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Breast augmentation
Augmentation mammoplasty, Breast enlargement,
Breast enhancement, Breast implants
Breast augmentation is a surgical
procedure to increase or enhance the size and shape of a woman’s
breasts. This augmentation is achieved by surgically placing a saline
or silicone gel-filled implant in each breast to push the breast
tissue forward.
Implants vary in shape, size,
and texture and are surgically inserted into the body. Most women
choose implants made of the new cohesive silicone gel. They are
generally considered safe and some manufactured brands have been
approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Some physicians
suggest that saline-filled implants are preferred over silicone
gel implants for very athletic women.
To insert the implant, the physician
lifts the breast tissue and creates a pocket for the implant either
behind the muscle or behind the breast tissue. Sometimes an endoscope
is used. The incision through which the implant is inserted is usually
under the arm or within the lower fold of the breast. Occasionally,
physicians may insert the implant at the nipple or through the belly
button.
General anesthesia is almost always
used with breast augmentation surgery, especially for placements
under the muscle. This allows the patient to sleep through the ordeal.
Local anesthesia with sedation may sometimes be used for an over
the muscle placement.
The surgery takes between one
and three hours depending on the placement of the implant and the
skill and experience of the surgeon.
After surgery, patients can expect
a variety of pains and sensations. These symptoms are only temporary.
Some discomforts may pass within days while others might take a
few weeks.
Although most patients are happy
with the results of their breast augmentation surgery, there are
a small number of women who are not. Wrinkling, asymmetry, shifting,
incorrect size, unanticipated shape, implant palpability, or scar
deformity are some of the causes of cosmetic dissatisfaction.
More about breast
surgery choices...
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