Breast Augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures performed. Its popularity increases every year, especially as implant companies work to constantly improve the safety of breast implants. As the population of women who have had breast enlargement increases, so do the number of women who wish to make changes to their breast implants. There are many reasons a woman might wish to make a change, including:
Capsular Contractures. Breakage or leakage of Silicone implants. Deflation of Saline implants Change the size of the current implants, either to larger or smaller implants. Dissatisfaction with the results of the original procedure.
Breast implant revision can offer a solution to many of these problems. When considering breast implant revision, remember that you are a unique individual and that your particular problem is unique. This requires a careful, detailed consultation with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Your local plastic surgeon will help you by creating a unique plan which addresses your specific needs.
If your problem is a Capsular Contracture, a hard scar inside the breast, formed around the implant, you may require an operation, which removes the capsule, replaces the implant and/or repositions the implant in a new "pocket" behind the breast and muscle. Your doctor may recommend any combination of these components.
If your problem is due to the breakage or leaking of a Silicone implant, you will likely require an attempt to remove all of the old Silicone material. This can be quite difficult, especially where the implant is found to be broken. Again, this may also require the complete or partial removal of the capsule, the repositioning of the new implant into a new "pocket" and exchanging the implant for a new Saline or Silicone implant.
If your problem is secondary to deflation of a Saline implant, you will require the removal of the damaged implant. A new implant can usually be placed in the same previously created "pocket".
If you wish to increase or decrease the size of your old implant, this can often be accomplished by reusing the same "pocket" as was created in the original operation. You should present to your surgeon a clear picture of how large or small you would like the new implant to be. The use of photos and cup sizes will aid in this understanding.
A general dissatisfaction with the original breast augmentation can be due to many different factors, some of which can be changed, while others cannot be changed. Changes related to size and position can usually be changed while changes related to shape often cannot. Remember that your breast are not made of clay and therefore cannot be molded into just any shape.
The final shape after breast augmentation is determined by the combination of your starting breast shape and the implants used. Breast will continue to change, even after breast augmentation due to such factors as pregnancy, weight loss or gain and the aging process. One complaint, some women often develop after breast enlargement is sagging, drooping or "ptosis" of the breasts. This can usually be helped with a Breast Lift or Mastopexy.
If you're considering a breast augmentation, you've probably read enough to be confused about whether to choose saline implants of silicone gel implants. Your choice of breast implant will depend on your and your doctor's decisions about what is best for your body. In this article, we'll compare the different types of implants in use for today's breast augmentation surgeries.
Saline Implants: The majority of today's breast augmentations are done with silicone rubber implants filled with saline. These are currently the only implants available in the US to women who seek cosmetic breast augmentation surgery. Saline implants are either round or teardrop shape. The round implant placed beneath the pectoral muscle or sub pectoral, is perhaps the most commonly utilized combination. The implant is flattened in its upper poles by the overlying muscle producing an appealing breast shape. Rotation of the implant, a potential problem with a teardrop implant is avoided with the round implant beneath the muscle. Teardrop implants are more likely to be utilized when the placement is on top of the muscle beneath the breast tissues or sub glandular. Sub glandular teardrop implants may produce more cleavage as they may be placed a bit closer to the midline, they are less likely to produce unusual breast movements as the pectoral muscles are flexed. Your choice will depend on your idea of the ideal breast shape and your doctor's preferences.
Saline implants are constructed of a tough outer silicone shell with a saline solution inside. Saline implants also come in either a smooth or a textured variety. Textured saline implants were developed to encourage tissue adherence and to reduce the risk of capsular contracture. Some saline implants also come in an expandable variety in which the saline implant can be enlarged by adding more saline after surgery. The expandable implant allows the overlying tissues to gradually adapt to the new size and is often utilized in breast reconstruction or in cases of marked breast asymmetry. This type of saline breast implant is more expensive than traditional saline implants.
Silicone Gel Implants: The first implants used in breast augmentation surgery were made of a variety of materials, but in 1964 a silicone rubber envelope filled with a silicone gel implant was utilized and quickly became the standard for breast enlargement. However, silicone gel has not been routinely used in breast augmentations since 1992, when they were banned by the FDA following reports of leakage that was thought to cause tissue diseases. In the years since, many studies have failed to confirm these concerns.
In the years since silicone implants were banned, the cohesive silicone gel implant was developed and is already in use in Europe and Canada and in clinical trials in the US. The difference between silicone gel implants and the original silicone implant is that the gels have a hard, multilayer silicone shell. Inside is a cohesive silicone gel that retains its shape if ruptured because of its consistency.
Saline filled implants may be expected to produce a breast enlargement that is warmer on a cold day, and more likely to demonstrate wrinkles than the silicone gel implants. Gel implants are cooler to the touch but have a consistency that feels much like breast tissue, gel implants are more likely to develop firmness with a constricting fibrous contracture of the scar tissue that forms around the implant . Until the US FDA approves the use of silicone gel implants for breast augmentation, only women who agree to participate in clinical trials can use them.
Your doctor will be an important resource for information and can help you answer any questions that you may have about which type of implant to choose. Once you've done your research, asked questions, and found a great doctor, you're well on your way to enjoying fuller breasts and a more positive self image.
Both Dave Stringham & Christine Harrell are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Dave Stringham has sinced written about articles on various topics from Tummy Tucks Before and After, Health and Breast Enlargements. LookingYourBest.com an online resource for . Learn more about and cosmetic surgery procedures.. Dave Stringham's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.
Christine Harrell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Mortgage, Careers and Job Hunting and Personal Desktop. Author is a writer for Asheville Plastic Surgery which specializes in and other procedures. For more information you can visit. Christine Harrell's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.