For years, women have enjoyed the new self-confidence that comes with breast augmentation surgery.  Breast augmentation offers a relatively safe way for women to change the body feature that, for many, defines femininity.  Each woman has her own reasons for breast augmentation: underdeveloped breasts and the changes in breast size that come with pregnancy and breastfeeding are two of the most common reasons.  Undergoing the procedure can enable and empower women to wear new styles of clothing and to be proud of their figures.  Because no two women are alike, breast augmentation surgery must be individualized for each woman, taking into account her body architecture, goals, and expectations. 

The breast implant itself must be selected by each woman and her doctor.  There are different shapes and textures available, and, perhaps most important to the final result, implants can be filled with one of two substances: saline or silicone.  Saline and silicone implants both have their advantages: in general, silicone implants feel more natural than saline implants, because the consistency of silicone is more similar to natural breast tissue.  Silicone implants must be filled to their final size before insertion into the breast, however, requiring a larger incision in some cases.  Saline implants, on the other hand, can be inserted through smaller incisions.  The incisions can be placed around the nipple (periareolar), under the breast (inframammary), or in the armpit (transaxillary). Also, saline implants can be filled after insertion into the breast, giving the surgeon the flexibility and control to change the final size of the breast during surgery according to the patient’s desires.  Some saline implants can be adjusted in size post-operatively.

For many years, saline implants were the only option for women in the United States.  The FDA halted the use of silicone breast implants in cosmetic breast augmentation in 1991 due to safety concerns, the result of reported connections between ruptured silicone implants and higher rates of connective tissue diseases and cancer.  (All breast implants can occasionally rupture due to chest trauma, breast compression during a mammogram, or incidental rupturing).  When a saline implant ruptures, the saline is harmlessly reabsorbed by your body.  A saline implant rupture is almost immediately noticeable, too, due to changes in the size and shape of the breast with the ruptured implant.  A silicone implant rupture, however, can be “silent” and is generally contained completely within the tissue pocket created for the implant. 

Nevertheless, silicone implants continued to be used in women for reconstructive breast surgery, and the companies that make breast implants, Allergan Corp. and Mentor Corp., continued extensive research into silicone implants.  In 2006, silicone implants were fully approved by the FDA for use in cosmetic breast augmentation in women age 22 and over, and for use in breast reconstruction in women of all ages, and both Allergan and Mentor are continuing ten-year follow-up studies in thousands of women to gather information about the safety and effectiveness of these implants.

The moratorium on silicone implants in the U.S., while decreasing women’s options, did yield a wealth of research and knowledge about the operative and post-operative success and risks of silicone implants.  In a news release announcing the re-introduction of silicone implants, the FDA Director of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Daniel Schultz, issued a statement expressing his confidence in their safety after thorough testing: “The silicone breast implant is one of the most extensively studied medical devices.  We now have a good understanding of what complications can occur and at what rates.”

Since silicone implants were re-introduced as an option, thousands of women have been very satisfied with the results.  The advances in technology continue: the new ‘partially-cohesive’ silicone implant is made to contain the silicone and prevent it from spreading through the body if an implant ruptures.  Due to their unfailing popularity, breast implants are being continuously improved to give women the safest, most comfortable, and most successful options.

In summary, here are a few things you might want to think about if you’re considering breast augmentation: 

Factors To Consider:

• Breast augmentation surgery is a great way to boost your self-confidence.  You’ll find it easier to wear certain styles of clothing and take pride in the way you look.
• Your breasts may have changed due to childbearing and breastfeeding.  Breast augmentation is becoming an increasingly popular option for mothers who want to restore the size and shape of their breasts. 
• Breast implants are not lifetime devices and you will likely need additional surgeries on her breasts or implant replacements at least once over her lifetime.
• If you do opt for silicone implants, you may need regular MRI screenings over your lifetime to determine if “silent” rupture (rupture with no outward signs) has occurred, beginning three years after the initial implant surgery and continuing every two years after.
• Numerous health and cosmetic risks accompany breast augmentation surgery.  Make sure you’re aware of the risks and possible side effects of breast augmentation.  
• Breast implants may make mammography more difficult. 

Questions to Ask:

• What do I want my breasts to look like?
• What will I be comfortable with?
• How will this change my daily activities or wardrobe?
• If I’m considering losing a significant amount of weight, should I get implants now or later?
• What are the risks and benefits of saline and silicone? 
• If I opt for silicone, am I willing to have MRI tests to scan for ruptured implants?
• What if I want to get pregnant or breastfeed?
• Am I prepared to have to undergo more than one procedure?
• What is the best time to have surgery, and how long are the recovery rates?

Every woman’s body is different and the needs of each woman vary.  If you’re considering breast augmentation, schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Ethridge to discuss your questions and decide what’s right for you.  Knowing your goals and setting realistic expectations are an important point of departure as you journey toward a good plastic surgery outcome.

If you would like to learn more please give us a call.