Breast augmentation is the process of inserting prosthesis under the breast or chest of an individual for the purpose of enhancing the size of or reshaping the bust. This procedure, commonly referred to as a boob job, is a form of cosmetic surgery. For patients who have had a mastectomy, this procedure is a form of cosmetic reconstructive surgery. The operation is most common for women, but some men who are undergoing gender reassignment do choose to utilize the surgical procedure.
It is believed that implants have been used to alter the size and shape of breasts since 1895. Augmentation began trending in mid-20th century. The surgery has become a common procedure among men and women since it was developed over a century ago.
The number of enlargement procedures done each year is in the hundreds of thousands. Most individuals who take part in the surgery are in between the ages of 20 and 40. Despite the criticism of many, some adults give the gift of breast augmentation to their kids for birthdays or graduation. Still, the percentage of people between the ages of 13 and 19 are considerable low compared to those over the age of 20. Most doctors will not perform the surgery on individuals who are under the age of 18 without parent consent. The preferred age for silicone implants is 22 and older.
The two types of implants are saline and silicone. There are advantages and disadvantages linked with both types of implants so talk with your doctor to discuss your options. Both are made with a silicone casting, but they differ in their filling.
Saline implants are filled with a saline salt-water solution. Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel. Saline implants can lie smoothly or have texture while silicone implants are usually soft and without texture. Saline implants can rupture in the body or bunch up causing a wavy look to the breast. Silicone implants do not usually ripple. Saline implants are generally less expensive than silicone implants for a variety of reasons including the cost of the filling for the implant. There are advantages and disadvantages linked with both types of implants so talk with your doctor to discuss your options.
Doctors can help patients choose a cup size that matches their body type, but usually the final decision is up to the patient. Using bags with measured amounts of water, clients and doctors are able to replicate the different breast implant sizes available. These bags give surgery applicants an approximate look at the end result. Cup size after the procedure may vary from the water-implants because of the amount of breast tissue present in the patient or implant placement.
Individuals interested in the surgery should do an extensive check on their physician beforehand. It is important to know that your doctor is adequately trained and does not have a history of both surgeries. Talk to your doctor about your desires, medical background including use of medications, past surgeries and family history. Be prepared for a physician to evaluate you for health risks before doing the operation.
There are many risks and complications associated with the surgery. Infection, though rare, can be painful. Fever, swelling and discomfort is common signs of infection. Antibiotic treatment is often used to heal infections, but if treatment does not work, the implant may have to be removed or replaced. Sometimes bleeding can occur within the implant pocket. If so, the implant must be removed so that the bleeding can be controlled and the wound cleaned out. Swelling, pain and bruising are markers of internal bleeding. Capsule contracture is when the breast hardens or distorts. It is sometimes painful. Even with treatment, a capsule contracture can reoccur. An implant can fall out of place and cause asymmetry of the breasts. Surgery is needed to fix asymmetry. Patients run the risk of developing autoimmune diseases or cancer with this surgery. Death is not an uncommon result of breast augmentation surgery or post-surgery complications.
Get exclusive inside info on the basics of breast augmentation now in our complete guide to all you need to know about safe breast implants.