Breast Implants

Implants are divided into two groups according to the material they contain:

1 – Implants containing serum physiological: It contains a physiological saline (salt-water mixture) in a capsule made from a solid silicon, there are two types:

a) Ready-to-use Models: They are manufactured as the physiological saline solution is filled.
b) Inflatable models: They are produced as an empty silicone.
It is inflated with physiological saline after it is placed during the operation via a valve located on its wall. These implants are placed through the armpit and under the muscles from the nipple. These are applied to the patients whose breast tissue is relatively lesser, rib cage is natural, and who doesn’t want very large breasts.

2- Silicone-containing implants: There are two types according to the consistency of silicon:

a) Containing Gel silicone: Gel silicone is soft and fluid. Gel implants are inserted through the nipple and inframammary folds. They can be placed over the muscle and under the muscle. They are mostly preferred since gel silicone has a tissue-like consistency.
b) Containing cohesive silicone: This is the implant type that is produced with the latest technology. Since they have a more viscous consistency than gel silicone, it has no fluid property. Shape of the cohesive silicone is prepared according to the anatomical shape (drop breast) of the patient’s measurements and needs. When placed they give a natural breast image. Their greatest advantages are their ability to be placed in the desired shape (under or over the muscle and dual plan), to maintain their shape (form stability) and not to fold their contours.

Implant Shapes

1- Anatomic implants: They are in the shape of drops. Their shape is more harmonious with the natural shape of the breasts. They create a fuller appearance in the lower half of the breasts. The most suitable way to place such implants is the inframammary fold line.
2- Round implants: They are hemispherical. They create a fuller look in the upper half of the breasts. They are suitable for insertions from the areola and inframammary fold line.

Placement Locations of Implants

a) Under-Muscle Placement
b) Over-Muscle Placement
c) Dual plan
d) Subfacial plan

Surgeries bare risks.

Around the implant, a layer formed by the body may develop over time. This layer, known as a capsule, can compress the implant causing the asymmetric appearances of the breasts and causing them to harden and displaced. This risk is even lower in implants placed under the muscles.
This condition, known as contracture, can be treated in various ways and sometimes requires the removal of the capsule. Sometimes the implant’s itself needs to be removed and replaced.

As with any surgery, infection, bleeding, delay in wound healing may also be seen in, breast augmentation surgery although it is unlikely. Occasionally may be a temporary over-sensitivity or hyperthesia can be seen in the nipples.

There is no scientific evidence that breast augmentation surgery negatively affects fertility, pregnancy or breastfeeding ability. There is also no scientific evidence for that it causes breast cancer. Breast cancer screening with mammography is a little more specialized in the breasts with implants. Ultrasonography may provide additional benefits in the detection of masses and in the evaluation of the implants for some women with implants.

Operation and Post-Surgical Period

The surgery is performed in a fully-functioned hospital and under general anesthesia and takes one or two hours depending on the applied technique. The patient may leave the hospital the next day and return to daily life after one night in the hospital. The chest area remains bandaged for about a week. There are no stitches to be removed on skin surface as hidden stitches are applied. Heavy lifting and heavy exercises in which the arms are used should be avoided for two to three weeks. This period should be supported by a sports bra. Even though pregnancy and aging can adversely affect the life of result, but the outcome is usually long-lasting. In addition, each implant has a duration of use within the body. This time varies from 10 years to 25 years.