Types of Breast Augmentation - Plastic Surgery News

Breast augmentation is one of the most common forms of plastic surgery today. It's no reason plastic surgeons have become experts in the field. As with any surgery, if you plan to engage in breast augmentation, you should learn as much as you can about the different types of augmentation and procedures before you agree to alter your body.

Breast Implant Choices
Long gone are the days when women had only one choice when it came to breast augmentation. Today surgeons can choose from silicon breast implants or saline implants. There are tear shaped implants and round ones. Women can have implants placed through the nipple, under the arm or through the umbilicus.

It is important you understand each of these choices so you select a surgery ideal for your body type, personal preferences and health history.

Why Breast Implants?
Breast implants are not a tool for cosmetic improvement alone. Many surgeons augment the breasts to improve the symmetry of breasts, to reduce sagging in the breasts, or to enhance the size of breasts that are not fully developed.

Some women also have breast reduction surgery, a procedure that involves the removal of excess breast tissue for women that have large breasts. Having overly large breasts may result in back pain and self-esteem problems.

Breast surgery is also used for reconstructive purposes for patients that undergo a mastectomy to remove cancer in one or both breasts.

Types of Implants Available For Breast Augmentation
The first breast implants made were crafted of silicone shells and filled with silicone on the interior. However some studies suggested these implants presented a danger, and hence doctors removed them from the market.

However, thanks to technological advances. The FDA has now approved a newly formatted silicone implant women can use if they fit certain criteria. One reason women prefer silicone implants is they often feel natural and soft.

A skilled surgeon however, can achieve the same results with saline implants. Saline implants have a silicone shell, but contain saline within the shell. The shell may come pre-filled or the surgeon may fill the silicone shell with saline as surgery is performed to produce the desired outcome.

Your doctor will help you decide which type of implant is best for you given your goals and your body type, as well as your help. Here is an overview of the more common choices offered patients.

• Saline Implants - As noted, these are silicone shells filled with sterile saline. Many come in a pre-filled size, although a physician can also insert an empty shell and fill it during surgery. This allows for small changes in sizing during surgery.
• Silicone Implants - These implants are now created with a silicone gel that adheres to itself, so, in the event the implant tears, the silicone will not leak and spread through the body. Silicone implants are always pre-filled. Usually a larger incision is made to accommodate the implant.

Placement of Implants
Most doctors place implants behind the breast tissue or underneath the muscle located between the tissue of the breast and the chest wall, or the pectoral muscle. Many physicians prefer placing implants under the pectoral muscle.

As mentioned, doctors can usually implant artificial breasts through incisions under the breast, areola, and the armpit or through an incision in the navel (this only works for saline implants).

As with any surgery, there are risks involved including the risk of infection. Breast implants are not a permanent enhancement. Most women will find they need to replace their implants at least once during their lifetime.

Make sure you cover all questions you have about implants before deciding to take the plunge and enhance your décolletage. If you want breast implants following a mastectomy, many times insurance covers the cost of implants, so be sure to contact your healthcare provider for more information.