Fri 29 Jul 2011
Many women choose to go through breast augmentation for various reasons. Some women may choose to have breast augmentation because they feel that it will enhance their appearance, while others choose to have it either for reconstructive purposes, or for very personal reasons. Breast augmentation is quite popular, and even though breast implants have attracted such controversies, the number of people undergoing the procedure is steadily growing over the years.
Saline and silicone implants are the two kinds of implants approved by the FDA in the United States. Both saline and silicone implants are in fact covered by a silicone outer shell, nonetheless the difference lies on what is inside each type of implant. Saline implants are filled with saline, while silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. Silicone gel implants can be likened to natural female breast tissues due to the fact it has viscosity, therefore it appears and feels like real breast tissue. Saline implants on the other hand, are firm and not compressible, and it has also been criticized for looking unnatural. However, advanced medical techniques have lessened these complaints.
When you evaluate both implants in terms of safety, recent studies have shown that there are no substantial differences on both types of implants. But each kind of implant has its corresponding advantages and disadvantages. Breast implants are at risk for ruptures but when a saline implant ruptures, it may be less difficult to detect simply because the form of the breast can quickly change over a span of days. Saline, or salt water which has leaked from the implant, can also be easily and safely absorbed by the body.
A ruptured silicone implant on the other hand, is more tricky to notice and detect. When the implant breaks, the silicone can leak and distribute outside the breasts, and into distant lymph nodes. Silicone gel implant ruptures may also not be detected through mammogram alone, and a MRI or magnetic resonance imaging is still needed to determine the rupture. Through MRI, medical practitioners can also check whether or not silicone has leaked outside of the scar tissue or not.
Although a silicone leak may sound alarming, studies have not shown that silicone leaks can result in increased risk of disease. However, your physician will still advise the removal of the implant, as well as any loose silicone. Because a rupture of a silicone implant may not present any signs or symptoms, the FDA recommends that women with these implants need to get a MRI, 3 years after the operation. After that, a woman must get a MRI once every two years. The price of getting these diagnostic tests over the years ought to be considered because your insurance may not cover the expenses.
Many people may also be concerned of the platinum content of silicone implants. However, studies have not found platinum content in breast implants to present any health hazards. With regards to the surgical procedure involved, saline implants need only a little incision simply because the implants are filled only once they are implanted. Silicone implants on the other hand, need a bigger incision during surgical procedure simply because they are pre-filled. After implantation, many saline implants can also be adjusted according to a woman’s preference, without any further surgery. To adjust the size of a saline implant, a medical doctor can just insert a needle to aspirate, or put in some more fluid depending on the preferred outcome.
The age restrictions on both implants are also different, but if the objective of the operation is reconstructive, females at any age are allowed to get either of the two kinds. For the purpose of augmentation, saline implants are authorized for females 18 years old and above, while silicone implants are authorized only once a lady reaches 22 years of age. These limitations are made, with the consideration of the various hazards, associated with each type of implant. In the end, the physician is your best ally in arriving at the decision on which implant is very best for you.
Before you decide to have breast augmentation, it is best that you go over thoroughly with your physician the aspects on what it means to have breast implants, and how it can have an effect on your long term plans. If later on you decide to have children, you may need to think twice before having the procedure done. There are studies that have revealed that women with implants may have problems with breastfeeding, or they may even be unable to breastfeed. A common issue is the lack of milk supply amongst women with implants. Talk about with your doctor your concerns so that you can have an informed choice.
You also need to go over risks such as implant rupture, the need for more surgery, capsular contracture, breast pain, and decreased sensation of the breasts and nipples. In order to make a sound choice, you need to be totally aware of the health hazards involved. Let your medical doctor know your concerns so that he will address the issues accordingly. Understanding what you are getting yourself into is a good way of making sure that you are in it for the long run.
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