Breast Implantation: Understanding Your Options
Breast implantation, often referred to as “breast augmentation,” is a surgical procedure that uses implants to increase breast size and/or improve breast shape. It’s a popular choice for women seeking to:
- Enhance breast size
- Restore breast volume after weight loss or pregnancy
- Correct breast asymmetry
- Reconstruct breasts after mastectomy
Types of Breast Implants:
Silicone gel implants: These implants have a silicone shell filled with silicone gel, which feels similar to natural breast tissue.
Saline implants: These implants have a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater solution, which feels less like natural tissue but may be preferable for some women due to safety concerns.
Implants also come in different:
- Shapes: Round or teardrop (anatomical)
- Surfaces: Smooth or textured (textured may reduce implant movement)
- Profiles: Low, medium, or high (to project more or less)
The Breast Implantation Procedure:
Breast implantation is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 1-2 hours. The surgeon makes an incision (under the breast, around the nipple, or in the armpit) and creates a pocket for the implant. The implant is then inserted and the incision is closed.
Risks and Complications:
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with breast implantation, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around the implant)
- Changes in nipple sensation