Augmentation mammaplasty, or breast augmentation, is the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed today. In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently reported that there were more than 307,000 breast augmentation procedures performed in 2008. This is a 45% increase from the amount of procedures performed in 2000.
Interestingly, both saline and silicone implants were almost equally represented in the 2008 report: • 53% of patients chose saline implants • 47% of patients chose silicone implants
Dr. Joseph is proud to offer patients a wide variety of choices when it comes to breast augmentation. Choices such as:
• Saline or silicone implant fillers • Expandable or standard implants • Smooth or textured surfaces • Round or contoured shapes • Various implant sizes • Overfilling saline implants
This surgery is not something to be entered into lightly, and it is important to the entire staff at Park Avenue Plastic Surgery that each breast augmentation patient is fully aware of the different options available as well as the potential risks and complications associated with each option.
Some women believe that getting breast implants will solve many of their social problems and radically change their lives for the better. While it is true that breast augmentation can give women renewed feelings of self-confidence, there are physical complications that can arise as a result of the implants. Even under the skilled care of a qualified cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Joseph, there are potential risks associated with this surgical procedure.
Complications
Implant rupture is one of the most common complications of breast augmentation. Whether due to the normal lifespan of the implant, excessive pressure or other reasons, both silicone and saline implants can break and leak the gels or solutions into the body. This can lead to actual breast deflation, asymmetry, pain and other sensations or appearances.
A condition called capsular contracture is another common complication. In this situation the scar tissue around the implants begins to tighten, constricting the breast and hardening the implant. This can be a very painful condition that results in awkward implant appearances.
Other complications can include infections, breast wrinkling, breast unevenness and general disappointment with the overall breast appearance. Additional surgical operations or implant removal may be necessary to correct these problems.
Until recently, saline implants were the only options for women who wanted to enlarge or reconstruct their breasts. In the early 1990s the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned silicone implants because of the potential risks associated with undetected ruptures and other health problem concerns.
But now, thanks to the FDA's November 2006 approval, women again have the option to choose silicone. After extensive research, the FDA determined that silicone implants are safe and effective.
At Park Avenue Plastic Surgery in the Orlando area, we are proud to offer both silicone and saline implants to our patients. Dr. Brian Joseph will gladly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of silicone and saline implants, giving patients all of the information necessary to make an informed decision.
Silicone Implants
Silicone-filled implants have a very natural look and feel. However, implant ruptures are difficult to detect because the breast will not immediately deflate. The body can begin to form scar tissue around the silicone material, causing further pain or discomfort. Saline Implants
Implants filled with sterile saline (much like saltwater) can also be very aesthetically pleasing. A saline implant rupture is quickly evident, as the saline is absorbed back into the body and the breast deflates. One complication, rippling, is often more common with saline.
Breast augmentation can alter the way a woman feels about herself. Dr. Joseph is committed to expertly performing this procedure to help women achieve the bodies they desire. For a free breast enlargement consultation, please contact our office today.
