Breast ImplantsBreast implants are medical devices which have been specially designed to increase breast size or restore breast tissue which has been lost or damaged due to disease or injury. Modern prosthetic implants have been used since the 1960’s in both cosmetic and plastic surgery applications. Women who are interested in undergoing surgical breast enlargement or reconstruction should learn about all their implant options prior to deciding on a specific surgical procedure.Have a specific question about breast prosthetics? Check out our
Implant FAQ
page or read up on some general
implant facts!
* Implant Sizes Here is some information about non-surgical
Alternatives to Implants,
as well as an article on when and how to
replace implants.
Types of Breast ImplantsThe most commonly used implant types are filled with either silicone or saline. Both styles are available in a variety of sizes and profiles. Size is determined by how much fluid will fit inside the implant and is measured in cubic centimeters (cc’s). Profile designates how far the implant will project out from the chest wall. Alternative filler materials have been utilized, including trilucent oils and hydrogel, but have not proven themselves to be as safe or effective as saline or silicone. All implants share a common silicone outer shell, since this material has proven itself to be the best and most durable biocompatible option to date.
* Round Implants Silicone ImplantsSilicone implants were the original prototype prostheses used for breast augmentation surgery in the 1960’s. The early models were so successful that breast enlargement fast became a popular and sought after surgical procedure. Unfortunately, later generations of the silicone implant featured a thinner shell and less viscous filler material which was prone to rupture and leaking during the 1970’s and early 1980’s. A huge number of women suffered implant failure leading to the FDA ban on silicone implants in the United States in 1992. Although still used in other countries, the silicone prosthesis was vilified and thought to be the cause of ongoing health problems.Research studies finally vindicated silicone as a safe material for use in implant prostheses. This led to the redesign of new styles of silicone implant which are now available all over the world. In addition to traditional silicone prosthetics, new cohesive silicone gel implants were also created. These new styles insured that silicone was once again the material of choice for most women seeking the very best in breast prosthesis design. Saline Breast ImplantsSaline implants became an almost overnight success once silicone was linked to health concerns in the 1970’s. Saline offered a safe non-toxic filler material which would be harmlessly absorbed by the body in case of implant failure. Saline implants were the first to come in super large sizes and expanded the growth possibilities for women desiring purposefully disproportionate breasts. Saline implants also revolutionized the actual procedures used to place breast prostheses into the body. Saline shells are implanted empty and filled once in proper anatomical position. This allows a far smaller and less noticeable incision. This also led to the development and perfection of alternate surgical approaches such as the Periareolar, Transaxillary and especially Transumbilical (TUBA) incisions.* Overfilled Implants Need help making a choice on the best implants for you? Read our article titled saline versus silicone implants. This will help you to decide the best type of implants for your needs and wants! Read all about implants for the breast before even meeting with a surgeon for best results at your consultation. The Bottom Line on Breast ImplantsCosmetic breast enhancement is a huge business all over the world. Breast reconstruction is an excellent use of plastic surgery and can make all the difference for a woman who has mourned the loss of one or both breasts. All breast surgery has common psychological components. The need to achieve a desired look or body image goes far beyond mere physical alteration. It extends into the realm of the emotional self and is an intrinsic part of a woman’s identity. There is no doubt that there are many benefits provided by implant prostheses. If you feel that breast surgery would help you to become the woman you have always pictured yourself as being, consult a qualified implant specialist to learn which augmentation procedure might be right for you.Before undergoing any type of augmentation procedure, be sure to read up on the latest statistics concerning implant satisfaction ratings. |
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