Breast Implant for Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty is surgery conducted on breast in order to enlarge or reduce their sizes. The surgery is conducted by placing a silicone implant behind each breast. Saline implants too are used for this procedure. In most cases, cohesive silicone gel implants are preferred as they appear and feel to be more natural. These implants come in circular as well as in ‘teardrop’ shape. They are also available with respect to the profile, ranging from low to moderate to high. The implants are placed by making an incision. The incisions are made either under the breast, or near the areola or in the armpits. With this incision, a space or a pocket is created for the implants to be inserted. The implants are inserted either behind the breast tissue or behind the breast muscle.

The patient has to wear a surgical bra post implant surgery. Although complications are rarely registered, common among them are sensory changes, collection of serous fluid or blood or implant malposition. Infections are also seen to have occurred in the post-surgery phase, although the infection rate is less than 1%. Antibiotic dosage for a brief period of time resolves the infection. If persisted, the implants are removed and reinserted once the infection subsides. In the post-surgery phase, heavy physical activity like involving arms and upper body is prescribed to be restricted for two to three weeks. At times, breast implant surgery may lead to capsular contracture, which results in tightening of scar tissue around the implants. This may culminate in tightness in breast with degree of fluctuation, resulting in pain and breast deformation. Surgeons prescribe exercise to avoid any degree of capsular contracture.

The only drawback that breast augmentation brings along with it is the techniques required for augmentation mammography that compromises the effectiveness of mammography to detect breast cancer in its early stages. However, surgeons discuss this and other possible issues with the patient before proceeding with the surgery. Other than this, no serious complications are associated with the augmentation mammography, having proven to be safe and secured regarding the breast functions such as feeding.