This procedure enhances the size and improves the shape of a woman''s breast. It may enhance the body contour of a woman whose breast size is inadequate, create a balance between different breast sizes, correct a reduced breast volume after pregnancy, or reconstruct a breast following cancer surgery.
More women than ever before had breast augmentation surgery in 2000. Breast augmentation increased 476 percent since 1992, 42 percent since 1999.-The 2001 Report of the 2000 Procedural Statistics, American Society of Plastic Surgeons*
There are several kinds of breast implants. All implants have a silicone plastic shell, but are filled with either liquid silicone gel or a special saline (salt water) solution. Some implants have been modified to have a "balloon within a balloon" permitting some adjustments in size during surgery. Other implants have a textured surface presumably to encourage stronger bonding between the surrounding natural tissue and the implant, reducing the chance of an internal scarring. Your doctor should be conversant in the pros and cons of various implants for your specific needs.
There are several routes of insertion. The most direct way is through a curved incision in the crease between the breast and the chest, though many surgeons prefer to insert through a hidden incision, either around the nipple or through the armpit. Techniques have recently been developed for insertion of breast implants through a distant incision at the navel, although longevity and positioning may be problematic. Further, the implants may be placed at different levels Some surgeons place the implant directly under the breast tissue, others beneath the chest wall muscle.
The route of insertion and location of the incisions are not as important as how symmetrical and centered the breasts are after the procedure. Typically, the operation is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Surface stitches, if used, are removed within seven to ten days. Compression dressings may be used for several days and minor soreness is controlled with pain medication. Body incisions tend to take a bit longer to heal than incisions of the face and neck. Scars may be firm and pink for six weeks. After several months they fade and become rather inconspicuous.
At the beginning of my shift, I placed a stethoscope on an elderly and slightly deaf female patient''s anterior chest wall. "Big breaths," I instructed."Yes, they used to be," the patient said sadly.
-Doctors Have Good Sories Too, from Dr. S. Schrader, via Dr. H.A.W. Kriger
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