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Breast augmentation is a topic that keeps most women under some kind of a doubt, while for others it a clear option to choose. Augmentation of the breasts is a cosmetic surgical procedure that consists of the insertion of a prosthesis (silicone or saline bags) under the breast or chest muscle and breast and further filling the bag with saline (salt water). The aim of such prosthesis in the breast augmentation in Atlanta surgery is to expand the breast area in order to give it a better contour and fuller breast with an increased cup size for more cleavage.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that in the year 2015, as much as 279,143 procedures took place across the United States. This result was about 2% lower than the previous year and 31% percent in the year 2000.
Common Reasons to Opt for the Procedure
Most women consider going under the knife due to some common reasons including:
- Restore the size of their breast after weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Enlarge the size of the breasts (for naturally small breast sizes)
- Restore symmetry to asymmetrical breasts
- Have bigger cup sizes
Usually, the breast augmentation surgery is one that included cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Most often, reconstructive breast surgery is one done as a part of treatment for problems like breast cancer. On the other hand, breast surgery is a procedure done for esthetic purposes. An augmentation at Crispin Plastic Surgery normally is for cosmetic surgery purposes.
In the year 2007, a research from the ASPS found that the breast enlargement surgery or augmentation through cosmetic surgery helps to boost the self-esteem of women and their feelings in terms of aesthetic appeal.
What are the Common Breast Implants?
You should know that breast implants are medical prosthesis that surgeons place inside the breast to reconstruct, augment or create the physical form of the breast. Often, the types can contain saline, silicone, or other compounds. However, the three main types include:
Saline Implants
These usually are the ones filled with sterile solutions such as salt water. The solution remains firm within an elastic silicone shell. Usually, it is possible to fill these with different amounts of saline solutions. This can affect the firmness, feel and the shape of the breasts. In case of the saline implant leaks, the body absorbs the solution and expels it by the body naturally.
Silicone Gel-Filled Implants
The silicone gel-filled breast implants consist of silicone outer shells filled with silicone gel. In cases where the implants leak, the gel may either stay in the shell or escape into the implant pockets. Note that a leaking silicone implant may sometimes collapse and sometimes not collapse.
As a patient, if you choose this type of implant, you should visit your surgeon for regular checkups compared to those with saline implants. An ultrasound or an MRI scan can help to check the conditions of the breast implants.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
Sometimes, form-stable implants go by the name “gummy bear implants” because they maintain their shape when the shell of the implant breaks. The consistency of the silicone gel inside the breast implants is thicker as compared to the conventional silicone gel implants and firmer. Such breast implants have more projection at the bottom and tapered towards their top. If such implants rotate, this may lead to a more unusual appearance of the breasts and may require a revision surgery in order to correct the shape.
Note that the placement of gummy bear implants will usually require a slightly longer incision inside the skin.
Other Quick Facts of a Breast Augmentation Surgery
- If you choose smooth implants, they have a lower risk of rippling (waviness of the skin) compared to textured (rough) implants
- They have a higher incidence of hardening compared to textured ones
- Often, the implants surgeons place under the muscle result in more pain post-operation and have a lower incidence of capsule rippling and capsule contracture
- Bleeding and infections are rare but if this happens, it is best that you treat it promptly
- Certain number of augmentation patients may need to have a revision surgery to correct a problem
- The aesthetic results of the surgery are best and patients who often want larger breasts appreciate it.
Breast augmentation is a surgery that requires enough information prior. The implants usually go over or under the pectoral muscle. Before the procedure takes place, the surgeon can help patients choose the appropriate implant size they need. They accomplish this step by putting different implant sizes into the bra to see how they appear and feel. They inject patients with a general anesthesia so that the patient remains unconscious during the surgery. Sometimes, here are the incision options your surgeon will offer, but it is always best that you discuss the options with your surgeon.
The surgeon and patient should discuss incision options.
- Transaxillary incision (armpit)
- Inframammary incision in the crease under the breast
- Periareolar incision around the nipple
Note that the choice of incision depends on a number of reasons, including how much enlargement the patient needs. It depends on the anatomy and the preference of the patient.
