These procedures are offered by the Board Certified Plastic Surgeons
of
SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS PLASTIC & HAND SURGERY
CALL FREE (877) 408-6655 OR E-MAIL INFO@SWIPLASTICSURGERY.COM
MICHAEL E. BEATTY, M.D., F.A.C.S. KHASH A. DEHGHAN, M.D., PhD., F.A.C.S.
Located in the rapid growth Southwestern Illinois metropolitan area and just 15 Miles East of the Arch and downtown St. Louis. Specifically, North of I-270 on Rt. 157 in Edwardsville, Illinois.
FOR DEFINITIVE INFORMATION ON IMPLANT SAFETY, VISIT
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Two different circumstances most
frequently create an interest in surgical breast enlargement. The
first involves congenital underdevelopment of, or an imbalance in, the
amount of naturally existing breast tissues relative to the other body
measurements such as hip circumference and height. In this instance,
there may be problems with breast asymmetry or shape deformities.
The second situation is caused by a loss of breast volume with breast
asymmetry or shape deformities. The second situation is caused by a
natural loss of breast volume which follows a large weight loss or the
child-bearing years. The breast often takes on a collapsed or
deflated appearance and clothing no longer fits as nicely through the
chest.
Surgical augmentation of the breast is accomplished by using an artificial implant that is placed beneath the breast tissues. Breast implants are medical devices with a solid silicone , rubber shell . The implant shell may be filled with either saline solution (sterile salt water) or elastic silicone gel. Both saline and silicone gel breast implants are approved by the U.S. Food and drug Administration (FDA). Approval means that an implant has been rigorously researched and tested, and reviewed by an independent panel of physicians for safety. The size of the breast implant is measured in cubic centimeters (cc's) based on the volume of the saline or silicone filler. Breast implants vary both by filler and in size, but there are additional features to consider: TEXTURE: The implant shell may be smooth or textured. SHAPE: the implant may have a round profile or one that is anatomic (teardrop or tapered shape). PROFILE: the implant may have a low, medium, or high projection ( the depth of the implant from the base to the highest point of the implant curve). DIAMETER: the width of the implant measured across its base ( the side of the implant that will be positioned over the chest wall). During the initial consultation for breast augmentation, the physician and the patient use simulation to decide the amount of breast augmentation that best meets the patients needs. During the actual surgery, the implant is placed under the existing breast tissue or under the chest muscle , depending on the patient's pre-existing breast shape and size. The procedure can be done with local anesthetic and sedation or under general anesthesia. Scars are an unavoidable result of the incisions required to place breast implants, but generally are small and can be placed inconspicuously. In some cases, the implants can be placed with the aid of a lighted rod called an endoscope, which permits even smaller incisions and scars. Incision placement is influenced by such factors as apparel preferences and implant placement. The surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis. Some discomfort arises from the stretching of breast tissues, but it is largely resolved within two to three days and is well-controlled with medications. Patients should not wear blouses or brassieres until the sutures are removed seven to ten days postoperatively. Patients generally return to work within one week, but should avoid exertional activities over the three to four weeks required for bruising and swelling to resolve. Postoperative complications include blood accumulation or infection adjacent to the implant. Both problems occur infrequently, but can necessitate a second operation or temporary removal of the implant. Because implants are a medical device, they can fail at any point after implantation. This is uncommon, but it would require implant replacement surgery because leaking would cause the involved breast to shrink to the preoperative size. Some patients develop a firm layer of scar tissue around their implants which can make the breast hard to the touch or painful. Called "capsular contracture", this can cause the breast contour to be asymmetrical and may require a secondary procedure for improvement. Nipple sensation can be increased or decreased by the procedure. Although this is almost always temporary, it can be permanent. Most patients are able to breast-feed following augmentation. Breast implants do cause some interference with the ability of mammography to detect early breast cancers. This is an important consideration that patients should discuss with a physician, particularly patients with a first-degree relative who has had breast cancer. All augmented patients need to inform their radiologist of their implants so the screening technique can be favorably modified. Despite these limitations, approximately two million women are estimated to have undergone breast enlargement surgery. The overwhelming majority are satisfied with the results. I UNDERSTAND AND I WANT A FREE CONSULT TO FINALIZE MY ACTION
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