Breast Implants
Breast implants provide an excellent way to enhance the size, contour, and lift of a woman's breasts. However, there are several factors to consider before undergoing a breast enlargement procedure, such as the shape and texture of the implants, implant size and type, and the methods for placing breast implants. If you are considering breast enhancement surgery, the surest way to achieve results that will bring you satisfaction for years to come is to learn about the many different kinds of breast implants and placement methods. Next, you must select a surgeon with credentials, experience and an excellent track record.
To learn more about breast implants at a glance, check out our breast augmentation video featuring plastic surgeons who have performed the procedure, as well as patient testimonials.
Breast Implant Shapes
Round and teardrop breast implants are the two shapes used for breast enlargement. Many women select round breast implants because they add the most lift and proportion. However, more and more women are choosing teardrop-shaped implants, also known as contoured breast implants, because these women desire the most natural-looking breast enlargement possible. Learn more about breast implant shapes and how they are used to augment breast shape and size.
Breast Implant Textures
The surface texture of breast implants can be either smooth or textured. Smooth-surfaced breast implants are used in most breast enlargement surgeries because they are softer, have a reduced risk of rippling, and cost less than textured implants. However, the sandpaper-like surface of textured breast implants helps maintain vertical alignment, a desired trait for breast enlargement with teardrop-shaped implants. Learn more about the different breast implant textures and their advantages and disadvantages.
Breast Implant Sizes
Breast implants are available in a variety of sizes, from small (125cc) to very large (1200cc). Women who desire a perky, more youthful breast contour are better served by choosing a more conservative implant size. Women whose primary objective is breast enlargement will achieve the best results with larger breast implants. Learn about small breast implants and large breast implants and how different sizes help women achieve their breast enhancement goals.
Breast Implant Types
A Food and Drug Administration moratorium on silicone breast implants instituted in 1992 caused saline implants to be used almost exclusively for breast enlargement procedures in the United States for many years. At that time, the FDA felt there was not enough evidence to indicate that silicone implants were totally safe. However, in November 2006 the FDA once again allowed silicone breast implants for general use, concluding that there was no connection between the implants and the systemic diseases many suspected they caused. Cohesive silicone gel implants, also known as “gummy bear implants,” exhibit superior “shape memory” and a very realistic consistency, but have not yet been approved for general use by the FDA. However, clinical trials are currently being conducted to determine their safety and effectiveness. Learn more about saline breast implants, silicone breast implants, cohesive silicone gel breast implants, and the benefits and downsides of each type.
Breast Enlargement Surgical Techniques: Incision Location
The location of the incisions through which breast implants are placed is a very important consideration in breast enlargement surgery. While the surgeon's goal is to make the incisions as inconspicuous as possible, the size, shape, and type of breast implants used and each patient's unique body structure play a role in determining incision location. Learn more about the four incision techniques used for placement of breast implants: the inframammary fold incision, the areola incision, the transaxillary incision, and the navel incision.
Breast Enlargement Surgical Techniques: Implant Placement
Breast implants placed under the pectoral muscle can provide a more natural look but require more extensive surgery and a longer, more painful recovery. Subglandular placement of breast implants for breast enlargement is easily accomplished and allows quicker recovery, but the results may not look as natural. Learn more about submuscular placement and subglandular placement of breast implants and the pros and cons of each method.
Locate a Plastic Surgeon in Your Area through DocShop
Breast augmentation with breast implants has become one of cosmetic surgery's most popular procedures. As techniques are refined and the cost of breast enlargement surgery becomes more affordable (especially with convenient financing options), more and more women are choosing to enhance their breast size with breast implants. This treatment is not exclusively for young women. Today, women in their 40s and 50s are also taking advantage of breast implants. By discussing your personal hopes and goals with a reputable plastic surgeon, you can determine a plan to enhance your bust line, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful new figure and boosted self-esteem. If you are considering breast enlargement surgery, use DocShop's convenient listings to locate a highly qualified cosmetic surgeon in your area who can help you achieve your goals.
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