Breast Implants and Health Risks: Why Regular Screening Matters

KREMS, Austria - Dec. 17, 2024 - PRLog -- A study by the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences (KL Krems) highlights crucial findings regarding the infrequent check-ups among women with breast implants. An analysis of over 1,000 cases revealed that more than 80 % of women skipped recommended annual screenings. Silent ruptures of silicone implants often go undetected for years, potentially leading to serious long-term complications, including inflammatory foreign body reactions (siliconomas) and certain breast implant associated cancers. Published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, the study points out that despite the recommendation of regular check-ups by physicians, many women only come for follow-up care when pain or deformation of the breast has already occurred. The results of the study emphasize the importance of early detection and education to promote regular follow-up examinations.

Breast implants are typically robust medical devices, widely used in aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries. However, complications can occur, ranging from pain to visible breast deformation, or undetected implant damage. Over time, these issues can pose significant health risks. Regular check-ups could help mitigate these risks, but until now, little data existed on how often such follow-ups are conducted. A new study from a research team from the Division of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at University Hospital St. Pölten, an education and research site of KL Krems, sheds light on this issue in Austria.

Alarming Outcomes

"The findings of our study are deeply concerning," says Dr. Tonatiuh Flores, lead author and physician at the Clinical Division of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at KL Krems. "Although we encourage our patients to attend annual routine examinations based on international guidelines, our study shows that only a small number of women actually do so. Regular screenings could detect implant issues early and prevent severe complications."

Scientific Contact

Dr. Tonatiuh Flores

Clinical Division of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery

University Hospital St. Pölten

Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences

Dunantplatz 1

3100 St. Pölten / Austria

T +43 2742/9004-13601 (tel:+43%202742/9004-13601)

E Tonatiuh.Flores@kl.ac.at

W https://www.kl.ac.at/

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