If you are considering breast augmentation, it is important to be well-informed about your implant options. At Blooming Plastische Chirurgie, we explain everything you need to know: the difference between round and anatomical implants, silicone versus saline, placement options, implant safety, and long-term considerations. Our surgeons will discuss your desired outcome and recommend the most suitable implant type and size for your body frame and lifestyle. We aim to give you complete peace of mind so you can make a well-considered decision.
Blooming Plastische Chirurgie, Haarlem
Last updated: January 2021
The television programme Zorg.nu (8 November 2016) devoted extensive attention to the possible risks and side effects of silicone breast implants. The immediate reason was a study by the RIVM on behalf of the IGZ into the (technical) dossiers of 10 manufacturers that market silicone breast implants in the Netherlands. Various shortcomings were uncovered. The NVPC greatly supported the initiative of the study at the time.
The NVPC considers the negative publicity very unfortunate for Dutch women with implants. Studies have shown no significant association between implants and complaints. This does not mean that the complaints cannot occur. If you recognise any of the complaints mentioned in the programme, you are welcome at the plastic surgeon's consultation.
The Dutch plastic surgeon aims to provide safe care with implants for women after a mastectomy or wishing for augmentation. It is of great importance that you are well informed in advance about the possible side effects of the implant. For this purpose, the NVPC has drawn up a surgical package insert. There is also a Dutch Breast Implant Register, where rare side effects are also recorded. You can ask your surgeon whether you are registered if you were operated on after April 2015.
The Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGZ) is responsible for the approval of implants on the Dutch market. The IGZ has informed us that the implants used by the plastic surgeon are suitable for implantation. The NVPC has asked the inspectorate to make its supervision more transparent.
For you, this means:
- implants are considered suitable for implantation by the IGZ.
- complaints of hypersensitivity to implants appear to be very rare, but do occur.
- if you have complaints, you can visit the plastic surgeon for a consultation.
- if you were operated on after April 2015, you can ask your plastic surgeon whether you are registered.
- if you have your implant card, you can enter the serial numbers on www.implantaatcheck.nl to check whether your implant is registered. There is approximately a one-week delay between the operation and visibility on the website. If you were operated on after April 2015 and are not in the register, you can contact your plastic surgeon.
- good information and patient education is of great importance: always ask for the surgical package insert. The insert contains information about common as well as rare side effects.