Breast Implant Surgery
For Breast Augmentation and Enlargement
What Surgical Breast Augmentation and Enhancement
The Risks of Breast Implant Surgery
Today, women have a number of uniquely different and somewhat contrasting
options when it comes to chosing a method of breast enhancement
and augmentation that is right for them.
From simple breast enlargement exercises for natural
bustline enhancement, to herbal breast augmentation creams,
pills and capsules, the modern woman has a number of healthy
alternatives to breast implant surgery.
To learn more about any one of these breast augmentation surgery
alternatives, simply click on the method that is of interest to you or
scroll down the page to the appropriate section.
Learn more about Breast Enhancement Creams.
Learn more about Breast Enlargement Pills and
Capsules.
Learn more about Breast Enhancing Enlargement
Exercises.
Please visit the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration website (Breast Implant
section) for more information about surgical breast augmentation
and implant surgery.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast enlargement surgery is the extreme when it comes
to methods of breast augmentation.
Surgery of any kind always involves risks, and when its cosmetic
breast implant surgery, those risks must be weighed carfully against the
desired benefits...
Breast augmentation surgery, technically known as augmentation
mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to enhance and
increase the size and shape of a woman's breast for a number of reasons:
- Enhance body contour of a woman who feels her breast size is too small.
- Correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy.
- Correct a difference in breast size between a women's two breasts.
- Breast reconstruction following medically motivated breast surgery.
Breast augmentation surgery, basically involves the insertion of an implant
behind each breast. This enables surgeons to increase a woman's
bustline by one or more bra cup sizes.
It is hoped that the following common sense information, will help provide
a basic understanding of the surgical breast enhancement procedure,
for any woman considering breast augmentation surgery.
Surgical Breast Enlargement Inplants
Our research has shown that more than 120,000 American women underwent
surgical breast enlargementby implants last year alone.
Although years of controversy has some what cooled enthusiasm for breast
augmentation by surgical implant, for many women it is still the breast
enhancement method of choice!
In fact, according to women surveyed that have undergone surgical breast
augmentation, more than 80% of them said they would recommend the surgical
breast enhancement procedure to others.
- An overwhelming response that indicates just how much surgical breast
augmentation procedures have evolved.
How is it that so many women have undergone breast implant surgery, and
are openly willing to recommend it to others, when there have been virtually
no human studies to indicate whether or not breast enhancement implants
are even safe...
What are Breast Implants?
A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with
either silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline.
- Breast implants may vary in shell surface (smooth versus textured),
shape (round or shaped), profile (how far it sticks out), volume (size),
and shell thickness.
- The primary parts of most breast implants are a shell (otherwise known
as the envelope or lumen), a filler, and a patch to cover the manufacturing
hole.
- With respect to the shell design, while most breast implants are single
lumen (just the shell), some breast implants are double lumen (one shell
inside another shell).
- With respect to the filler, some breast implants are manufactured
with a fixed volume of filler, some are filled during the operation,
and some allow for adjustments of the filler volume after the operation.
Saline-Filled Breast Implants:
Saline-filled implants continue to be available to breast augmentation
patients on an unrestricted basis, pending further FDA review. You should
ask your doctor more about the specifics of the FDA decisions.
Types of saline-filled breast implants are as follows:
- Single lumen breast implants that are filled during the operation
with a fixed volume of saline, with no mechanism for adjustments of
the saline volume after the operation is complete.
- Single lumen implants that are filled during the operation with saline,
that do have a mechanism for adjustments of the saline volume after
the operation.
- A third type of saline breast implant, is a single lumen implant
that is prefilled by the manufacturer with a fixed volume of saline.
There are no valves for filling during the operation or for adjustments
of the saline volume after the operation.
Properties and composition of the saline breast implant's silicone
rubber shell:
- cured polymeric (large) silicones.
- approximately 20% of finely powdered silica that is tightly bound
to the silicone polymers.
- small amounts of smaller silicones.
- minute amounts (parts per million) of metals, including a metal catalyst
(usually tin, zinc, or platinum) (A catalyst is something that causes
a change in material.)
- traces of readily evaporating materials (volatiles), such as xylene
and other organic compounds.
The filler is sterile saline that should conform to United States Pharmacopeia
(USP) standards for Normal Physiological Saline (injection grade).
One concern that relates specifically to saline-filled breast implants
is the potential for the saline to become contaminated (not sterile) with
fungus or bacteria and then released into the woman's body.
Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants:
Types of silicone gel-filled breast implants are as follows:
- Single lumen breast implant that is prefilled by the manufacturer
with a fixed volume of silicone gel.
- Double lumen implant with an inner lumen prefilled by the manufacturer
with a fixed volume of silicone gel and an outer lumen that is filled
during the operation with a fixed volume of saline through a valve.
- Double lumen implant with an outer lumen prefilled by the manufacturer
with a fixed volume of silicone gel and an inner lumen that is filled
during the operation with saline through a valve. This type of implant
allows for adjustments of the saline volume after the operation.
A silicone gel-filled breast implant has a silicone rubber shell with
the same general composition as shown in the Saline-Filled Breast
Implants section above.
The filler is silicone gel that has the general composition of:
- silicone oil
- cured polymeric (large) silicones
- small amounts of uncured large and smaller silicones
- minute amounts (parts per million) of metals, including a metal catalyst
(usually platinum). (A catalyst is something that causes a change in
material.)
Alternative Breast Implants:
An alternative breast implant typically has a silicone rubber shell
with a filler other than saline or silicone gel. The filler material may
or may not be a gel. An alternative breast implant may also have an alternative
shell other than one made from silicone rubber.
Surgical Breast Implants
The Risks, Dangers and Complications
Surgical Breast augmentation is relatively straightforward. But
as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific
complications associated with the breast implantation procedure.
Capsular Contracture
The most common problem or complication with surgical breast enhancement
by implant, is capsular contracture.
Capsular Contracture occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant
begins to tighten. This squeezing of the soft implant can cause the breast
to feel hard. Capsular contracture can be treated in several ways, and
sometimes requires either removal or "scoring" of the scar tissue,
or perhaps removal or replacement of the breast implant.
Excessive Bleeding
As with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding following the operation
may cause some swelling and pain. If excessive bleeding continues, another
operation may be needed to control the bleeding and remove the accumulated
blood.
Infection Around the Breast Implant
Breast implant surgery can result in a small percentage of women developing
an infection around an implant. This may occur at any time, but is most
often seen within a week after surgery. In some cases, the implant may
need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new
implant can then be inserted.
Nipple Sensitivity
Breast implant surgery can result in market change in nipple sensitiviy.
Some women report that their nipples become oversensitive, undersensitive,
or even numb. You may also notice small patches of numbness near your
incisions. These symptoms usually disappear within time, but may be permanent
in some patients.
Breast Implants and Fertily, Pregnancy and Nursing
There is no evidence that breast implants will affect fertility, pregnancy,
or your ability to nurse. If, however, you have nursed a baby within the
year before your breast augmentation surgery, you may produce milk for
a few days after surgery.
Breast Implant Breakage and Linkage
Breast implants can break or leak.
Occasionally, breast implants may break or leak, and even rupture can
occur as a result of injury or from the normal compression and movement
of your breast and implant, causing the man-made shell to leak. If a saline-filled
implant breaks, the implant will deflate in a few hours and the salt water
will be harmlessly absorbed by the body.
If a break occurs in a gel-filled implant, however,
one of two things may occur. If the shell breaks but the scar capsule
around the implant does not, you may not detect any change. If the scar
also breaks or tears, especially following extreme pressure, silicone
gel may move into surrounding tissue.
The gel may collect in the breast and cause a new scar to form around
it, or it may migrate to another area of the body. There may be a change
in the shape or firmness of the breast.
Both types of breaks may require a second operation and replacement of
the leaking implant. In some cases, it may not be possible to remove all
of the silicone gel in the breast tissue if a rupture should occur.
Disease of the Immune System
A few women with breast implants have reported symptoms similar to diseases
of the immune system, such as scleroderma and other arthritis-like conditions.
These symptoms may include joint pain or swelling, fever, fatigue, or
breast pain.
Research has found no clear link between silicone breast implants and
the symptoms of what doctors refer to as "connective-tissue disorders,"
but the FDA has requested further study.
Breast Enhancement Implants and Cancer
While there is no evidence that breast implants cause breast cancer,
they may change the way mammography is done to detect cancer. When you
request a routine mammogram, be sure to go to a radiology center where
technicians are experienced in the special techniques required to get
a reliable x-ray of a breast with an implant. Additional views will be
required.
Ultrasound examinations may be of benefit in some women with implants
to detect breast lumps or to evaluate the implant.
FDA Reported Breast Implant Risks of Complication
While the majority of women do not experience these complications, you
should discuss each of them with your physician to make sure you understand
the risks and consequences of breast augmentation.
The information provided on this website is designed to support, not
replace, the relationship that exists between you and your physician.
Potential Local Complications and Reoperations
Potential local complications are shown alphabetically below. You may
need non-surgical treatments or reoperations (including removal of your
implant) to treat any of these.
- Asymmetry
- Breast pain
- Breast tissue atrophy
- Calcification/calcium deposits
- Capsular contracture
- Chest wall deformity
- Delayed wound healing
- Extrusion
- Galactorrhea
- Granuloma
- Hematoma
- Iatrogenic injury/damage
- Infection, including Toxic Shock Syndrome
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- Inflammation/irritation
- Malposition/displacement
- Necrosis
- Nipple/breast changes
- Palpability/visibility
- Ptosis
- Redness/bruising
- Rupture/deflation
- Scarring
- Seroma
- Unsatisfactory style/size
- Wrinkling/rippling
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Visit the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration website (Breast Implant
section) for more information.
The FDA’s mission is to assure that the products they approve are
safe and effective, and that includes breast implants. Breast implants
are medical devices intended for women who are seeking breast augmentation
(cosmetic) or breast reconstruction.
The FDA's website provides information in order to help you make an informed
decision as to whether or not to get breast implants.
FDA Breast Implant Consumer Handbook - 2004
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is pleased to provide you the
newly revised "FDA
Breast Implant Consumer Handbook - 2004." This replaces the previous
version of the handbook entitled, "Breast Implants - An Information
Update - 2000."
This handbook contains the latest information about breast implants to
assist you in making an informed decision about whether or not to have
breast implants. It includes topics such as the status of breast implants,
potential complications, issues to consider, timeline of FDA activities
related to breast implants, and breast implant resource groups.
Breast Enlargement Creams
Breast enhancement cream is one of several natural alternatives
to breast augmentation surgery by implant.
There are a variety of breast augmentation and enhancement creams
on the market, each offering a safe and natural alternative to the more
extreme surgical breast augmentation methods.
The effectiveness of any breast enhancing cream that works
is generally based on the same breast enlargement theory and technology
as their pill and capsule counter parts.
Learn more about Breast Enhancement
Creams as a Viable Method of Breast Enlargement.
Herbal Breast Enhancement Pills and
Capsule
For Breast Enlargement
Breast enlargement pills and capsules are another all-natural herbal
alternative to breast implant surgery. As will herbal breast enhancement
creams, there are a variety of breast augmentation pills and capsules
from which to choose, each offering a safe and natural alternative to
breast augmentation surgery.
Although most breast enlargement capsules (pills) contain no estrogen
or any other hormone, the phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) they contain
are able to fool the body into thinking that estrogen has been introduced.
Read and learn more about Breast
Enlargement Pills and Why Breast Augmentation Capsules are a Viable Method
of Breast Enhancement for Most Women.
Breast Enhancement
Exercises to Enlarge Your Breasts
Regardless of the method of breast enhancement
you choose, when it comes to breast development, you
can never go wrong incorporating a bust line development exercise schedule
into your personal breast development routine.
It doesn't matter if you have chosen all natural herbs as a means to
breast enlargement or you've decided that breast augmenation implants
are the ultimate answer to bustline enhancement, an appropriate schedule
of breast exercises can help!
Need we remind you that
if you suffer from any health condition or have had breast surgery already,
please be sure to consult with your doctor first!
Exercising is a very important, yet often overlooked, aspect of breast
enhancement. Any breast improvement program or method
can be accentuated by a good breast exercise and develpment routine.
Learn more about Why Breast Enhancement
Exercises are a Viable Method of Breast Enlargement for Some Women.
Breast Augmentation
and Enhancement in the World of Today!
Yes, breast enhancement surgery and the
process of breast enlargement by implant has evolved emensely
since the days of liquid silicone injection.
However, given our present knowledge and understanding of the complications
involved with breast enhancement surgery, we strongly recommend
using other forms of breast enhancement as a primary method of bust enlargement.
The best breast enhancement is safe, inexpensive,
fast and guaranteed!
Check out the rest of the
Breast Enlargement Directory website for methods of breast enhancement
that work!
Surgical Breast Augmentation and Enlargement
Breast Implant Resources
BreastImplantSafety.Org
is your definitive site for unbiased, science-based information on breast
implant options. Written by some of the leading plastic surgeons in the
country, our goal is to inform, empower, and provide women with complete
implant information so you can work with your physician to make the right
choice for you.
The American Society
for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is the leading organization
of board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic plastic surgery.
Find information on abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), breast augmentation,
breast lift, breast reduction, brow lift, eyelid surgery, facelift, liposuction
(lipoplasty) and rhinoplasty; nonsurgical cosmetic procedures including
laser hair removal, skin resurfacing and injectable treatments such as
Botox and collagen.
The American
Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), established in 1931, is the largest
plastic surgery specialty organization in the world, and is here to guide
you through this process. Whether you're considering cosmetic surgery
to improve your appearance or reconstructive surgery to correct defects
or improve function, you want a board-certified surgeon with the skill
and training to help achieve your goals.
WomensHealth.Gov,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - According
to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 8.7 million cosmetic
surgery procedures were done in 2003. The number of cosmetic procedures
is rising, and far more women are getting plastic surgery than men.
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