Breast implants, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, breast augmentation, mammoplasty enlargement, or breast enlargement, can help women enhance their self image, either by improving the size and shape of the breasts or reconstructing the breasts after surgery or trauma.
Reasons for Breast Implants
The typical purposes of breast implants are:
• Cosmetic — enhancement of the shape and size of the breast, making them look fuller and contributing to the woman’s self-confidence.
• Reconstructive — to correct an inborn deformity or to reverse the aftermath of an operation like mastectomy.
• Partial Reassignment — to complete one phase of a gender change operation (male to female).
Types of Breast Implants
One of the most critical decisions a patient needs to make before undergoing breast augmentation surgery is the fill you want for your implants. Breast implants come in two primary types:
• Silicone gel implants — use a silicone rubber shell that is filled with viscous gel also made of silicone. These implants are particular suitable, but not limited to, females with little breast tissue as well as for those undergoing breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. They demonstrate high stability (or form retention) property, thus less prone to rippling. Silicone implants are only available to women age 22 and older,
• Saline implants — use elastic polymer shell made of silicone and is filled with sterilized saline liquid. Although good to excellent results may be anticipated, saline implants are more prone to visually and tactilely noticeable problems such as wrinkling or rippling. You must be at least 18 years of age to get saline implants.
Risks of Breast Implants
Both types of implants are approved by the FDA, but surgeries involving implants carry a unique risk outside of those from the surgery itself. Saline implants can deflate, while silicone implants can rupture and leak out into the area surrounding the implant. Both types of implants can also lead to capsular contracture, a complication that can be very painful and distort the appearance of the breast. These complications often result in the removal of the implant.
Before deciding to undergo surgery, it is pertinent to understand all the options and risks of getting implants. Be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon, who can help you decide on the best option for your body type and desired results.
