ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Polypropylene breast implants

Polypropylene breast implants are a type of medical device that is used to enhance the size and shape of a person's breasts. They are made from a special material called polypropylene, which is a type of plastic.

When someone wants to have bigger breasts, they can choose to get breast implants. These implants are like small bags that are filled with a substance called saline or silicone. But polypropylene implants are a little different.

Instead of being filled with saline or silicone, polypropylene implants are made of a material that can absorb water from the body. When they are put into the breasts, they start to absorb this water and expand. This makes the breasts get bigger and fuller.

One of the interesting things about polypropylene implants is that they can keep expanding over time. This is because the material continues to absorb water from the body. So, the person's breasts can get even bigger as time goes on.

Polypropylene implants are also unique because they don't need to be replaced like other types of breast implants. Since they keep expanding, they can stay in the person's body for a long time without needing to be taken out.

But there are some things to consider when thinking about polypropylene implants. Because they continue to expand, they can make the breasts very large, sometimes much larger than what the person wanted. This can cause discomfort and even problems with the person's posture.

Polypropylene implants may also have a higher risk of complications compared to other types of breast implants. For example, they can cause a condition called "capsular contracture," where the body's natural tissue around the implant becomes hard and tight. This can be painful and may require additional surgery to correct.

It's important to know that polypropylene implants are not commonly used anymore. Many plastic surgeons choose silicone or saline implants instead because they have a lower risk of complications.

So, in summary, polypropylene breast implants are made from a special plastic material that absorbs water from the body and makes the breasts get bigger over time. While they can provide larger breasts without needing replacement, they can also cause problems and have a higher risk of complications compared to other types of implants.