Breast Implants

Women wishing to enhance the size, contour, and lift of their breasts can find an excellent solution in breast implants. Though breast augmentation is one of safest and most popular cosmetic surgery procedures, there are many factors a woman must consider before undergoing the procedure. These factors include the shape of the implants, the texture, the material that the breast implant will contain, and the method of placement. For anyone considering breast augmentation, the most certain way to achieve satisfying, long-lasting results is to educate yourself about the varieties 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

Breast implants can be teardrop-shaped or round. Round breast implants are desirable by many women because they provide the greatest amount of lift and proportion. Teardrop-shaped implants, also known as contoured breast implants, gaining popularity among women who desire very natural-looking breast enhancement. Learn more about breast implant shapes and how they are used to augment breast shape and size.

 

Breast Implant Textures

Breast implants can be smooth or textured. Smooth-surfaced implants are used most frequently because they are softer, do not ripple as easily as textured implants, and cost less. But textured breast implants, which feature a sandpaper-like surface, help keep breasts vertically aligned. This makes textured surfaces especially effective when applied to teardrop-shaped implants. Learn more about the different breast implant textures and their advantages and disadvantages.

Breast Implant Sizes

There is a wide range of breast implant sizes. They can be small (125cc) or very large (1200cc). Women who want to achieve a youthful, perky bust line achieve the most satisfaction with conservative implant sizes. Women desiring a voluptuous bust line 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

Silicone breast implants were unavailable in the United States for many years following a 1992 moratorium instituted by the Food and Drug Administration, causing saline implants to be used almost exclusively. The FDA determined there was insufficient evidence to prove that silicone breast         implants were absolutely safe. But in November 2006, the FDA deemed silicone breast implants safe for general use, after it was determined 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

It is very important to give careful consideration to the location of the incisions through which breast implants are placed during breast enlargement surgery. The surgeon will attempt to make the incisions resulting in inconspicuous scars, but the shape, size, and variety of breast implants used--and each patient's individual body frame--are factors in determining the location of incisions. 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

A more natural look is achieved when breast implants are placed under the pectoral muscle. However, the surgery required is more involved, and the recovery time is longer and more painful. Subglandular placement of breast implants is accomplished more easily. The recovery time is quicker, but the results often do not look as natural. Learn more about 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 enhancement with breast implants is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the world. As methods of breast enlargement become more sophisticated and the cost of the surgery becomes more economical, a growing number of women choose to increase the size of their breasts with 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 expectations and goals with a qualified plastic surgeon, you can create a plan to achieve the bust line you have always wanted, giving you the opportunity to enjoy an attractive new figure and increased 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.