Plant Oil-filled Breast Implants

This type of implant has developed from the concern over safety issues relating to silicone implants. These implants are filled with a natural vegetable oil that offers increased safety for women. Plant oil implants are available in Europe but are still undergoing clinical trials in the US. Trilucent, the name of this type of implant, contains triglyceride which is an oil that has been used for 40 years as a nutrient in intravenous feeding and as a drug carrier in injections.

The manufacturers of Trilucent indicate like saline, the vegetable oil can be metabolized and excreted by the body, but it is also resistant to bacterial and fungal contamination whereas saline is not. Its lubricating properties means that it should not rub the inside surface of the implant; this has been linked to leakages in conventional implants.

However, the Medical Devices Agency of the United Kingdom, on June 06, 2000, recommended that women with Trilucent breast implants, should have them removed because of health concerns. The government stressed this was a precautionary measure and there was no evidence of any serious medical problems. But tests have shown that material produced if the oil breaks down in the body could potentially cause cancer or damage to a fetus.

Questions to Ask A Plastic Surgeon

• Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• Are you a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons?
• How many years of training have you had?
• Am I a good candidate for breast implants?
• What will be expected of me to get the best results?
• Where and how will you perform my augmentation?
• What shape, size, incision site and placement site are recommended for me?
• How long of a recovery period can I expect?
• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
• How many additional related surgeries can I expect over my lifetime?
• How can I expect my breasts to look over time?
• What are my options if I am not satisfied with the surgery results?
• Do you have breast augmentation before and after pictures I can look at from your past clients?

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