Breast Enhancement Surgery

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, <a href=http://www.drchhatre.com/breast-augmentation.html>breast augmentation</a> (also called augmentation mammaplasty, breast enhancement or breast enlargement) was the number one cosmetic surgical procedure in 2008. While the total number of procedures in 2008 (307,230) was 12% lower than the 2007 statistics, breast enhancement surgery continues to be a popular cosmetic surgery option despite the economy.

Reasons for Breast Enhancement

Women choose breast enhancement surgery for a variety of reasons, including:

• To reconstruct breasts after a mastectomy
• To make the breasts more symmetrical in size and shape
• To reshape the breasts after childbirth and breast feeding (this process may also require a breast lift if the breasts are sagging)
• To add size and a more feminine appearance to very small or flat breasts
• To significantly increase the size of the breasts

Breast Implant Options

Making the decision to undergo breast enhancement surgery is only the first of many choices the woman must make. A woman must decide:

• What type of breast implant to choose: silicone or saline implants
• How large to make the breasts
• What shape to make the breasts
• Where to place the implant incision
• Where to place the implant (above or below the pectoral muscle)

A knowledgeable and experienced cosmetic surgeon can explain the different options available, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each and help you make an informed decision. It is important for women considering this procedure to understand that what works for one woman may not be the right choice for another.

Silicone Implants

Once removed from the market, silicone implants were re-approved for use in 2006 by the Food and Drug Administration for adults age 22 and older. These new and improved silicone implants are durable silicone shells that are pre-filled with varying amounts of a cohesive gel. Silicone implants have a very natural appearance and feel, so they are a popular choice for many women.

One drawback of silicone implants is the fact that an implant rupture can go undetected, leaving the silicone gel to leak into the body where it can cause further complications. Silicone implants also require a larger incision area for placement, and the risk of capsular contracture is greater than with saline implants. The often painful condition of capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue begins to tighten and constrict around the implant creating hard breasts.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are silicone shells that are placed into the chest cavity and then filled with a saline solution to achieve the patient’s desired breast size. The sizes typically range from 120cc to 850cc, and teardrop or round shapes are available. Because saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, if the implant becomes ruptured, the saline will be easily and safely absorbed into the body. This also makes implant rupture very apparent and will require the immediate attention of a cosmetic surgeon.

Disadvantages of saline implants include the slightly lower risk of capsular contracture as well as implant rippling. Some women feel that the saline implants do not look or feel as natural as silicone, although this gap is closing with advances in implant technology.

Risks of Breast Enhancement

Breast enhancement surgery is not without risks, and it is important to be fully aware of the complications that can arise, including:

• Infection
• Rupture
• Capsular contracture
• Mammography interference
• Rippling
• Changes in breast sensation
• Need to replace the implants (implant lifespan average is 10 years)

If you are considering breast enhancement surgery and live in the Kansas City or Lee’s Summit, Missouri area, please visit the website of Missouri breast enhancement surgeon <a href=http://www.drchhatre.com/dr-chhatre.html>Matt Chhatre, M.D., F.A.C.S.</a> of Summit Plastic Surgery and Med Spa to request a free breast enhancement consultation.