Pregnancy &
Diving
::
Risk for Women
Divers
::
Menarche
::
Menopause &
Osteoporosis
::
Breast Implants
::
Breast Feeding
::
PMS
::
Postpartum
Diving
::
Gender
Differences
Breast
Implants
There has been
one study done
with implants
placed in a
hyperbaric
chamber. This
study included
silicone, saline
and
silicone/saline
filled at
various
depth/time
profiles that
would be seen
during
recreational
diving. The
study indicated
a 1-4% increase
in size of
bubbles during
the study.
Saline implants
absorbed less
nitrogen, N2
being more
soluble in the
silicone. The
amount of volume
increase was not
enough to cause
rupture and the
bubbles resolved
over time. This
study did not
answer the
question of
implants in situ
in in vivo
conditions
(Implanted in
the living
human).
Silicone
implants are
heavier than
water and
possibly can
alter buoyancy
and attitude in
the water,
particularly if
large. Diving
should not be
attempted until
completely
released by the
surgeon and some
thought should
be directed
toward change in
body
configuration,
wet suits, gear
straps and
appropriate
weighting so as
to avoid undue
pressure over
the implant bag
and buoyancy
problems.
