Women considering breast augmentation may be concerned about the safety of the procedure, in addition to how their new breasts will accentuate their profiles. These women are correct in their assessment that augmentation surgery comes with risks, but a well-trained and experienced plastic surgeon will serve them well in providing them with state of the art surgical techniques and instrumentation. Understanding and becoming familiar with the augmentation procedures will reassure women who are considering this type of body-altering surgery that the utmost care will be taken to reduce the risks of surgical complications.
Patient Concerns about Breast Augmentation
Breast surgery does come with risks. These risks can run the gamut from infections at the surgical site, to rare conditions such as a newly publicized risk of developing a rare form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. These risks are all explained to women electing to have surgery, and each surgeon will take the time to answer any questions that women have about the safety and effectiveness of each procedure. This question and answer session will allow women to make an informed choice about having surgery and will provide them with accurate information about the risks and concerns with this type of operation.
Implant Options, Saline and Silicone
There are two types of breast implants that can be surgically introduced, each with their own pros and cons. Saline implants are filled either during surgery or prefilled by the manufacturers and contain the same type of fluid that is frequently given by I.V. therapy to patients who are dehydrated. While saline is a naturally absorbable fluid and non-toxic to the body, saline implants that have ruptured or leak will quickly deflate causing a noticeable change in the size and shape of the breast.
Silicone implants can also be prefilled or filled during the surgical procedure, but the consistency of the filling is different than what is used in the saline implants. Silicone is a filling that most closely resembles breast tissue, but is a substance that will not be as readily absorbed by the body if the implant ruptures. In addition, if a silicone implant does rupture, it may be some time before a woman notices as the implant may not change size or shape as quickly as a deflated saline implant. Both options have been deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
Research Backs up Silicone Implant Safety
All surgical procedures are consistently being altered and change to allow for the best possible outcome. Breast augmentation is no different. Surgeons are always conducting research on the safety and effectiveness of each breast augmentation procedure. This constant scrutiny in each breast surgery procedure helped to reintroduce silicone implants back into use by the Food and Drug Administration. Research was able to prove that silicone implants are a perfectly acceptable option for breast enhancement. For over 30 years, these implants have been used safely, and are once again an option for women who wish to enhance their appearance.
Other Options for Breast Enhancement
There are a number of procedures that are offered that can enhance a woman’s breast features. Breast lifts are a popular choice among women who are looking to re-energize breasts that have succumbed to sagging from pregnancy or weight loss. A series of incisions will be made with the goal to have limited scarring. Excess skin will be removed and the breast will be lifted and re-secured. This procedural option may be an excellent choice for women who aren’t interested in increasing the size of the breasts, but do want to decrease sag.
A breast lift can also be performed with women who are considering implants. Implants can be placed in the breast or under the muscles of the chest to increase breast size, and a lift can be done during the same surgery to reduce sagging. These two surgeries are frequently done together and adequately surgeons are very adept at providing both of these surgical services with minimal scarring.
Consult a Knowledgeable Information Source
No matter which option a woman chooses to compliment her physique, there will be some risks associated with it. Researching each option for augmentation will provide women with the information necessary to make an educated choice as to which, if any, procedure is right for them. When in doubt, contact a licensed health care provider or plastic surgeon for information that will lead to a decision that is best for you.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a licensed health professional. Choosing the best method for preventing illnesses and breast enhancement are decisions that you and your doctor can discuss together. Any reader who is concerned about this issue should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources:
Breast Implant Safety: Patient Safety (Accessed February 16, 2011)
Breast Implant Safety: Saline vs. Silicone (Accessed February 16, 2011)
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