Health Blog

Breast augmentation surgery is designed to enlarge and improve the shape of the breasts. Breast augmentation is typically sought by women not satisfied with the current size and shape of their breasts. Two different types of breast implants are used today: the saline-filled implant and the silicone gel implant. The saline-filled implant has been the most popular choice for the past decade, but the silicone gel implant is now being recommended to many women. In 1992, silicone gel implant use was restricted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but in November 2006, silicone gel breast implants were approved for all women over the age of 22. Saline-Filled Implants Saline-filled implants have been the more common implant used for a while now and are constructed of a tough, semi-permeable silicone elastomer shell with a single valve on the front surface. The saline-filled implants come in smooth and textured surface and round or contoured shapes. Contoured shapes are also referred to as anatomical, teardrop, and biodimensional shapes. Ruptures in breast implants can happen, and although breast implants are made to be strong and stable, there are instances where they can break and the saline filer may leak and circulate throughout the body. If a rupture occurs, a saline breast would simply deflate, and the saline held within the implant would absorb within the body harmlessly. Saline breast implants are extremely versatile; they do vary in terms of shell surface, volume, shell thickness, profile shape, and ability to expand. Saline-filled implants are certainly a popular choice to a fix disproportionate breasts or to gain proportion within your body. Silicone Gel Implants Silicone gel implants' outer shell is similar to that of the saline-filled implant in that it is made of solid silicone material; however, silicone implants are filled with silicone gel, which is a semi-solid material. In silicone gel implants, the surface may be smooth or textured (multiple fine bumps on the surface of the implant). There is some evidence that textured implants have a lower incidence of scar formation around them, but since a textured implant adheres to the surrounding skin, there may be visible rippling (wrinkling) of the skin. A textured implant also requires a larger incision due to the increased difficulty of sliding the implants through the surgical opening. Implants can be placed either over or under the pectoralis muscles of the chest wall. Each type of placement has advantages and disadvantages. Generally speaking, placement of the implant beneath the muscle gives an extra layer of muscle coverage and may give less interference with mammographies of the breasts. Placement beneath the muscle usually requires more anesthesia and higher costs for the surgery. Placement of the implant over the muscle generally results in less post-operative discomfort and a quicker return to normal activities for the patient. Over the muscle implants may be placed under local anesthesia. The silicone gel implant is usually inserted through an incision in the crease under the breast or just above it. The incision may be 3-6cm in length. An incision at or above the fold is often hidden by the slight droop of the breast and not seen unless someone is looking up under the breast. Silicone implants can also be inserted through an incision in the armpit, but this is much more difficult and more difficult insertions may cause damage to the implants. Silicone gel implants have been known to leak through the shell. Rupture of an implant may be related to the length of time it has been in the body. Rupture may also be caused by force or traumas, such as a blow to the chest or a jolt from a car accident. Additional surgery may be required to repair or removed a ruptured breast implant. Deciding to have breast augmentation surgery is a serious matter and one that needs to be discussed thoroughly with your cosmetic surgeon. He will explain your options and discuss which one is best for you. Read also nizoral no prescription