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By Nick Carter
Breast augmentation is a surgery designed to enlarge the
breasts. Women, who are unhappy with the small size of their
breasts, sometimes after pregnancy or weight loss, frequently
seek this breast enlargement surgery.
If you're considering breast augmentation with breast
implants,
the following information will provide you with a good
introduction to the procedure. For more detailed information
about how this procedure may help you, we recommend that you
consult a plastic surgeon who is board certified or has
completed a residency program that includes instruction in
this
procedure.
Types of implants
A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either
silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline.
Because of concerns that there is insufficient information
demonstrating the safety of silicone gel-filled breast
implants, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has determined
that new gel-filled implants, at the present time, should be
available only to women participating in approved studies.
Some
women requiring replacement of the implants may also be
eligible
to participate in the study.
Saline-filled implants continue to be available to breast
augmentation patients on an unrestricted basis, pending
further
FDA review. You should ask your doctor more about the
specifics
of the FDA decisions.
The type of incision can also categorize these implants.
1) In the breast fold: This hides the scar well should it
thicken. It provides the easiest and safest approach for the
surgeon and is the one most commonly used. An excellent
surgeon
should be able to do the surgery through an incision measuring
exactly one inch.
2) Around the nipple: This is often a very thin scar; if not,
it will be very visible. The biggest risk of employing this
incision is loss of sensation in the nipple that can occur up
to 50% of the time.
3) In the axilla: This is a popular means of access when the
implant is put under the muscle, but it can also be used for
over the muscle. One of the implications of a scar in this
area
is that if it thickens, raising your arm on the beach or in a
low cut gown will be a dead giveaway that you have implants.
This incision also makes proper placement of the implant very
difficult. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to see patients
with implants that were placed too high on the chest because
of
this approach.
4) Through the navel: The surgery is performed through a long
tube called an endoscope. While the scar may be imperceptible,
it is nearly impossible to dissect a large enough pocket for
placement of the implant in this manner. Therefore, the method
used is creation of the space by blowing a dissecting balloon
that tears open the area. This does not create a large enough
pocket for the implant, so that its outline can be seen,
producing a very unaesthetic appearance. If bleeding should
occur, stopping it can be very difficult. Furthermore, because
the implant can be abraded and weakened when pushed through
the
endoscope, the implant manufacturers will not guarantee their
products in the event of leakage.
After the operation
Your breasts will be wrapped with gauze bandage as well as a
tighter bandage for protection and support after breast
augmentation surgery. You also may have drainage tubes coming
out of the incision for several days, to help drain some of
the
excess fluid. It is important to take the medication
prescribed
to you by your doctor. Someone will need to drive you home,
and
you may need assistance at home over the next couple of days.
Implant duration
Breast augmentation makes the breasts larger for the life of
the implant. Remember, also that larger breasts sag faster
than
smaller breasts, and augmented breasts do this as well. It is
possible that you may require surgery in later years to
correct
sagging if you choose to have large implants. Gravity
unfortunately has no exceptions.
About The Author: Nick Carter is editor of
www.change-your-breasts.biz and
www.cosmetic-surgery-resources.biz. Both contain
resources on breast enlargement surgery.
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