Breast Augmentation 101: Implants

 

Have you been thinking about breast augmentation? Here’s everything you need to know about the implants used in today’s enhancement procedures.

The Types of Implants

There are two main types of materials used for breast implants: silicone and saline.

Silicone

By far the most common type of implant used in modern augmentation procedures is made with silicone gel. In fact, of the more than 300,000 breast enhancement surgeries performed in the U.S. in 2017, an incredible 87 percent of them used silicone. The main reason for this is because the current generation of silicone implants offers a more realistic feel that resembles natural breast tissue. Silicone implants are FDA approved for use in women over the age of 22. Available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, silicone implants give you added flexibility when choosing the look and feel of your breast augmentation.

Saline

Another alternative for your breast augmentation is saline. The use of this type of implant has drastically declined over the last several years due to silicone’s rise in popularity. In contrast to its counterpart, just 13 percent of all augmentations last year were performed with saline implants. Despite the decline, saline still has some advantages. They’re FDA-approved for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes in women over the age of 18. Saline implants are inserted empty and then filled to the desired fullness and firmness with a sterile salt water solution once they are in place. Not only does this allow for a smaller incision, but it also gives Dr. Will the ability to adjust the implants following implantation to achieve the proper size, shape, and symmetry.

Choosing the Right Implant

It’s not just the implant type that determines which option is best for you. Dr. Will will also take into account several other factors when preparing for augmentation surgery. Of course cup size is the standard benchmark most women think about, but instead of just focusing on the perfect cup, Dr. Will understands that it’s important to address the overall impact breast enhancement will have on your figure as a whole. The size and shape of your chest, rib cage, and current breast size will all play a part in deciding the appropriate implant.

Living with Your New Implants

Now that you’ve chosen suitable implants and gone through the procedure, there are a few things to remember. While complications following breast surgery are rare, you may experience some changes going forward. Your nipples could become more or less sensitive following surgery. You may also find that your regular mammogram can be a bit more complicated as breast implants can sometimes interfere and obscure x-ray images, making it more challenging to determine if any cancer is present. As an extra safeguard, the FDA also recommends routine MRI scans every two years for silicone implant patients, starting three years after their initial surgery.

Find the Right Implants for You at Will Surgical Arts

Let Dr. Will enhance your figure with a breast augmentation! Please contact Will Surgical Arts in Ijamsville today. Our cosmetic surgery practice is also conveniently located for residents of Frederick, MD and the Washington, DC metro area. Call (301) 874-1707 for more information and to schedule your preliminary consultation.