Breast augmentation - mammoplasty Continued
How Breast Augmentation Works
Breast implants are small pillows, usually made of silicone, that are filled with saline or silicone gel. Choosing between the two types depends largely on the patient and the surgeon, but silicone gel implants are not yet approved by the FDA.
Breast augmentation is a serious surgery and should not be taken lightly. Usually done under general anesthesia, an incision is made either in the crease of the breast, at the nipple, or in the armpit through which the implant can be placed. Some surgeons will place the implant directly behind breast tissue, while others will place it behind chest muscles. This is another issue that should be discussed ahead of time with the surgeon, as there are benefits and drawbacks to both.
After the surgery, there will be some soreness and grogginess from the anesthesia. However, patients are usually up within 48 hours and should refrain from doing any heavy activities for a period of time as advised by the surgeon. Swelling will subside fully in three to five weeks, and scars are usually minimally visible after a few months.
Risks of Breast Augmentation
There are several risks that every patient considering breast augmentation surgery should consider. The most common problem is capsular contracture, when scar tissue forms around the implant and begins to tighten. This can not only cause the breast to feel hard, but cause discomfort and even visible deformity.
Bleeding can occur around the surgery site and excessive bleeding will need to be controlled, occasionally with a second surgery. Infection can also develop around an implant, and often requires the implant to be removed to give the infection time to resolve.
While there is anecdotal evidence of nipples becoming oversensitive, undersensitive, or numb, these symptoms usually resolve on their own. However, some patients have reported permanent changes in sensation and this is a risk that every patient should be aware of.
Perhaps one of the most serious risks of breast augmentation is the breast implant breaking or leaking. Saline breast implants will naturally deflate and the salt water will be absorbed into the body with minimal effect, but the rupture of a silicone gel implant is much more problematic. If this occurs, a second surgery is almost always required.
By Kira Lee
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