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Breast Augmentation and the Different Types of Breast Implants

By Dave Stringham

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Published: 18Jun2010
Word count: 644
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Many women would love to have fuller, firmer breasts, because they weren't born with the breast size or shape to compliment their body type. Having breasts that give a full, feminine curve to a woman's body can boost self confidence, and eliminate anxiety about body image. For some patients, Breast Augmentation provides breast volume and shape that has never been present, while for others it restores fullness and balance to their feminine figure that has been lost during weight changes or after pregnancy.

Patients' experiences are less stressful and more predictable as they become aware of the options and choices available to them and arrive at a decision under the thoughtful guidance of doctors. As physicians, cosmetic surgery is a doctor- patient relationship, not a business transaction, you will appreciate this difference from your initial consultation through your final recovery. Silicone breast implants

Silicone implants were first popularized in the 1960's. Controversy in the early 1990's led to widespread fear about the possibility of silicone breast implants causing autoimmune diseases in women. Extensive studies since then have showed no evidence that silicone breast implants have any relationship to breast cancer, autoimmune disease or any other systemic illnesses in patients. Specifically, patients with breast implants have no higher incidence of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma or lupus, in comparison with the general population.

The increased safety of the cohesive gel implants led to the FDA's approval of these implants for cosmetic use. Saline implants are FDA approved for breast augmentation in women 18 years of age and older. The FDA set the age of approved use higher for silicone gel implants to ensure that a woman is emotionally mature enough and fully understands the risks of these implants.

There is no perfect breast implant and both the saline and silicone gel implants have advantages and disadvantages. The silicone gel implants feel softer and more natural, have less chance of rippling, but are more expensive and have a higher chance of developing tightening of the scar tissue around the implant known as capsule contracture.

The manufacturers of silicone gel implants (Mentor and Allergan) recommend that you get an MRI after 3 years and then every 2 years thereafter to ensure that your implants are not leaking. Insurance will likely not cover the cost for an MRI. The manufacturers also warn that your insurance carrier may increase your health premiums or decline coverage if you have silicone gel implants. Saline breast implants

Saline implants are very safe and if they become damaged or deflate, your body will absorb the water. Saline implants are more prone to rippling and feel less natural than silicone.

The FDA clinical trials for silicone gel implants suggest a leakage rate of 8-15% over the course of 10 years. Replacement is generally a relatively simple operation. Additional cost is involved, but most implant companies offer warranties that help offset a small portion of the fees for up to 5 to 10 years. Positioning of the Implant

Implants can be placed beneath the pectoral muscle of the chest wall or directly behind the breast tissue. Most patients will have their implants placed behind the chest muscle unless there are anatomic considerations that warrant the implants being placed directly behind the breast tissue. Some studies have suggested that implants placed behind your chest muscle have a lower risk of forming capsular contracture (scar tissue that hardens around the implant) and interfere less with breast examination by mammogram than if the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. Placement behind the muscle does lead to more muscular discomfort in the initial days after surgery than placement directly under the breast. Drainage tubes are almost never necessary during Breast Augmentation. All incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and a water tight dressing is placed over the incision, enabling you to shower the next day. The total surgery time is approximately 1 hour.

David Stringman President of LookingYourBest.com Writes about Cosmetic Surgery in Salt Lake City and one of its most popular procedures such as the Breast Augmentation in Salt lake City offered by plastic surgeons.

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