breast augmentation
The decision to undergo breast enhancement surgery is very personal. Our cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Nikko, and the specialists at Nikko Cosmetic Surgery Center are presenting the following breast augmentation information so that you can make an informed decision about your cosmetic procedure. Learn about types of breast implants, breast implants incision sites and the placement of breast implants. Please contact us for consultation so that we can help you set realistic goals and determine what breast augmentation choices are the most suitable for you!
types of breast implants...
Breast implants are artificial medical devices that will eventually need to be replaced at some point in your life. They come in variety of shapes, surface textures and sizes and all breast implants have a shell and a filling material. The shell is usually made of silicone elastomer with the exception of polypropylene implants which are silicon free. Based on the filling material, types of breast implants available are:
- Saline Breast implants - filled with a sterile saltwater solution. This is the most common form of breast implant and these implants can be either pre-filled or filled after being placed. The incision made for breast augmentation surgery is much smaller since the breast implant is filled after the surgery is complete. Saline breast implants are available in different shapes and textures:
- Contoured (anatomical) - shaped like a teardrop - some women prefer this type of breast implants because they mimic the natural shape of the breast. The breast pocket is carefully made to prevent an implant from rotating thus distort the shape of the breast. The shell of these breast implants is textured to decrease the chance of capsular contracture.
- Tradition (round) - shaped like a globe - some women prefer this type of breast implants because they can rotate within the breast pocket without distorting the shape of the breast. The shell of these implants is smooth so that the breast implant can freely move within breast pocket.
- Silicone Breast implants - filled with a silicone gel. The size of the incision made for breast augmentation surgery is larger to accommodate the size of the pre-filled implant.
FDA approved use of saline breast implants is nowadays perceived as the safer choice offering a smaller chance of capsular contracture than silicone breast implants. Capsular contraction is when the scar tissue surrounding the implant begins to squeeze around it, tightening and leading the breast to begin hardening. However, after reintroducing silicone gel to the American market, the major benefit of silicone breast implants is that it feels and looks more natural than saline. After discussing all the choices of breast implants, your cosmetic surgeon will assist you in determining what is the best for you.
