Breast implants surgery is highly popular among women around the globe.

Body Contouring Plastic surgery breast implants

Breast Implants Surgery

Breast Implants Surgery - Prelude

Breast implant surgery has been embraced by millions of women around the globe, despite the medical and social controversies surrounding the procedure. Women’s breasts since time immemorial have been eye candy for men and a source of pride for women. No wonder, it has also been the inspiration for beauty inliterature.

Breast enhancement is the buzzword of the cosmetic surgery industry and breast implants have been heralded and desired by women of every shape, size, and financial background. Also called mammoplasty, the breast implant procedure increases the volume of the breast(s) by the placement of an implant within the chest, behind each breast. Changes as a result of weight loss, childbirth, and aging can lead a woman to the decision to undergo a breast implant procedure. And although the safety of the breast implants has been questioned in the past, recent research has concluded that breast implants are safe to use and to receive.

What is Breast Implants Surgery?

Breast implants surgery is the planting of prosthesis to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts or to reconstruct the breast. Of the four types of breast implants saline (salt water) filled implants are now the most popular in surgery circles.

Breast Implants Surgery – Finding A Surgeon

Anticipating the potential clients, almost every plastic surgeon comes forward to do a breast implant. But the patient/candidates must be selective enough to choose a trained and licensed surgeon who holds a good track record of doing successful breast transplants. In this regard consulting several surgeons and persons who had implants would be a good idea. Lastly, seeking help from American Association of Plastic Surgeons is highly recommended.

Breast Implants Surgery – Before the Implants

In the initial consultation, the physician will be looking to determine whether a patient is the best candidate for the breast implants procedure. An extensive medical history will be taken, as well as medical tests to determine the patient’s current health status. Before the breast implants surgery, the surgeon must have a comprehensive overview of the patient’s health—so it is necessary that any problems or medications or recreational drug use be disclosed at this appointment. Some patients’ history may preclude them from undergoing the breast implants procedure, or at least need to be scheduled at a later date when health issues and habits have been resolved.

The surgeon should also explain the breast implants procedure clearly so as to avoid any problems in the future. It should result in a realistic expectation on the part of candidate/patient. Going over the goals of the patient will also help to determine what will be needed for each particular patient. Sometimes other procedures—breast lift, breast reduction—may be the better option for the patient’s goals instead of the breast implants. And open communication will help to facilitate the understanding between patient and physician.

Breast Implants Surgery – Who are they for?

The best candidate for breast implants is a woman that has completed the growth process—usually the age of 18 is determined to be the cutoff age. And women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding are also good candidates for breast implants. Patients should also be in good health and not planning significant weight loss. Any of these factors can change the intended results of the breast implants.

Breast Implants Surgery – The Procedure

The breast implants procedure is usually done under general anesthesia, or when the patient is ‘asleep.’ The implant is inserted through a small incision, with hardly any scar that can be noticed. Sometimes the incision for the breast implants is underneath the breast, or it may be within the lower edge of the areola, or it may be in the armpit area so as to avoid any scars in the breast region. After the incision is made, the surgeon opens a pocket under the breast where the breast implant will be placed. Once the implant is in place, then the incision is closed and the next breast is done, if necessary.

Breast Implants Surgery – Risks And Complications

Breast implants have always been frowned upon by medical professionals and moral police. But there are real risks associated with breast implants. The most recent controversy is that of implants that are filled with a silicone gel, so many physicians are using implants that are filled with a saline solution instead. In the rare occurrence the implant is punctured and the contents are released, the saline solution is reabsorbed by the body without adverse effects. With the silicone, some patients have reported disastrous effects from the breakage of the silicone filled breast implants. It seems that the silicone can induce the body’s immune system to respond and it can cause a type of chronic autoimmune disease in some.

Other possible complications include the same as with any surgery: reactions from the anesthesia during the receiving of the breast implants, infection, slippage of the implant, and patient dissatisfaction with the results.

Mammograms may be more difficult following the breast implants, but if the implant is placed underneath the pectoral muscle, this effect is lessened.

With any breast size changes, the results of the breast implants procedure may be affected and need to be adjusted or redone.

Breast Implants – Recovery Period

Many patients can return to work within a week of the breast implants procedure. Although pain and discomfort are reported following the breast implants procedure, this will fade over time, along with any scarring. Some patients may experience a change in their nipple sensation, but this usually normalizes with time. Other patients have reported that the breast becomes firmer than it was before the breast implants. If this becomes uncomfortable, a surgeon may have to fix the problem with further surgery.