Cosmetic Plastic Surgery > Breast Augmentation - Breast Implants

Breast Augmentation - Breast Implants

Breast augmentation is a common cosmetic surgery, elected by millions of women to enhance the size and shape of their breasts. Breast enlargement is done by inserting an implant made of a silicone shell filled with silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline, behind each breast.

There are many reasons women chose to have breast enlargement surgery. Many have the procedure done for personal reasons (the feeling that their breasts are too small), to correct a difference in breast size, to regain what might have been lost after a pregnacy. Some women who have undergone a breast surgery may chose to have an augmentation mammaplasty.

Breast Augmentation Surgery:

Breast enlargement surgeries usually last 1 to 2 hours as an outpatient operation using a general anesthesia or a local anesthesia with a sedative to make you feel comfortable.

Recovery after a breast augmentation is realitively quick. You can usually expect to be back at work after a few days rest. Any physical contact with your new breasts should wait until about 3 to 4 weeks depending on the soreness of the breasts. All scars, however minimal they are, may never fully disappear, but should fade signifigantly in several months to a year or more.

Breast Augmentation Side Effects:

Some of the most common side effects after a breast augmentation are temporary soreness, swelling, bruising and a change in nipple sensation. Also the breasts may become sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks. Occasionally permanent increase or decrease in sensitivity of nipples or breast skin may aslo occur in rare instances. Mammograms in some cases require a special technique.

When considering a breast augmentation keep in mind some breast implants may require removal or replacement after time due to deflation, the formation of scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture), which may cause the breast to feel tight or hard, bleeding or infection. A lack of implant permanence, or shifting of the implant, may also occur.

Some women have reported symptoms similar to those of immune disorders. Ask your doctor about these and other FDA concerns.

While a number of women will experience some of these side effects, most do not and have trouble free breast enhancements with absolutely no side effects whatsoever.

About Breast Implants:

There is no known association of the breast implants with any disease. There is no effect on subsequent risk of breast cancer development or in future ability to breast-feed. The implant consists of a fully cured silicone bag filled with intravenous quality saline solution, which is added through a sealed system for extra safety.

What happens if a silicone implants leaks?
The silicone implant is very stabile. Any leakage or rupture can easily be detected via an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Most often the only side effects noted are a slight burning, some breast hardness or an irregularity of the breast implant itself. The silicone does not travel through the body, but rather stays confined to a fairly specific area right around the implant (within the capsule) and is quite easily removed and replaced with a new implant.

Can fat be injected into the breast for fullness? Technically, this is possible and is being done. Fat injection should be avoided, however, because after a few years the fat, much of which dissolves, leaves scar tissue, which cannot be distinguished from cancer. I consider this procedure malpractice.

Does fungus grow in saline implants? Implant manufacturers now recommend a closed system of filling the implants, which virtually eliminates the risk of fungus getting into the implants.
FAQ's by Donald Kress, M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S.

After Breast Augmentation:

For most women, the result of breast augmentation is a satisfying one. If done properly by a board certified plastic surgeon there is no reason why a breast enlargement should interfere with a woman's fertility, choice to have children or breast feed for that matter.

Routine mammograms can detect any complications, if they occur. Also regular examinations by your plastic surgeon will help assure that any problems are addressed immediately.

Your decision to have breast augmentation is one that should not be taken lightly and your decision to have augmentation mammaplasty will not be understood by everyone. The most important thing is your understanding and how you will feel once you've decided to have the operation.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation Surgery:

• To increase the breast size, for a number of reasons including the perception that one's breast are too small;
• To enhance the overall body contour, balance and proportions;
• To achieve an enhanced appearance, size, projection, etc., following pregnancy and/or weight loss;
• To restore appearance through reconstruction following breast surgery (i.e., mastectomy).

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