Monthly Archives: February 2012

Silicone or Saline Breast Implants

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Be informed about your options

In 2008, over 300,000 women had breast augmentation surgery. Once women have decided that breast augmentation is right for them, they will need to decide whether they want silicone or saline implants. There are benefits and drawbacks to both options, and women need to give serious thought to their choice.

Silicone implants

Though silicone implants cost about $1,000 more than saline implants, many women choose this option. The biggest advantage of implants over saline is that this type of implant is smoother and softer, feeling more like a real breast.

Because of concerns about leaking silicone, silicone breast implants were taken off the market in 1992. In late 2006, the Food and Drug Administration declared silicone implants to be safe. The FDA based its decision on clinical studies and the verdict of scientists about the safety of the implant. Even so, the FDA suggests that women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery get an MRI after three years to check for leakage, and every other year after that. Since an MRI costs up to $2,000, that amount needs to be added to the cost of silicone implants.

Another “caveat” of the FDA’s decision to approve silicone implants was that manufacturers of implants monitor patients for ten years. In 2011, two major manufacturers admitted that they lost track of thousands of women.

Complications with silicone implants include hardening of the breast, wrinkled/lopsided implants, scarring, pain and infection. It is estimated that up to one-half of women with silicone implants will need additional surgeries or have the implants removed within the first decade. Removal of implants can result in deformed breasts, which is a terrible thing for any woman to endure, but especially for those who are concerned about the attractiveness of their breasts.

Saline implants

Saline breast implants are filled with salt water, which is absorbed by the body should there be a leak. Saline implants are filled after they are implanted, and this results in a smaller incision than what is needed for the silicone implant. Also, saline implants may be adjusted after surgery: doctors can use a syringe to add or remove liquid. There is no way to adjust silicone implants after surgery.

Though saline implants have some advantages over silicone implants, many people feel that the implant is inferior to the silicone: they say that saline implants feel like water balloons. Yet, with improved surgical techniques–such as placing the saline implant behind the chest muscle and overfilling it a bit—the problems with saline implants may be mitigated. And, while many women say the silicone implant is better than the saline because it feels more “natural,” many men say that breasts filled with silicone implants can feel like bags full of wet sand.

Discuss options with a plastic surgeon

Women who have decided to surgically augment their breasts need to discuss all their options with a qualified plastic surgeon. They need to keep in mind that, since silicone implants were off the market for 14 years, many plastic surgeons may not have experience with silicone implants.

Women choose breast augmentation in the belief that the procedure will enhance the look and feel of their breasts. However, the decision should not be made lightly—it is, after all, surgery. Women who have decided on this path need to talk about their options with a plastic surgeon who is experienced with the type of implant chosen.

Breast Implants Doctor

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If you are looking for a Chicago Breast Implants Doctor then it should not be too hard to find as Chicago is home to one of the largest cosmetic surgery schools in the U.S. Because of this and some other relative factors, Chicago is one of the best place in the world to find a breast implant doctor. Chicago breast implant doctors participate in many of the breast enhancement surgeries and implant operations in the Chicago area. These board certified surgeons have earned a worldwide reputation for excellence in the results of their surgeries and have had the largest number of satisfied patients due to the very natural looking results.

Millions of Americans undergo procedures designed to change the shape, size, and appearance of the breasts. While the majority of these procedures deal with the adding and removal of implants, breast lift operations are also very popular. Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is designed to raise the position of the breasts and give them a firmer and more youthful appearance. Many women choose to have this procedure done in combination with adding implants, but it can also be used for women who are happy with the size and shape of the breasts, and just want to give them a little lift.

The typical patient seeking this procedure is a woman between the ages of 35-55, and many seek the lift procedure after having children or losing a great deal of weight, or simply as a result of the natural aging process. One explanation as to why women within this specific age group apply for surgery is more down to the fact that by the age of 35 many women are established in their careers and have the excess cash to undergo these procedures. This suggests that if more women under 35 had more disposable income, they would also undergo some breast enhancements. Younger women that do choose to have the lift usually do so along with having an augmentation procedure done.

The breast lift is not a very complicated procedure and it is normally performed under a general anesthetic. This means that patients must be in good general health and be able to tolerate any side effects of anesthesia in order to undergo the procedure.

The process that is used involves a series of small incisions that allows the Chicago breast implant doctor to vary, precisely reshape, boost, and tighten the skin. The Chicago breast implant doctor will also be able to correct any abnormalities in the shape or the appearance of the breast tissue. After the procedure is performed, the patient will be sent home from the hospital within one or two days, according to her condition. Sometimes a Chicago breast implant doctor will perform lifts on an outpatient basis, while others choose to keep patients under observation  before sending them home.

Recovery may include swelling, pain, and a general lethargy for the first 3-5 days following the surgery. It is therefore advised that clients take 10-14 days off from work for the recovery procedure. Patients should also avoid any heavy lifting, including caring for small children, forego any exercise and pass up on sexual activity.