Augmentation mammoplasty can produce a larger or better-shaped breast.
Augmentation mammoplasty, more commonly referred to as breast implant or breast augmentation surgery, is the process of creating fuller breasts using an implant. People may choose augmentation mammoplasty to create larger breasts, to restore lost volume after pregnancy or major weight loss, or to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy. The process is fairly safe and performed on a regular basis, but not without some risk.
Types
There are several types of breast implants available. Silicone implants, filled with an elastic silicone gel, are the most traditional, but may leak and cause health problems. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, women must be 22 years or older to receive silicone implants. Saline breast implants, filled with sterile salt water, are considered a safer alternative. Types available are smooth, textured and anatomical, which are more naturally shaped.
Incision
Implants may be placed using several different types of incisions, depending on the patient's existing anatomy and the desired outcome. An inframammary incision, positioned under the breast, is common. Other techniques include the transaxillary incision, in the armpit, which produces little scarring but has a higher chance of asymmetry and a periareolar incision, around the nipples. This last technique creates a less noticeable scar, but raises the risk of lost nipple sensation and causes the most trouble with breastfeeding.
Placement
After the incision has been made, the surgeon inserts the implant into a pocket. This pocket may be located under the pectoral muscle or over the pectoral muscle and immediately behind the breast tissue. Subpectoral implants are less realistic, but more stable. Implants placed behind the breast tissue produce more normal results, but are more likely to result in wrinkles, rippling and implant visibility in people with thin, soft tissue on the chest.
Risks
Breast augmentation may result in complications. These include bleeding, infection, poor healing and unattractive scarring, changes in breast and nipple sensation, and formation of scar tissue around the implant. Implants may also rupture or leak, and some people experience fluid accumulation or persistent pain. In serious cases, blood clots, anesthesia side effects, and heart or circulatory problems may occur.
Considerations
Breast implants are not meant to last for the patient's entire life, and may need replacement or removal after some years. They may also change appearance, based on the patient's body shape. Pregnancy, menopause and weight loss may all cause implants to look different. Some implants will wrinkle, distort or even migrate as the body changes.
Tags: Augmentation mammoplasty, behind breast, behind breast tissue, breast tissue, filled with, implants filled
