Breast Surgery is performed to enhance the appearance, size, and contour of a woman’s breasts. Women consider breast augmentation for many different reasons. Some women feel their breasts are too small. Some desire augmentation after their breasts changes after pregnancy. Others desire to correct an asymmetry in breast size.
Breast augmentation is a relatively straightforward procedure. As with any surgery, some uncertainty and risk are expected. Know your concerns and expectations. Review the benefits, risks, and alternatives. Seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.
What are breast implants?
A breast implant is a medical prosthesis that is placed inside the breast to augment, reconstruct, or create the physical form of the breast.
Breast implants can contain silicon, saline, or another compound.
There are three main types of breast implants:
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution, like salt water. The solution is held within an elastomer silicone shell. These implants can be filled with different amounts of saline solution. This affects the feel, firmness, and shape of the breast.
If a saline implant leaks, the solution will be absorbed and expelled by the body naturally.
Silicone gel-filled implants consist of a silicone outer shell filled with a silicone gel. If a silicone-filled implant leaks, the gel will either stay in the shell or escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking silicone-filled implant may or may not collapse.
Patients choosing this type of implant should carry out more regular checks with their doctor compared with those on saline solution implants. An MRI or ultrasound scan can check the condition of the implants.
Alternative composite implants may be filled with polypropylene string, soy oil, or some other material.