Breast
Enlargement
Breast implants have been a focus of attention
by the media and public for the past 10
years due to the controversy surrounding
silicone gel implants. Although most of
the allegations brought against silicone
implants have been disputed, silicone implants
are still not available for cosmetic breast
augmentation. They can only be used under
controlled circumstances for reconstructive
purposes. Currently the most commonly used
tupe of implant for breast augmentation
is the SALINE IMPLANT. These implants consist
of a silicone shell which is filled with
SALINE (Salt water with 0.09% concentration,
equal to serum), either at the time they
are inserted or by the manufacturer. These
implants do not pose a threat to the body
in case they leak since saline is harmless
when absorbed by the tissues. Although various
approaches are available, i.e. peri-areolar
(through the nipple), inframammary (under
the breast), and trans-axillary (through
the under-arm), our preferred approach is
the peri-areolar. It leaves an inconspicuous
scar that is always hidden. By the same
token we prefer to use smooth surface implants
placed under the pectoralis major muscle.
Personal experience has shown this to be
effective in reducing the chance of capsular
contracture (hardening of the capsule and
breast) to very low levels. WHAT ABOUT WOMEN
WHO ALREADY HAVE SILICONE GEL IMPLANTS?-
This is a personal decision which each woman
has to make on her own after finding out
all possible facts. However, should she
decide to have her implants exchanged to
saline implants, this is possible. If there
is capsular contracture (hardening of the
capsule) present, the capsule would have
to be removed, and we usually recommend
converting the position to a submuscular
(under the muscle) if this has not been
done. Often times women have drooping (ptosis)
of the breasts after several years of having
breast implants. This also would have to
be corrected (see breast lift - mastopexy)
WHAT ABOUT THE BREAST WHICH IS SMALL AND
SAGGING AT THE SAME TIME?- Often times women
have sagging of the breasts, as well as
underdeveloped breasts, especially after
pregnancy and nursing. The treatment usually
consists of a breast lift along with implants.
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