BREAST IMPLANTS - BREAST AUGMENTATION

Medical Home > Cosmetic Plastic Surgery > Breast Implants & Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is done to increase breast size, to correct an imbalance in breast size, or to reconstruct breasts after breast surgery.

Breast Augmentation Procedure

Breast implants are inserted during surgery, which lasts one to several hours. Implants are placed in front of or behind the chest wall muscle, though it is more common for surgeons to place the implant behind the chest wall muscle. This placement allows for better mammogram pictures later and reduces the possibility of hardening of tissues around the implant. The implant is inserted through a small incision in the armpit, directly under the areola, or in the crease of the lower section of the breast. An incision in the crease of the lower breast is the most common. Physical activity and heavy lifting are restricted for 6 weeks after surgery.

Types of Breast Implants

The two types of breast implants are silicone and saline. There have been claims of hazardous effects from the rupture of silicone implants, and in 1992, the FDA prohibited their use in breast augmentation procedures. Breast implants last 10-20 years.

There are four types of saline implants:

  • smooth
  • textured
  • teardrop (anatomically shaped)
  • round

Risks Associated with Breast Augmentation

  • uneven breasts or nipples
  • rupture or deflation of the implant
  • infection
  • changes in sensation
  • hardening of tissues around the implant
  • scarring

Saline Implants: Advantages and Disadvantages

  • no autoimmune disease connection
  • body absorbs fluid if implant ruptures
  • implant that ripples
  • implant may have a firmer feel than silicone implants
  • scarring around implant is less likely
  • FDA approves as safe

Silicone Gel Implants: Advantages and Disadvantages

  • possible autoimmune connection
  • body will not absorb silicone if implant ruptures
  • silicone has been found in the lymph node system
  • softer than saline implants
  • scarring around implant is more likely

Breast Implants and Breast-Feeding

The breast augmentation operation doesn't affect the milk ducts, and many women with breast implants have been able to breast-feed.

Breast Implant Removal

The breast implant and capsule around the implant are removed through the same incision used to put the implants in. Removal of ruptured silicone implants is harder, but a board certified plastic surgeon usually doesn't have any difficulty with the breasts augmentation procedure.