The use of silicone breast implants has long been the most common cosmetic surgical procedure in Australia. Breast augmentation has been normalised in society and popular culture, and the prevalence of breast augmentation continues to grow.
However, whilst the use of breast implants is considered safe and there is limited scientific evidence that silicone breast implants are a direct cause of illness, it is also true that breast implants have been linked to ALCL, and they cause complications for many women, leading to revision or removal. For a more detailed overview of breast implant safety, Dr Campbell-Lloyd has written a number of articles on his personal blog discussing this issue.
Dr Campbell-Lloyd has chosen not to offer primary cosmetic breast augmentation using breast implants in his practice.
This is a choice that has been made after much consideration for the well-being of our patients. Dr Campbell-Lloyd’s practice has long been focused on natural techniques and corrective procedures for women who have suffered complications after previous cosmetic surgery, and the use of breast implants for primary cosmetic procedures is not consistent with our surgical philosophy.
Dr Campbell-Lloyd believes that there are excellent implant-free alternatives for many women seeking primary breast augmentation and breast rejuvenation.
The option to use silicone breast implants remains vital, and may be necessary in certain circumstances. Dr Campbell-Lloyd will continue to offer patients the choice to use silicone breast implants for the following reasons:
For some women, the idea of “breast implant incompatibility” is an important consideration. There are many women who enjoy their breast implants over long periods of time after successful breast implant surgery. There are other women, who despite technically successful surgery, suffer with the early occurrence of complications including capsular contracture, pain, implant rupture and distortion of the breast. It is this consideration which has influenced Dr Campbell-Lloyd’s decision.
It must be emphasised that Dr Campbell-Lloyd continues to believe that breast implants are safe devices and may be appropriate for many women; equally, breast implants may not be appropriate for other women. The risk of defined conditions such as Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) remain extremely low, and there has never been a case described in association with the nano-textured breast implants that Dr Campbell-Lloyd chooses to use.
There is no “one size fits all” approach to any surgery, and we do not and will not judge anyone who chooses breast augmentation with implants.
Dr Campbell-Lloyd’s choice not to use implants for breast augmentation is not a criticism of other surgeons, or patients.
Some patients pursue a particular aesthetic goal from a breast augmentation which can only be achieved with breast implants. Prominent upper pole fullness, significantly enhanced projection and cleavage, and substantial breast enlargement (greater than 2 cup sizes) are all goals which may only be met with a silicone breast implant and patients seeking this type of change are best served consulting with a surgeon who offers primary cosmetic breast augmentation with breast implants. Implant-free techniques will not be suitable for these patients.
We see many patients seeking advice on surgery to rejuvenate or enhance the breast. Often, those patients have seen other surgeons first, and have been offered breast implants as their only option. Our philosophy is to prioritise natural results and implant-free techniques where possible as we believe this leads to the safest and most durable surgical outcomes.
For more information you can message us here.
Read articles about Breast Implant safety from our news archive here.
