Breast Implants

Breast Implants Procedures in Scottsdale

Breast implants, augmentation, mammoplasty: an implant is placed under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle beneath the breast. An implant is a soft silicone shell filled with silicone gel or a saline (saltwater) solution. The procedure is done for cosmetic purposes or reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy or other procedure that requires breast reconstruction.

The surgery is done under a general anesthetic and on an out patient basis. Typically you will have an initial consultation with your surgeon and determine your desired outcome and what is possible with the current condition of your breasts. There are usually standard sizes to choose from so there may be a limitation to getting exactly the size of breast implants you desire. Most surgeons are as artistic as they are scientists and you will most often receive what you want.

To position the breast implant, an incision is made in the bottom crease of the breast, the armpit, or along the lower edge of the areola which is the colored area surrounding the nipple. The implant is inserted through the incision and may be placed under either the breast tissue or the chest muscle beneath the breast. Some doctors believe that putting the breast implant beneath the chest muscle lowers the risk for a condition called capsular contracture  or a hardening of tissue surrounding the breast implant and interferes less with mammography than when the breast implant is under the breast tissue but in front of the muscle. When you have a mammogram make sure to inform the technician of your breast implants and if they are under the muscle or skin. After the implant has been carefully adjusted to the correct shape and position, the incision is closed with stitches. Sometimes if the the implant is inserted under the muscle, it may be necessary to insert “expanders” whereby the surgeon inserts an expander under the muscle and then inflates it through a shunt for several weeks until the muscle has stretched before inserting the implant. This is not always done and is left to the discretion of the doctor and the physiology of the patient.

A breast lift may be done at the same time as the breast enlargement or breast implants. A breast lift can raise sagging or drooping breasts and elevate the nipple and areola. To lift the breasts, excess skin from the bottom of the breast and the area around the areola is removed. The remaining skin is then brought together, which tightens and raises the breast. Having both procedure at the same time, such as a breast lift and breast enlargement could increase  the risk of problems after the surgery. As you will read the complications with breast implants and breast lifts are few and minimal.

Breast Implants – After the surgery

Immediately after the surgery, the breasts are wrapped in an elastic bandage or supported by a special bra or sport bra, the stitches may be removed in 7 to 10 days. Wearing the sport bra can help with the swelling, as well as support the breasts as they heal.

Most women can resume their normal work but must avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to more vigorous exercise and activities after the breast implants.

You will have scars after breast enlargement surgery, but these are usually in well-concealed areas (such as the crease under the breast, the armpit, or the border of the areola). These procedures are designed to minimize scarring so that incisions are not easily detected. Scars usually fade after several months. Having a breast lift in addition to an enlargement leaves larger, more visible scars. the scars will never go away; however, if keyloids occur there are procedures for minimizing them. These keyloids are not a common complication.

Breast enlargement surgery can increase your breast size by one or more bra cup sizes. It can also reduce differences in size and shape between your breasts. Breast implants will not prevent the breasts from sagging as a result of future pregnancy, weight gain or loss, or aging. Noting can defy gravity and time, but we can set the clock back and slow it down a bit through plastic surgery.

Breast implants “may” make it harder to detect breast cancer on a mammogram. Other risks of getting breast implants include:
Capsular contracture. One of the most common problems caused by breast implants, this condition occurs when scar tissue around the implant hardens and begins to squeeze the implant. It can cause hardening of the breast tissue, rippling in the skin of the breast, and changes in the shape of the breast. It may also be painful. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove the scar tissue or replace the implant when capsular contracture develops.

Other complications include, loss of feeling in the nipples or breast tissue due to nerve damage. Often this is temporary, but it may be permanent in some women. Differences in size or shape of the breasts after surgery is another infrequent risk. Changes in the breast  implants.

Normal activity or an injury to the breast can damage the breast implants, causing it to leak, deflate, or rupture. Over time, the implant may harden, develop ripples, shift position, or change shape. Surgery may be needed to remove the breast implants and replace it if any of these changes occur. Breast implants may later need to be surgically removed or replaced if they leak, rupture, wrinkle, change shape, or develop other problems. It is likely that you will have to have a second surgery at some point. Saline breast implants rupture at a rate of 1% per year.

As a result of breast implants Infection can occur at any time, but it typically occurs during the first week after surgery. In some cases of infection, the implant may have to be removed for several months and then replaced. This is not common. Blood collection under the skin, or hematoma are also risks. For the most part breast implants are safe and the side effects are minimal and uncommon. Scottsdale breast implants, this is the site to visit for all the information and latest developments in cosmetic surgery. Read the complete article.

 disclaimer; this website is currently a personal blog and is not managed by a medical doctor; therefore, the information about breast implants should not be taken as authoritative.

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