Breast Implants

Of all the physical manifestations of plastic surgery in the United States and abroad, no entity is better symbolic of this practice than that of the breast implant, the most frequent request of surgeons among women today. There are various schools of thought with respect to breast implants. A number of women, insistent that they and their peers respect their bodies the way they are, decry the use of breast implants for cosmetic purposes, and highlight the fact cosmetic breast augmentation is an unnecessary procedure. On the other hand, supporters of breast augmentation note the positive psychological effects these changes may have, even if they are "merely" superficial, and still others will note how breast implants may figure into the admirable science of breast reconstruction. In all, breast implant technology is often an emotionally-charged topic without a clear right and wrong, and ultimately, it is the woman or man who stands to be transformed who will have the final say.  

Mammoplasty

Mammoplasty, generally, involves surgery by which the size of a woman's breasts are changed. Though often, these operations are cosmetic additions of breast implants, equally if not more likely, the size of the breasts may be reduced. Applications of mammoplasty may also go toward breast construction/reconstruction after serious disease.

Breast Implants Before and After

Alongside the apparent physical changes that accompany breast implant surgery, profound emotional and psychological changes are, as well, likely. In cases of low self-esteem, these changes may be null or even negative, but satisfied breast implant customers often report higher ratings of confidence and physical health.

Breast Implants Cost

The cost of breast implants in the U.S. is highly variable, and predicated on a number of things including implant type (i.e. saline vs. silicone) and on-site operation fees. The overall range itself is fairly expansive, but most women can expect to pay between five and ten thousand dollars for this surgery.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are one of the most popular, if not the most popular in spite of their higher prices. Housing a silicone gel, silicone breast implants tend to feel more real than saline implants, although this reward comes with the added risks of rupture and the only-recent reversal of an FDA ban.

Breast Implant Surgery

The first step in breast implant surgery is the making of one or more incisions to afford room for the physical implants, usually around the areolae of the breasts or along the "inframammary fold". Following incision, the implants are inserted, either between or in front of the pectoral muscles.

Breast Implant Sizes

Breast implant sizes may vary greatly, and due to their containment of fluid/gels, their measure is traditionally expressed in cubic centimeters, a unit of volume. Large implant sizes may be requested by any patient of age, but ethically, only women with suitable body types should be afforded them.

Breast Implant Pictures

Used academically, breast implant pictures may help inform young women, and in turn, inform their decisions about what to do regarding surgery. In particular, pictures of breast implants gone wrong may help women comprehend the certain risks they take with breast augmentation.

Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal may be a serious medical need for women in the event something goes awry with an implant, including deflation, infection, rupture. The vast majority of women who have their breasts surgically improved will require implant removal or correction at some point.

Breast Lift with Implants

A breast lift, or the lifting and restoration of youthful appearance to the breasts in the wake of drooping (ptosis), may be aided by the strategic insertion of implants, especially in severe presentation of symptoms. Following surgery, strenuous exercise, labor and sex should be avoided for prescribed amounts of time.

Breast Implant Surgeons

"Breast implant surgeons", more generally "plastic surgeons", may serve prospective and current patients in many ways. Good surgeons will work effectively with their clients to respect their wishes within reason, and of course, handle the surgery. Implant surgeons may also construct new breasts for women who lose them to disease.

String Breast Implants

For a time popular in the adult entertainment industry, string breast implants use injections of propylene to continuously stimulate breast growth to the point of enormity, far beyond that of normal cup sizes. Because of the dangers they pose, string breast implants are patently illegal in this country. 

Breast Implant Information

Preferably, women interested in breast augmentation will get breast implant information, including that of implant and surgery pricing, from a licensed surgical professional, even if they have to go through professional organizations to secure an appointment. Less formal options like blogs may still yield useful details, though.

New Breast Implants

With new breast implants, certain key precautions should be taken. To alleviate the experiential pain, OTC or prescription medications are recommended, and surgical brassieres are requested to keep the breasts in place. Sudden movement, meanwhile, is highly discouraged. 

Breast Implant Replacement

Breast implant replacement, though not always the case after removal, is often highly recommended by surgeons to help preserve the shape of the breasts and prevent ptotic disfiguration. In some instances, though, the need for "replacement" is as simple as moving the original implant to a new location.

History of Breast Implants

Breast implants, beginning with the first silicone breast implant circa 1962, have seen a considerable expansion in use over time. In the process, various studies have been conducted regarding their safety, with most results suggestion the absence of a link to any specific disease.

Breast Implant Doctors

In contrast to the surgical services plastic surgeons boast with respect to breast implants, breast implant doctors and other specialists are of merit as well. Through physical breast exams as well as mammograms and other imaging techniques, these doctors may assess general breast health before and after the operation.

Breast Implant Forum

A breast implant forum might be a good resource for a woman thinking about augmentative surgery or emotionally coping with the results. While Internet forums tend to be lacking in information and may be subject to prejudice, they may just as well be tight-knit, supportive communities.

Breast Implant Reconstruction

In the event a woman loses one or more breasts to a mastectomy (i.e. losing them to cancer), she may enlist the help of a surgeon and a process known as breast implant reconstruction.  Using breast implants instead of skin flaps is often preferable because it reduces operation and recovery time.

Saline Breast Implants

Unlike silicone breast implants, saline breast implants are an elastomer shell injected with salt water at the time of insertion. Though prone to replacement and/or rupture in their own right, saline breast implants are usually cheaper, and safer and more visually apparent when they burst.

Men with Breast Implants

Although incidence of men with breast implants/pectoral implants is statistically not very significant, evidence suggests that numbers may be on the rise. "Male breast implants" can be expensive and are stigmatized for their association with negative character traits, but they can be fruitful in their promotion of better self-esteem.