Breast implants are artificial prosthetics that are placed inside breasts during breast augmentation surgery to enhance their appearance. They are among the several determinants of the kind of results one would obtain after undergoing this surgery. We are aware that they exist in two types, saline and silicone breast implants, and that each one differs from the other in one way or the other. Both types of implants are made of an outer silicone shell, and they all function to provide desirable results. This article contains information about breast implants.
1. Implant Contents
From the basic knowledge, breast implants are of two types, silicone-gel implants, and saline implants. Saline implants are filled with a saline solution, otherwise referred to as sterile water that resembles saltwater, while silicone-gel implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel.
2. Implant Size
Breast implants are generally made of different sizes to serve a wide range of people. They range from the large ones to the middle ones, then finally the smaller ones. They are actually measured in cubic centimeters (cc). This means that the larger the volume, the larger the implant, and vice versa. The size of breast implants a person has is probably determined by their own preference, or by the surgeon’s preference from evaluation of your test results.
3. Implant Shape
Breast implants are either round or teardrop-shaped. Round breast implants are either saline or silicone-gel-filled. They are circular, uniform, and flat in appearance, such that they provide complete fullness, added cleavage, and lift to the breasts. They are seen as the best choice, especially for women who prefer a full upper portion of the breasts. The high profile round implants are more desirable as they project outwards more creating the full profile desired by most women. In addition, their probability to wrinkle, shift in position, or cause noticeable complications is less compared to teardrop-shaped implants.
Teardrop-shaped breast implants look and feel more natural. Unlike round breast implants, these can only be filled with silicone gel fluid. They are thinner at the top with a wider bottom that enables them to give patients more projection and fullness below the nipples. Teardrop shaped breast implants are the best choice for women who desire to correct mild sagging breasts since their shape fits this purpose.
4. Implant Surface
Breast implants can either have smooth or textured surfaces. Smooth surfaces are mostly associated with round-shaped breast implants. They are covered by a smooth outer shell, and provide a more natural look and feel. In most cases, smooth-surfaced breast implants may even last longer than textured breast implants. However, due to their smooth nature, they may slightly shift in position over time. Also, in case they rupture, it may be difficult to find out sooner.
Textured breast implants are covered by a rough outer shell. Often, they are common in teardrop-shaped breast implants. They have the habit of sticking to the body tissues which prevents them from shifting in position. Research shows that they have a very slight chance of causing capsular contracture, a complication that arises once the scar tissues start to harden around the implants. However, textured breast implants tend to look and feel firmer, which makes them less natural. Unlike smooth surfaced breast implants, they have a higher chance to develop wrinkles.
5. Implant Profile
The implant’s profile will determine the extent to which your breasts would project from your chest wall. There are three types: low profile, moderate profile, and high profile. Low-profile implants are mostly preferable for women with a wider body frame, especially those who desire smaller breasts. The moderate profile implants are the ones commonly used since they provide breasts with a full, rounded look. They are ideal for women medium-sized, although they could also work for women of other sizes. The high profile implants provide maximum front projection than low, and medium profile implants. They are advantageous such that when they rupture, it may not be noticeable compared to low and medium-profile implants.
6. Implant Insertion
Saline breast implants are positioned within the breasts empty first before they are filled once with saline fluid. Silicone-gel breast implants are filled first before they can be positioned within the breasts.
7. Implant Placement
Breast implants are placed inside a pocket created within the breasts. The pocket formed will depend on the incision made by the surgeon. Incisions could be inframammary, done under the breasts, transaxillary, done in the armpit, or periareolar, done around the nipple. Implant placement can be of two types: submuscular placement, or submammary placement. Submuscular placement involves implant placement under the pectoral muscle. This may be very painful, and recovery may take longer than expected. Submammary, also called sub glandular placement involves implant placement behind the breast tissue, and over the pectoral muscles.
Conclusion
Breast implants are useful and beneficial to a large number of people. As much as you would want to undergo breast augmentation surgery, knowing about the types there are isn’t enough. In addition to the content in this article, of importance to know about breast implants would be the risks involving them. Feel free to leave your comments, and our staff will get right back to you.
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