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Breast Implants: Types, Costs and Safety

Breast implants, also known as breast augmentation, is a surgical procedure that involves placing an artificial implant into the breast to increase its size and shape. In recent years, there has been an increase in interest and demand for breast implant surgery, which has led to advancements in the technology and techniques used for the procedure. This essay will provide an overview of everything you need to know about breast implants, including the different types of implants available, the procedure itself, the recovery process, and the risks and benefits associated with the surgery. The goal of this essay is to provide readers with accurate and comprehensive information about breast implants, so that they can make an informed decision about whether or not to pursue the procedure. See how popular breast implants are and other plastic surgery statistics.

Types of Breast Implants

There are two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They are less expensive than silicone implants, but also tend to look and feel less natural. Silicone implants are filled with a gel-like substance that feels more like natural breast tissue. They tend to be more expensive than saline implants, but also tend to look and feel more natural.

There are also several different types of implant shapes:

  • Round implants are the most common type and provide a full, natural look.
  • Teardrop-shaped implants are designed to provide a more natural look, especially for women with small breasts.
  • Anatomic implants (also known as “gummy bear” implants) are shaped like a natural breast and are made from a cohesive gel that holds its shape even if the implant ruptures. They are more expensive than other types of implants and are not as commonly used.

How much does breast implant plastic surgery cost?

How long do breast implants last?

Many women considering breast augmentation wonder how long their implants will last and what they can do to ensure they last as long as possible. In this article, we will explore the lifespan of breast implants, factors that can affect their longevity, and what to do if you suspect your implants may need to be replaced.

Breast implants are not designed to last forever. The lifespan of breast implants can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of implant, the age of the implant, and the lifestyle of the patient. However, the average lifespan of a breast implant is around 10-15 years.

There are several factors that can affect the lifespan of breast implants, including the type of implant, the age of the implant, and the patient’s lifestyle.

The type of breast implant used can affect how long it will last. Saline implants are generally thought to have a shorter lifespan than silicone implants, although this can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the implant and the patient’s lifestyle.

Breast implants are more likely to fail as they age. Over time, the implant shell may weaken, causing the implant to leak or rupture. The risk of implant failure increases as the implant ages, which is why it is important to have regular check-ups with your surgeon if you have breast implants.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and weight fluctuations can also affect the lifespan of breast implants. Smoking can cause the implant to weaken and increase the risk of rupture, while excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration and affect the elasticity of the implant. Weight fluctuations can also cause changes in breast size and shape, which can put added stress on the implant. Find a plastic surgeon near me.

Signs that your breast implants may need to be replaced

While breast implants can last for many years, they may need to be replaced at some point due to changes in the body or the implant itself. Some common signs that your breast implants may need to be replaced include:

Changes in breast shape or size

Changes in breast shape or size can be a sign that your breast implants may need to be replaced. This can be due to a number of factors, such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or natural aging.

Pain or discomfort

Pain or discomfort in the breast area can be a sign that your breast implants may need to be replaced. This can be due to a number of factors, such as capsular contracture or implant rupture.

Leakage or rupture

Leakage or rupture of the breast implant can also be a sign that it needs to be replaced. This can cause changes in breast shape or size, as well as pain or discomfort.

Capsular contracture

Capsular contracture is a condition that can occur when scar tissue forms around the breast implant, causing it to harden and change shape. This can be a sign that the breast implant needs to be replaced.

How implants are inserted into the breast pocket

Of course some incisions have to be made to insert the implant into the breast pocket. Luckily, they are discreetly placed in inconspicuous places to minimize visible scarring; they can be made:

  • along the areolar edge
  • along the fold under the breasts
  • in the armpit.

Further on, there are two methods to place the implant into the pocket: it can be placed either under the pectoral muscles or directly behind the breast tissue, above the pectoral muscles. The technique depends on the type of the implant, the patient’s visual goals as well as one’s body type.

What are the potential side effects of breast augmentation?

As it is a cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation does entail some potential consequences among which these can be found:

  • allergic reaction
  • bleeding
  • infection
  • poor scarring
  • changes in nipple or breast sensation or tingling
  • hematoma
  • fluid accumulation
  • wrinkling of the skin of the breast area
  • pain
  • scar tissue formation around the implant
  • implant leakage or rupture.

Most often, they do not happen though. Other risks of getting breast implants.

What needs to be done before the procedure?

Naturally, one needs to discuss their expectations with the plastic surgeon. Furthermore, some other measures have to be taken:

  • A doctor needs to measure all the necessary parameters of the breasts; for this reason photographs will also be taken.
  • A blood test will be run soon before the surgery to ensure one’s good health and sufficient amount of clotting factors.
  • For at least 2 weeks before the procedure no blood – thinning medicine like aspirin or ibuprofen cannot be taken – it increases the risk of a dangerous bleeding.
  • One cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding for breast augmentation.

How to care for the breast implants after the surgery?

After the procedure, the breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings and a bandage/support bra to minimize swelling as well as support the healing of the tissue. Every recovery plan and specific care is discussed with a professional.

Breast implant replacement surgery

If your breast implants need to be replaced, your surgeon may recommend breast implant replacement surgery. This procedure involves removing the breast implant and replacing it with a new one.

Reasons for replacement surgery

There are several reasons why a patient may need breast implant replacement surgery, including implant rupture, capsular contracture, changes in breast shape or size, or a desire to switch implant type.

Procedure overview

Breast implant replacement surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes a few hours to complete. The surgeon will make an incision either under the breast or around the areola and remove the old implant. They will then insert a new implant and close the incision.

Recovery and aftercare

After breast implant replacement surgery, patients can expect to experience some pain and discomfort, as well as swelling and bruising. It is important to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.

Breast Implants Augmentation References

Breast Implants – FDA

What to Know About Breast Implants – FDA

Removal of Breast Implants | U.S. GAO

1 thought on “Breast Implants: Types, Costs and Safety”

  1. I think that should be added that breast implants do more than just esthetic for the patient. There are documented and studied other benefits for some groups of patients – especially those who have had illness or trauma to their original breasts.

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