Breast augmentation, also known as mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that many women consider to enhance the size and appearance of their breasts or correct any symmetry issues. It involves increasing the size and fullness of the breasts, which can provide a much-needed boost in self-confidence and help women feel their best. However, not all women desire larger breasts, and some may even experience physical discomfort due to excessively large breasts. In such cases, breast reduction surgery can be a suitable option, which involves removing excess breast tissue and skin to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. If this is a procedure that seems to be the best fit for women who have painful breasts due to their size, they will need to contact a professional, such as a Meridian Plastic Surgery clinic, or one of a similar nature, to discuss the next steps.
The augmentation/enlargment procedure involves many decisions, as there are choices to be made from available options, such as type of implant and method of insertion. You also need to decide where you’re going to have the procedure done, as previously mentioned. Ideally, you should be close to home so that you can recover in comfort, so if you live in Denver, you should look at where you can get breast implants in Denver, CO. Once you’ve decided where you’re going, you then need to decide on the type of implant; there are 2 to choose from, saline and silicone. For those that decide to go ahead with the surgery, rest assured, it has been extensively researched clinically, and both saline and silicone implants have been approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What is Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase the volume of the breast or change its shape. Women with small breasts, tubular or asymmetrically shaped breasts, and women whose breasts lost their fullness due to breastfeeding or weight loss can benefit from this procedure, as well as those who need reconstructive surgery from the partial or complete loss of a breast(s). It is a relatively safe procedure, although as with all surgery, there are risks. It is important to have your surgery done at a respected clinic to avoid any accidents or complications. When breast surgery mistakes are due to negligence, it could cause serious harm and trauma to the patient. They would, in that case, have the right to claim compensation against the medical hospital. This is why breast implant surgeries are still a matter of hesitancy for many people. Research into the subject is a good idea, therefore, for everyone who is thinking about it. It helps to know about things like what the procedure is, what kind of materials are used, etc
The process of breast augmentation typically involves the use of implants that are usually filled with saline or silicone. Silicone implants are made by filling a shell made of a rubber form of silicone, with silicone gel. The saline version has the same rubber silicone shell, but it’s filled with saline, which is sterile salt water. The augmentation surgery is carried out in a cosmetic surgery clinic by professional surgeons (consult with this denver breast augmentation clinic, if interested). The procedure starts with incisions that are made through several layers of breast tissue. A variety of locations can be used, depending on factors like the type of implants and breast shape. Incision sites include the navel, underarm, under the breast, and around the areola.
Placement of the implant under or over the pectoral muscles, which are the four large muscles that cover the rib cage, are determined by body type, implant size, and chest musculature. When the implant is placed below the pectoral muscle (subpectoral), it results in a more natural look, especially for women with very small breasts, because the implant is behind all the natural breast tissue. In addition, this method provides more support for the implant and decreases the risk of scar tissue putting pressure on the implant, possibly causing it to change shape and appear misshapen. Subglandular placement, on the other hand, is entirely on top of the pectoral muscle; this technique is not recommended for women with a small amount of breast tissue or thin skin, as a rippling effect may occur, or visibility of the implants. This technique is a little less invasive, and benefits may include reduced recovery time, more cleavage, and the breasts feeling more supple.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are pre-filled with the thick, sticky substance known as silicone. Because of its viscosity and the way it moves in the shell, it closely mimics breast tissue by looking and feeling very natural. Since the creation of silicone implants in the 1960s, they’ve undergone numerous advances through technological innovations and upgrades. Silicone implants are currently available in different degrees of stiffness or cohesiveness, meaning their ability to hold their shape. For example, the softest version is the most liquid and flows more easily; these are usually used for routine procedures. The next level, or intermediate version, is beneficial to women who experience the rippling effect with less cohesive devices. The stiffest and most cohesive implant usually holds its shape better than the other two, and is potentially more advantageous for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Silicone implants are available to women of any age for breast reconstruction, but you must be 22 years of age or older for breast augmentation, according to the FDA’s regulations.
Saline Implants
Saline implants came into existence as an alternative to silicone implants and were widely used in the 1990s through the early 2000s, while the FDA was conducting tests on the safety of silicone implants.
Saline implants start as empty silicon shells when inserted, then they are filled with sterile salt water. If your skin is very thin, the implant may ripple or wrinkle, causing folds of the implant to sometimes show through the skin and felt when touched. A newer version of the saline implant is currently available that is said to feel more natural like the silicone implant. The implant has a channel structure where the saline flows in direct directions and the resulting effect is less rippling and movement of the liquid, simulating the same feeling as a silicone implant. You must be 18 or older to use saline implants for breast augmentation.
Saline vs. Silicone
The substance used to fill silicone implants feels similar to human fat, which is what breasts are mainly composed of, so they tend to feel and look more natural than saline implants. Saline implants are not as pliable and sometimes have a ripple effect, which can be seen and felt; they are also bouncier than normal. Saline implants are said to be more advantageous in two areas, postoperative procedures and cases of implant rupturing. Some saline implants have a remote injection port that can be accessed over months, to make adjustments to the volume before being removed. This is commonly used in some types of breast reconstruction. Saline implants are also a little safer in cases where the implant ruptures. While saline can be safely absorbed by the body, silicon is not and can cause breast pain. Studies and research, however, haven’t shown any connection between leaking silicone gel and systemic or long-lasting health problems, such as breast cancer or connective tissue disease.
Post-Operative Care
After undergoing breast augmentation surgery, proper post-operative care is essential to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. Patients are typically advised to follow specific guidelines to promote healing and minimize complications. One crucial aspect of after-surgery care is the management of incisions and dressings. Patients should keep incision sites clean and dry, as instructed by their surgeon, and should follow a prescribed schedule for changing dressings. This helps reduce the risk of infection and promotes a healthy healing process.
Additionally, patients are often encouraged to wear a supportive surgical bra or compression garment to provide gentle pressure and support to the newly augmented breasts. This aids in reducing swelling and discomfort. It’s also vital to refrain from strenuous activities and heavy lifting during the initial weeks following surgery to prevent unnecessary stress on the surgical site. Furthermore, patients are usually prescribed pain medication and given instructions on how to manage pain and discomfort effectively.
Moreover, recovery coaches can provide valuable insights into maintaining a healthy lifestyle and nutrition during the recovery process, which can accelerate healing. They can also assist patients in adhering to their surgeon’s recommendations, ensuring that they follow post-operative care instructions diligently.
Concluding Note: Dr. Douglas S. Steinbrech is a skilled and accomplished board-certified plastic surgeon and one of New York’s leading cosmetic surgeons. Dr. Steinbrech received training in general surgery, as well as plastic and reconstructive surgery, for eight years at New York University. He also received training at the Manhattan Ear, Eye, and Throat Hospital. He was chosen as one of America’s top plastic surgeons by the Consumers Research Council of America. He is a master at creating natural-looking breasts, and working with patients to achieve desired results. Visit his website for further information: https://www.drsteinbrech.com/.
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