Implants and Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure in which the surgeon would insert implants beneath the breasts for enlarging them. The size and type of implants depend on various factors such as the desired size of the breasts, anatomy of the breasts, elasticity and thickness of the breasts and the type of body. The procedure is also known as augmentation mammoplasty. The surgeon may use breast implants for: • Enlargement of small breastsrn• Restoration of breast volume after breastfeeding, pregnancy or weight reductionrn• Correcting the asymmetry of breastsrn• Reconstruction of breasts after injury or mastectomy If a woman is concerned about the appearance of her breasts, then breast augmentation surgery is definitely a great option for boosting her self confidence and self-esteem. What are the types of implants the surgeons commonly use? • Saline implants This is a silicone envelope in which varying amount of sterile saline water i.e. salt water is filled. The feel, firmness and the shape of breasts can be affected by it. If there is leakage in the shell of implants, then the saline implant collapses and the body absorbs and naturally expels the saline water. • Silicone implants It is a silicone envelope in which silicone gel is filled. It provides a feel like that of natural breast tissue. If there is leakage of implants, the gel remains within the implant shell or may escape into the breast tissue or the scar capsule. The Procedure Usually, the surgeon uses general anesthesia for performing the procedure. The following steps are involved in the procedure: • An incision is made by the surgeon. The location is decided during consultation. It would depend on different factors such as the scarring tendency, the physical makeup, and the size and type of implants. The surgeon may make the incision either beneath the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. • The implant is inserted into its proper position. • Then, the surgeon closes the incision and applies dressings. Various things are to be taken into consideration before opting for breast augmentation with implants: • Droopy breasts are not corrected by breast augmentation. A breast lift surgery may also be required, along with augmentation to lift sagging breasts. • The ability for breastfeeding may be affected by the procedure of augmentation using breast implants. • There is no guarantee that the implants would last for a lifetime and there would be no need for surgery henceforth. In future, replacement of implants may also be needed. • Always consider the financial cost. • Smoking has to be given up if you are planning to undergo this procedure.