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[1, 2, 3, 4]
Breast Augmentation
Chapter 2
Finally, and least commonly used, is the double-lumen implant,
which is a combination of the other two; the shell being made up
of silicone filled with saline enveloping a core of silicone gel.
It is very important to note that since 1992, in the United States,
the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), has prohibited the use of
the gel-filled implants with the exception of women in specially
approved study groups. The reason for this was a result of a number
of health related concerns at that time which necessitated questioning
the safety of these products.
Once you have decided upon the type of implant that you want, you
must decide upon the method of insertion for your implant. The incision
can be made in different places; in the armpit or in the crease
where the breast meets the chest is most common. The incision may
also be made around the areola (the area of darker skin around your
nipple). The surgeon will lift your skin and place the implants
in pockets of tissue centering them behind your nipples. Today,
many surgeons prefer to place the implants submucular, below or
underneath your pectoral muscle. The muscle seems to hold them in
place better and the visibility of implant wrinkling (a dead giveaway
to the fact that you've undergone the procedure) is greatly reduced.
Placing them below the muscle also interferes less with mammograms
done in the future. Alternatively, they may be placed on top of
your pectoral muscle, or subglandularly. The correct choice will
be dependant on your anatomy, and the recommendation of your surgeon
as to what is best for you. It is essential that you fully understand
the pros and cons of each method. A second or third opinion is always
advisable when considering surgery of any sort.
The next decision to be made is the size that you would like your
breasts to become. Although bra sizes come in cup sizes, implants
do not; they are measured in cc's or ounces . The size of the implant
will vary greatly depending on factors including body size and shape,
chest proportions and skin thickness. You must therefore determine
what bra size you want to end up with, keeping in mind that only
the cup size will change, not the band size. A good suggestion is
to buy a bra the size that you want to be, and pad it with Ziploc
bags filled with water or rice. This will give you an idea of how
the finished result should look. It is important to remember that
your basic breast shape will not and can not change. If your breasts
are close together, far apart, or slope outwards, they will probably
still be like that, only larger. It is possible however, to correct
breasts that have drooped significantly or are relatively empty
looking due to a combination of breast feeding and aging. Your plastic
surgeon should have all kinds of photos and computer generated imagery
to help you choose what might suit you best... if they don't, GO
ELSEWHERE. Make sure that you have a clear picture of how you'll
look before the surgery begins to avoid disappointment later.
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