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Writer's pictureDMS - Digital Mammography & Women's Imaging

Are Breast Implants Worth The Hype? (Find Out!)


Lately, cosmetic enhancement has become incredibly popular. The advancement in technology has made it easier to change certain features of your face and body. Breast implants are one such procedure. According to plastic surgery statistics, 310,000 women and teenagers all opted for enhancing the appearance of the breasts with breast implants.


They are massively popular and, most patients who receive breast implants are more than satisfied with the results. Regardless, some people are skeptical. This article busts that skepticism, providing an in-depth analysis of what breast implants are, their types, benefits, and the risks surrounding this procedure. So are breast implants worth the hype? Read on ahead to find out.


What Are Breast Implants?

Breast implantation or breast augmentation is a procedure that enlarges the size of your breast through the insertion of a saline or silicone implant. The surgery (augmentation mammoplasty) places the breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles.


Breast implants are more commonly taken up for cosmetic reasons. They provide a much-needed confidence boost as some women want larger breasts. It is also opted for to add symmetry to their body shape. Reconstructive purposes of breast implants include loss of breast volume due to pregnancy, weight loss, and breast cancer. About 100,000 breast cancer patients undergo reconstruction surgery after mastectomy.


Types of Breast Implants

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there are five types of breast implants.


1. Saline Breast Implants


Saline Breast implants are one of the most commonly used implants. They are filled with sterile saltwater. In the case that the implant shell leaks, the saline implant collapses. The saline is absorbed by the body and naturally expelled by it. Saline implants provide a uniform shape and feel. They are FDA approved for women aged 18 and above.

  • Structured Saline Breast Implants

These structured implants are also filled with sterile saltwater. The only difference is that they contain an inner structure that makes the implant feel more natural.


2. Silicone Breast Implants


The Silicone Breast Implants are made with silicone gel. The gel has a very similar feel to breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel either remain within the implant shell or is trapped in the breast implant pocket. Unlike saline breast implants, a leaking silicone gel implant will not collapse.


Getting a silicone implant will require frequent visits to your surgeon for the proper functioning of the implant. Ultrasound and MRI Screening monitor their condition. The FDA approved age limit for silicone implants is age 22 and older.

  • Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Gummy bear breast implants are also silicone implants. They are also known as "form-stable" implants as they maintain their shape even if the implant shell is broken. The silicone gel inside this implant is thicker than the conventional silicone implant and, it is also more firm. Gummy Bear implants require a slightly longer incision in the skin.


Gummy bear implants are tapered at the top with a projection at the bottom. If the implant rotates, it may require a separate procedure to correct it as it leads to an unusual appearance.


3. Round Breast Implants


These implants make the breasts appear fuller as they are the same shape all over. Also, there is less concern about them rotating out of place.


4. Smooth Breast Implants


Smooth breast implants, as the name implies, have the softest feeling. They move with the breast implant pocket that makes them seem very natural in feel and movement.


5. Textured Breast Implants


Textured breast implants need scar tissue to stick to the implant. It restricts their movement inside of the breast and keeps them from rotating or repositioning. It also offers an advantage in diminishing the risk of "scar capsule."


How to Prepare For a Breast Implantation


First and foremost is a consultation with a plastic surgeon. Talk about your size preference, feel, and how you want your breasts to look. The surgeon will help you choose the right implant for you along with the surgical techniques.


You will need a "baseline "mammogram before surgery. If you're a smoker, your doctor will suggest quitting a month or two before and after surgery. Likewise, a change in medication will be also adjusted. It's best to avoid aspirin as it is a blood thinner.


Regardless, we have highlighted a few facts and considerations you should look into before deciding on surgery:

  • Breast implants are not a means to prevent your breasts from sagging. Your surgeon will, if required, recommend a breast lift alongside your breast implantation.


  • Breast implants do not last a lifetime. The average life of an implant is ten years. Besides, your breasts will continue to age. Also, factors like weight loss or gain may change the look of your breasts. The implant is susceptible to rupture with these factors and may require more surgery.


  • Getting a mammogram may create an issue. With breast implants, you may require “Specialized Views.”


  • Breastfeeding may be hindered due to implants. Some women can breastfeed with implants but, for the majority, it is a challenge.


  • If you decide to remove your implants later, you may require additional surgery for a breast lift; to enhance and restore the appearance of your breast.


  • Silicone Breast implants require routine screening to check for ruptures. An MRI every five to six years is recommended once the implants are placed. Likewise, the FDA also recommends a breast MRI every two to three years.


Post Breast Implantation


It is a given that you’ll experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks after surgery. Don't worry though, your surgeon will prescribe you pain medication. You can also experience some bruising. The incision scars will fade over time but won't completely disappear.


During your recovery time, it's best to wear a sports bra or a compression bandage. They help support and position your implants.


Sticking to your surgeon's instructions will help you be back and working within a few weeks. Regardless, do not jump into strenuous exercise or any such activity that could raise your blood pressure or pulse for at least two weeks. During your recovery time, your breasts will be sensitive to touch and jarring movements.


Depending on the technique used, you may or may not need a follow-up appointment for stitch removal.


Results


While the point of breast implants is to change the size and shape of your breasts to improve body image, you should not expect perfection. Your breasts will continue to age even after the implants have been placed. Likewise, weight loss and gain should also be kept in mind.


It is expected that implants that looked incredible at 22 don’t feel the same way 20 years later. Nonetheless, be prepared for corrective surgery under these circumstances.


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