Breast Augmentation:
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If you're considering breast augmentation...
Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty,
is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's
breast for a number of reasons:
- To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons,
feels her breast size is too small.
- To restore breast volume lost due to weight loss or following
pregnancy
- To achieve better symmetry when breasts are moderately disproportionate
in size and shape
- To improve the shape of breasts that are sagging or have lost
firmness, often used with a breast lift procedure
- To provide the foundation of a breast contour when a breast
has been removed or disfigured by surgery to treat breast cancer
- To improve breast appearance or create the appearance of a breast
that is missing or disfigured due to trauma, heredity, or congenital
abnormalities
By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to
increase a woman's bustline by one or more bra cup sizes. If you're
considering breast augmentation, this will give you a basic understanding
of the procedure—when it can help, how it's performed, and what
results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since
a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please ask your
surgeon if there is anything you don't understand about the procedure.
The Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence,
but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal,
or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide
to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss
them with your surgeon.
The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking
for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're
physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be
a good candidate.
Types of Implants
The choice of implant filler, implant size, shape and other features
will be determined based on your breast anatomy, body type and your
desired increase in size. Your lifestyle, goals and personal preferences,
as well your plastic surgeon's recommendations and sound surgical
judgment are also determining factors. Implant manufacturers occasionally
introduce new styles and types of implants, and therefore there
may be additional options available to you.
Breast implants are medical devices with a solid silicone, rubber
shell. The implant shell may be filled with either saline solution
(sterile salt water) or elastic silicone gel. Both saline and silicone
gel breast implants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). Approval means that an implant has been rigorously researched
and tested, and reviewed by an independent panel of physicians for
safety.
The size of a breast implant is measured in cubic centimeters
(ccs) based on the volume of the saline or silicone filler. Breast
implants vary both by filler and in size, but there are additional
features to consider:
- Texture: the implant shell may be smooth or textured
- Shape: the implant may have a round profile or one that is anatomic
(teardrop or tapered shape)
- Profile: the implant may have a low, medium or high projection
(the depth of the implant from the base to the highest point of
the implant curve)
- Diameter: the width of the implant measured across it's base
(the side of the implant that will be positioned over the chest
wall)
Adult women of any age can benefit greatly from the enhancement
breast implants provide. It is usually recommended, however, that
a woman's breasts are fully developed prior to placement of breast
implants. Saline implants are FDA approved for augmentation in women
18 years of age and older. Silicone implants are FDA approved for
augmentation in women age 22 and older. Saline or silicone implants
may be recommended at a younger age if used for reconstruction purposes.
You should be aware that breast implants are not guaranteed to
last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one
or both implants. Regular examinations for breast health and to
evaluate the condition of your implants are important whether you
have chosen saline or silicone breast implants.
Continue reading about breast
augmentation.
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Incisions are made to keep scars
as inconspicuous as possible, in the breast crease, around the nipple,
or in the armpit. Breast tissue and skin is lifted to create a pocket
for each implant.
The breast implant may be inserted
directly under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle.
After surgery, breasts appear fuller
and more natural in tone and contour. Scars will fade with time.
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