WHAT IS BREAST AUGMENTATION?

Breast Augmentation is a surgical procedure performed to the female breasts whereby sections of the skin around the breast are surgically lifted and implants of various sizes are inserted under the skin to give the breast the impression of more volume and definition. Sometimes referred to as a “boob job”, Breast Augmentation is widely used to alter the cosmetic appearance of the breasts. Other times this procedure is used as reconstructive surgery. In case of a mastectomy, breast reconstruction will be done by a plastic surgeon to reconstruct the affected persons natural looking breast after removal. In the cosmetic treatment many women prefer making their breast larger for many different reason. Larger breasts are thought to be more attractive to males. In some cases clothing will fit better due to a larger breast size. Whatever the reason, there are many options available to people interested in this treatment. Conversely breast reduction procedures are also available and many women with very large breast s sometimes feel relief from the reduced weight of carrying around large breast. Due to the common nature of breast implants and the myriad of procedures available today a patient who undergoes the procedure can be assured it is a relatively safe and deaths rates from the surgery are very low. After the implants are inserted some complications can occur in very rare instances or due to impact to the breast area (where a rupture might occur of the implant lining material).

WHAT PROCEDURES ARE AVAILABLE?

There are two types of breast implants available. Saline Implants and Silicon Implants.

Saline Implants
Saline Implants have a silicone gel wall that if filled with a safe and inert saline solution. The implants can theoretically remain intact in the body for decades. Failure rates for Saline Implants are approximately 4% during the first 3 years and almost 9% by the 5th year. After a decade inside the body the risk of failure increases dramatically and as with any technology will not last forever. At some point the implant will need servicing. When Saline ruptures it deflates quickly and will need to be repaired by a surgeon. Standard mammogram tests have been known to rupture Saline Implants in rare cases. Age and Design of the implant play a role in the failure rate. In Europe silent rupture rates after 10 years range from 8% to 15% failure rate. An MRI may be used to detect a suspected rupture. The FDA has suggested patients receive an MRI to detect a silent rupture every 2 to 3 years after implantation.

Silicone Implants
Silicone Implants are filled with a natural feeling silicone gel material. The procedure itself only takes approximately two hours to perform. Silicone ruptures rarely deflate and silicone will fill the area around the implant. In this case the implant will be removed. If left untreated can be a painful inflammation of the lymph glands due to granulomas. A capsular contracture can occur when the body’s immune system attacks the capsule around the implant and begins to add pressure which is painful. The cause of this complication is not known. Correction may require removal of the implant. Platinum contamination in rare occurrence is caused from the release of platinum metals into the body from parts of the gel pack used for silicon implants. The FDA issued a statement that there are no known side effects of platinum contamination in the body at this time.

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE?

A cosmetic surgeon is specifically trained to perform delicate plastic surgery. Errors made during surgery can sometimes have unwelcome effects. Choosing the best surgeon you can find and afford is paramount to a successful outcome. Cosmetic Surgeons and their staff are trained to assist you in finding the right look for your body.

SIDE EFFECTS AND SUCCESS RATES

In seven separate studies suicide rates and instances of drug and alcohol abuse have been reported in women who have undergone breast augmentation. Though not caused directly from the procedure, the hypothesis is that women with psychological disorders will undergo the surgery as part of their psychosis or behavioral problems they might have. If a silicone or saline gel sac explodes inside the body medical attention should be sought immediately. Long term effects of implants is still debated however the FDA has approved the current popular implant methods. Other complication risks accompanied with breast augmentation surgery include dangerous reactions to anesthesia, excess bleeding (hematoma), hideous scarring, breast pain and infections post-operative. Though rare, additional surgeries to correct complications or errors could be needed and will add to the long term costs and care of the patient who undergoes breast augmentation.

CONCLUSION

Breast Augmentation is now a standardized treatment that has a very high degree of satisfaction among women who have a success surgery. However as with any implantation the long term effects of such a foreign body in the body for sometimes decades is still unknown. In past cases of silicone injections that occurred in the 1960’s the majority of women needed medical treatment sometime 3 decades after the injections. is a great for women to feel their best.