Are you unhappy or feel inadequate about the shape or size of your breasts? Perhaps you have had to have a breast removed due to a medical condition such as cancer and are feeling the pain of it. For these reasons, there are many people in our society who are considering breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery. This is a very personal decision. So today, we will talk about this topic of Breast Implants for you, simply and in detail, as if you were talking to a friend.
Simply put, what are breast implants?
Breast Implants are artificial devices (prostheses) that are surgically inserted into your breasts. Think of them as small bags. The outer covering of these bags is made of silicone. However, these bags are divided into two types depending on what is filled inside.
1. Silicone gel-filled implants: These have a thick, sticky gel inside.
2. Saline-filled implants: These contain sterile salt water.
This surgery is performed by plastic surgeons. It can be used to reconstruct a breast (Breast Reconstruction) for someone who has lost a breast due to cancer, or to change the shape or size of their breasts (Breast Augmentation) for someone who is healthy.
Why does someone decide to get breast implants?
There can be several reasons for this. It is often a matter of one's self-confidence and happiness.
- To increase breast size: Some people may feel that their breasts are small in size.
- To restore the previous size: After childbirth, due to weight loss, or with aging, the size and shape of the breasts can change. Some people resort to this to restore their previous appearance.
- To correct asymmetry between the breasts: Some people's breasts are not the same. It is normal for there to be slight differences in size or shape. But sometimes this difference can be so large that it is noticeable. In such cases, this surgery helps to bring the breasts together to look the same.
- After a Mastectomy: This is a great way for a woman who has had to have one or both breasts removed due to cancer or another serious medical condition to regain her feminine appearance and become mentally strong.
- To increase self-confidence: Some people make this decision to increase the self-confidence and mental well-being that come from being happy with their body's appearance.
Types of implants and how they feel/look
It is very important to choose the implant that best suits you. Your doctor will help you with this. Let's take a look at the main types.
| Characteristic | Silicone Implants | Saline Implants |
|---|---|---|
| Inside | Silicone gel | Sterilized salt water (Saline) |
| How it feels to the touch | It feels very similar to natural breast tissue, soft and supple. | It may feel a bit stiff and may not feel as natural as silicone. |
| Approved age (FDA) | Usually for people over 22 years old. | Usually for people over 18 years old. |
| In case of a rupture (Rupture) | Because the gel stays inside (silent rupture), it may not be visible from the outside. | As the implant deflates, the breast size quickly decreases and becomes visible. The body absorbs the saline. |
The shape and surface of the implant
The outer covering (shell) of the implant also comes in two types.
- Smooth covers: These are smooth to the touch and have more movement, like a natural breast.
- Textured covers: These have a surface that resembles the rough side of a sponge. This roughness helps the implant adhere to the breast tissue, reducing its rotation or movement.
Also, there are two types based on shape.
- Round implants: These give a fuller look to the upper part of the breast.
- Teardrop-shaped implants: These are thin on top and fuller on the bottom, similar to the shape of a natural breast.
It is extremely important to discuss with your doctor which type best suits your body, the amount of breast tissue available, and the look you want.
The surgical procedure
1. Before surgery
Your doctor will examine you carefully to determine if you are a good fit. Your body must be fully developed. You must also be in good physical and mental health. The doctor may ask you questions like:
- Why do you want to have this surgery?
- What are your hopes?
- Is this decision being made at the insistence of a husband, partner, or friend?
The doctor will help you choose the right implant size by measuring your height, weight, and shoulder width. Sometimes, you will be given the opportunity to place sample implants (sizers) under your clothes and look at them in a mirror to get an idea of the size that will suit you.
2. During surgery
This surgery is performed under general anesthesia , which means you are put to sleep so that you don't feel any pain.
While you are asleep, a small incision is made in a place where the scar is not very visible and the implant is inserted. There are several places where this incision is made:
- Periareolar: The border of the colored area around the nipple.
- Inframammary: In the fold where the breast joins the chest.
- Transaxillary: From the armpit area.
After the incision is made, the implant is placed either under your chest muscle (submuscular) or above the muscle, under the glandular breast tissue (subglandular).
3. After surgery
After the surgery, your breasts will be covered with a special bra or bandage. You will be woken up from the anesthesia and transferred to a recovery room where you will be closely monitored. You may feel some breast tenderness and tightness when you wake up. After a few hours of observation, you will be allowed to go home. It is essential to have a family member or friend to take care of you and take you home for the first 24 hours.
Benefits, risks, and recovery time
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Advantages |
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| Risks |
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| Recovery |
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The important thing is that implants are not something that lasts a lifetime . They usually need to be replaced or removed after about 10 years. So, keep in mind that you may have to undergo multiple surgeries throughout your life.
It is very important to continue to have regular check-ups after your surgery. If you experience any changes, pain, or problems, let your doctor know right away .
Take-Home Message
- Getting breast implants is a very personal and serious decision. Please think carefully about it.
- Always choose only an experienced, qualified plastic surgeon for this.
- Talk openly with your doctor about the type (Silicone/Saline), shape, and size of implant that best suits your body and expectations.
- Be well aware of the benefits of this surgery, as well as the short-term and long-term risks.
- Understand that implants are not something that lasts a lifetime and that re-surgery may be necessary in the future.
- Your expectations should be realistic. Make decisions with a realistic understanding of the outcome after surgery.
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