Breast Implants

Breast implants can serve one or more of a number of purposes; breast cancer victims can use breast implants for reconstructive purposes after mastectomy, or women with asymmetrical breasts may use a single breast implant to balance the difference in size. Following pregnancy, many women opt for breast implant surgery to correct reductions in breast size resulting from fluctuating hormones. And of course many breast implant candidates are simply interested in creating a more flattering contour.

No matter the intended outcome, breast implant candidates should learn as much as possible about the surgery, the different types of breast implant materials, and various surgical techniques. Keep in mind that the outcome of your breast implant surgery may not match your expectations. While they can alter the contours of your body, breast implants are not a magical solution, so having realistic expectations for the surgery is crucial.

Breast implant candidates have a number of choices and decisions to make regarding the surgery: the breast implant size, shape, and material; the types of incisions used and location in which the breast implants will be inserted. Because of health concerns associated with silicone, most candidates must use breast implants filled with saline. (Under certain specific conditions, candidates may be eligible for silicone gel breast implants, for instance, if they are willing to participate in a scientific study.) Most breast implants consist of a silicone shell filled with saline.

The different shapes of breast implants are categorized as round or anatomical (teardrop). A round shape causes the breast implant to create a fuller upper breast and more cleavage, while women who choose the breast implants that are teardrop-shaped find that they create a more natural contour. Doctors often recommend breast implant shapes based upon body type: thinner women are frequently advised to choose the teardrop breast implants to create a more subtle profile.

The surface of the shell used in the breast implant can be either smooth, or textured. Some patients prefer the natural feel of smooth breast implants, and claim that they are less likely to ripple visibly. Proponents of the textured breast implant say that there is lower risk of capsular contracture with a textured surface.

During breast implant surgery, the plastic surgeon will use an incision or series of incisions to insert the breast implant. The candidate and doctor will decide during pre-surgery consultation whether to place the breast implant above or below the muscle tissue, and what kind of incisions to use. Recent advances in breast implant surgery allow plastic surgeons to use smaller incisions, hidden in skin creases, to insert breast implants. The most popular incision locations are under the arms and in the belly button. breast implants are usually inserted through the small incision, then filled to the desired volume after the breast implant has been properly positioned. In some cases, the volume of the breast implant can be adjusted after surgery using a specific model, called an adjustable-fill breast implant.

There are a number of variables in any surgery, and the decision to have breast implant surgery involves many choices on the part of the patient. While a great deal of breast implant information is available, there is no substitute for discussing your options relating to breast implants with a board-certified plastic surgeon. A qualified plastic surgeon who has experience with breast implant surgery can answer any specific questions you might have, and tell you if breast implants are a viable option for you.