The Facts About Breast Augmentation
There are many reasons a woman might elect to have breast augmentation surgery. Whether it's to boost her self esteem or to give her that hourglass figure she's always dreamed of, breast augmentation surgery is wildly popular. Finding a good, reputable plastic surgeon is key when considering breast implants.
The Facts
The medical name for breast augmentation is augmentation mammoplasty. In this procedure, the cosmetic surgeon inserts implants to enhance the shape and size of a woman's breasts. The woman usually is able to return to her normal daily routine in about one to two days and should be fully recovered within two weeks. Breast augmentation surgery usually lasts around 2.5 hours, and the woman is put under general anesthesia during the procedure. There is a moderate level of pain involved with the surgery, but it is an outpatient procedure. Breast augmentation costs between $5,000 and $10,000 as of September 2009, depending on the cosmetic surgeon's fees. Do plenty of research on the plastic surgeons that you're considering. Just because his fees may be more expensive doesn't mean he's the best surgeon.
Types of Implants
There are two different types of implants that are used for breast augmentation. The only type of implants the Food and Drug Administration has approved are saline-filled implants. The silicone-gel implants are not approved for regular breast augmentation procedures. They are only to be used in certain studies. Saline implants vary in volume, texture, thickness, profile and shape. They can be round, or appear more anatomically correct. The FDA only approves the saline implants that are filled at the time of the procedure, not the ones that are filled by the manufacturer. Saline implants are much safer than silicone because your body will absorb the saline solution like a glass of drinking water should the implants rupture.
Dangers of Silicone Implants
Silicone implants pose many health risks. That is why they currently are not approved by the FDA. Should the silicone implant rupture, the patient could suffer from infection, capsular contraction, excessive bleeding, and changes in nipple and breast sensitivity. The FDA issued a moratorium on silicone implants in the early 1990s, and it will remain in place until manufacturers can prove there is little risk associated with them.
Benefits
Many women can benefit from breast augmentation surgery. Women who have self-esteem issues because of their small breasts may elect to have this procedure done. This usually gives them a quick boost. Also, women who have undergone a mastectomy due to cancer can get their womanly figure back. In this case, the procedure actually can help the cancer survivor heal emotionally because she isn't constantly reminded of her condition.
Risks
Breast augmentation comes with its fair share of risks, regardless of the type of implants that are used. Implants can interfere with a mammogram, not allowing a full view of all the breast tissue. It is best that breast implants are placed under the muscle because a mammogram will be able to detect around 90 percent of the breast tissue. If the implants are placed above the muscle, only 75 percent of the breast tissue can be seen. Other risks of breast augmentation surgery include: saline implant deflation, implant displacement, silicone implant rupture, capsular contracture, rippling, nipple numbness, infection, sloshing, hematoma and bleeding.
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