term when it comes to breast implants. A new pair might remain in use longer than a new car, but not indefinitely.
The Food and Drug Administration warns women choosing to have their breasts enlarged that implants typically will not last a lifetime.
A majority of patients will eventually need to have them removed or replaced because of a rupture or other complication, the FDA says.
Because of wear and tear, possible ruptures and growth of scar tissue, breast implants typically need to be replaced after 10 or 20 years.
“It is my clinical experience that about 50 percent of silicone gel breast implants are ruptured after 15 years,” said plastic surgeon Dr. Donald Altman of Irvine.
- http://inyourface.freedomblogging.com/2010/05/07/trade-in-breast-implants-like-an-old-car/17259/