Breast Implants Come In A Variety of Shapes, Sizes, and Textures - By: Dave Stringham

Saline breast implants come in a variety of shapes, surface textures, and sizes. Depending on the desired shape you wish to achieve, you and your plastic surgeon may choose a round implant or shaped implant. Generally, the larger you want your cup size, the larger the implant the plastic surgeon will consider.

Virtually all breast implants are made of a round or shaped silicone elastomer (rubber) shell, and are now commonly filled with a saline solution (salt water). Saline solution is used to fill the breast implant because it is similar to the fluids in your body, and will be absorbed by your body should the implant leak or break. Round implants tend to produce a more rounded appearance to the upper breast. Shaped implants are designed to reflect the slope of the breast.

Availability of Silicone-Filled Breast Implants - On April 10, 1991, FDA asked the manufacturers to submit evidence that silicone-filled implants were safe and effective. However, much of the information was not available. This did not necessarily mean that silicone breast implants were unsafe, but it did mean that FDA could not, as the law requires, confirm their safety. With insufficient data on safety and effectiveness, FDA determined that silicone-filled breast implants could not be approved and could not be marketed for the purpose of breast augmentation in healthy women.

In April 1992, after a careful evaluation of the public health need, the alternatives to silicone-filled breast implants, and the known, potential and suspected risks, FDA reached the conclusion that silicone-filled implants should continue to be available for women seeking breast reconstruction. Because there are FDA concerns about the possible short-term and longterm effects of silicone-filled breast implants, FDA has limited access to these devices to women who are enrolled in a clinical study sponsored by the manufacturer and approved by FDA. Read about the most common risks for silicone breast implants. Learn more about saline breast implants and silicone breast implants. Learn more about cohesive implants - style 410.

To permit the smallest possible incision, the implant is typically inserted empty, and then filled with saline. You should discuss with your plastic surgeon, the pros and cons for the incision site specifically recommended for you.

There are three common incision sites: under the arm (axillary), around the nipple (periareolar), or within the breast fold (inframammary). Another less common incision site is the TUBA (Trans Umbilical / Endoscopic) technique, which provides insertion of implants through the belly button. If the incision is made under the arm, the plastic surgeon may use a probe fitted with a miniature camera, along with minimally invasive (very small) instruments, to create a "pocket" for the implant.

Periareolar - this incision is most concealed, but is associated with a higher likelihood of inability to successfully breast feed, as compared to the other incision sites. Inframammary This incision is less concealed than periareolar and associated with less difficulty than the periareolar incision site when breast feeding.

Axillary This incision is less concealed than periareolar and associated with less difficulty than the periareolar incision site when breast feeding.

Transumbilical/endoscopic This incision site has not been studied and is not recommended. In an augmentation the implant can be placed either partially under the pectoralis major muscle (submuscular) or on top of the muscle and under the breast glands (subglandular) depending on the thickness of your tissue and its ability to adequately cover the implant.

You should discuss with your plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon the pros and cons of the implant placement selected for you.

About the Author

Dave Stringham is the President of LookingYourBest.com an online resource for breast implants New York. Learn more about breast augmentation and breast enlargement New York procedures.

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