|
First two
questions to ask yourself before having Breast Implants Many times that only desire is to regain some of their initial curve and firmness that they had before child rearing. It is only natural to want the allure of their youth that is a part of their femininity and sexuality. The Breast Implant Topics
Breast augmentation as with any operation has risks: those associated with general surgery, and specific complications associated with this procedure. The most common problem, capsular contracture. This occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. In the early days of breast augmentation, this occurred more often and some theorize it was related to talc that use to be used to powder surgical gloves. Now non talc gloves are used, and this occurs less often. The development of a contracture around an implant can cause the breast to feel hard. Severe contractures are treated with implant removal or replacement. Any surgical procedure also carries a risk excessive bleeding. This can occur during, or following the procedure. If it occurs after the procedure it usually just results in increase swelling and pain, which is temporary. If bleeding continues, it may be necessary to go back into surgery and stop the bleeding and remove excess blood that has accumulated. Occasionally an infection may occur around an implant. This is most often seen within a week after surgery. In rare cases, the implant may need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. Afterwards a new implant can then be inserted. Some women report loss of sensation in their nipple, but they may also become overly sensitive. Loss of sensation is more common in breast lift-implant procedures. The area around incision may also have small patches of numbness, or increase sensitivity. These symptoms usually disappear within time, but may be permanent in some patients. It usually takes at least a full year to find out what the final sensation will be. Occasionally, breast implants may break or leak. The saline fill is salt water and will be absorbed by the body without ill effects. Older implants with silicone gel can leak also. If this occurs, one of two things may occur. If breakage of the implant shell that has a contracture scar around it, then it may not feel like anything has happed. If the shell breaks and there is not a contracture scar, then leakage into the surrounding tissue results in a sensation that the implant is deflating. The leaking gel may collect in the breast and a new scar may form around it. In other cases gel can migrate through the lymphatic system to another area of the body. Breaks may require a second operation and replacement of the leaking implant. If the gel has migrated it may not be possible to remove all of the silicone gel. This silicone gel is the what some say is related to the initiation of connective tissue disorders. Breast Cancer Screen No link between breast implants and cancer has been found. However, breast implants can make mammogram screening more difficult, so it is important to find a radiology center that is experienced in screening patients with breast implants. Occasionally alternative or additional techniques may need to be performed to screen for cancer. www.fda.gov Breast feeding may be a problem in certain cases. Peri-areolar procedures seem to carry the most risk related to adequate breast feeding. If a lift (mastopexy) is performed, then the risk of dysfunction related to breast feeding is even greater. (Hurst, N.M., Lactation After Augmentation Mammoplasty, Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1996; 87: 30-34) Of all the breast implant surgeries performed, a few women have reported symptoms similar to diseases of the immune system, such as scleroderma and other arthritis-like conditions. For the latest research click here.
The picture below is an illustration of breast tissue. The muscle in the picture also exists behind the yellow colored breast tissue. This is the muscle that an implant is often place behind/under in breast enhancement surgery. If the surgeon and patient opt for above the muscle placement, then the implant resides behind the breast tissue. It is important to discuss the pros and cons of each type of placement with your surgeon. Ask about placement in regards to sporting activities, mammograms, breast feeding, breast sensation, post operative dimpling and "double-bubble" syndrome. Peri-areolar: Placement of the implant takes place through an incision most commonly placed at the bottom, 6 o'clock, position of the areola. Infra-mammary: Placement of implant occurs in the crease under the breast. Axillary- Placement of implant occurs in the area of the arm pit. TUBA- Placement of the implant takes place through a small incision in the belly button area. Then the implant is positioned endoscopically by advancing the implant and surgical devices under the loose skin of the abdomen. Under the muscle: This method provides more of a natural look and feel when walking. However, when utilizing the pectoralis muscle, some patients note the sensation of the implant being momentarily squeezed. Recovery from this type of implantation also is a little bit longer. There is also a risk of symmastia. This can result if a tearing, or improper cutting of the pectoralis muscle occurs. Symmastia is a condition in which the breast implants cross the breast bone and touch, causing an irregularity in the cleavage. Most of the time this must be surgically fixed. Over the muscle (subglandular): This is the placement under the breast tissue but on top of the pectoralis (chest) muscle. This method increases the difficulty of breast tissue imaging during mammography. There is also a greater risk of capsular contraction. This method is thought to provide a quicker less traumatic "fix" for breast sag because it doesn't involve the muscle tissue. If you already have little breast tissue, this method results in the breast appearing like a rounded implant, and also has a greater chance of the outline of the implant being felt. Saline Filled-non expanding, fixed volume Saline Filled Expandable Textured surface: Initially developed because they thought capsular contracture occured less frequently. This has never been proven. Smooth Surface: Thinner shell, but thought to be stronger. Round Anatomical (Tear Drop): can shift positions if not place in correctly formed pocket. Click here for an excellent site that educates with very well about Breast Augmentation McGhan Corporation Statistics-post operative study statistics. American College of Rheumatology New England Journal of Medicine |
Why Breast Augmentation?
Breast Implants... for who? 
