Breast augmentation enhances body shape, balances breast irregularities, and improves a woman's body contour. The results can successfully alter the appearance of a woman's body, helping her to feel more self-confident.
Breast augmentation can successfully improve a woman's appearance and self-confidence for any number of reasons, including:
- Enhancing the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small.
- Balancing a difference in breast size.
Types of implants: Virtually all breast implants are made of a round or shaped silicone elastomer (rubber) shell, and are filled with either a saline solution (salt water) or silicone gel.
Placement of implants: The incision for each implant is made as inconspicuously as possible at one of four typical sites. Saline implants allow for a smaller incision as they are inserted empty and filled once they are in position. This is in contrast to silicone implants which are pre-filled with silicone thus require a slightly larger incision. With the exception of the TUBA, implants can be placed either under the breast (over the muscle) or under the muscle. Your surgeon can explain more about the procedures to help you choose the best option for you.
Saline-filled implants: There are advantages and disadvantages to the use of saline-filled implants. A small incision can be used to place the implants because they are inserted empty and filled via a valve at the time of surgery. Should the implants rupture, the liquid, which is similar in composition to the fluids in your body, will be absorbed. This usually produces an obvious change in the size of the breast and makes saline rupture easier to detect. Saline implants may look and feel less natural than silicone implants, and may be prone to wrinkling, especially in women with little breast tissue.
Silicone gel-filled implants: After a lengthy review process, the FDA has now approved silicone gel-filled implants for both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Until recently, only women participating in long term studies by the FDA were able to have silicone implants for use in special situations, such as breast reconstruction, replacement of pre-existing breast implants, and correction of congenital deformities of the breast. Our group has had extensive experience with these implants as we have been a part of the FDA study which led to the approval of silicone implants for general use.
Silicone implants have advantages and disadvantages. The silicone filler is the softest and most natural feeling implant available. It is less prone to wrinkling and feels more natural than saline implants. Because these implants come pre-filled, a longer scar is required for insertion. Rupture can be “silent” or asymptomatic, necessitating period radiographic imaging of the implanted breast with MRI.
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Although rarely discussed, enlarged male breasts is a common condition. Gynecomastia affects approximately 40 to 60 percent of men. There is often no known cause for gynecomastia, although there has been some correlation with various drugs or medical conditions.
Men who feel self-conscious about their appearance are helped with breast-reduction surgery. The procedure removes fat and/or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a contoured chest that is flatter and firmer.
