A lot of women choose to undergo breast augmentation for a variety of reasons. Some females may choose to have breast augmentation simply because they feel that it could improve their appearance, while other people choose to have it either for reconstructive purposes, or for really personal reasons. Breast augmentation is rather popular, and even though breast implants have attracted such controversies, the number of individuals undergoing the procedure is steadily increasing over the years.
Saline and silicone implants are the two kinds of implants authorized by the FDA in the United States. Both saline and silicone implants are in fact covered by a silicone outer shell, nonetheless the variation lies on what is inside every type of implant. Saline implants are filled with saline, while silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. Silicone gel implants may be likened to natural female breast tissues simply because it has viscosity, thereby it appears and feels like real breast tissue. Saline implants on the other hand, are firm and not compressible, and it has also been criticized for looking unnatural. Nevertheless, enhanced medical techniques have lessened these complaints.
When you evaluate both implants in terms of safety, current studies have shown that there are no substantial differences on both kinds of implants. But each type of implant has its corresponding advantages and disadvantages. Breast implants are at risk for ruptures but when a saline implant ruptures, it may be easier to detect because the form of the breast can rapidly change over a span of days. Saline, or salt water which has leaked from the implant, can also be quickly and safely absorbed by the body.
A ruptured silicone implant on the other hand, is much more difficult to notice and detect. As soon as the implant breaks, the silicone can leak and spread outside the breasts, and into distant lymph nodes. Silicone gel implant ruptures may also not be detected in mammogram alone, and a MRI or magnetic resonance imaging is still necessary to identify the rupture. Through MRI, doctors can also check whether or not silicone has leaked outside of the scar tissue or not.
Though a silicone leak may sound alarming, research have not proven that silicone leaks can lead to increased risk of disease. Even so, your medical doctor could still recommend the removal of the implant, and any loose silicone. Because a rupture of a silicone implant may not present any signs or symptoms, the FDA recommends that females with these implants need to get a MRI, 3 years after the operation. After that, a woman should get a MRI once every two years. The price of getting these diagnostic tests over the years ought to be considered because your insurance may not cover the expenses.
Many people may also be concerned of the platinum content of silicone implants. However, research have not found platinum content in breast implants to present any health risks. With regards to the surgical procedure involved, saline implants require only a small incision simply because the implants are filled only after they are implanted. Silicone implants on the other hand, need a larger incision during surgical procedure because they are pre-filled. After implantation, a lot of saline implants can also be adjusted according to a woman’s preference, without any further surgical procedure. To adjust the size of a saline implant, a medical doctor can just insert a needle to aspirate, or put in some more fluid depending on the desired outcome.
The age restrictions on both implants are also different, but if the purpose of the operation is reconstructive, women at any age are allowed to get either of the two kinds. For the purpose of augmentation, saline implants are approved for ladies 18 years old and above, while silicone implants are approved only when a lady reaches 22 years of age. These limitations are made, with the consideration of the various risks, associated with each type of implant. Ultimately, your doctor is your best ally in arriving at the decision on which implant is very best for you.
Before you decide to have breast augmentation, it is best that you go over completely with your medical doctor the factors on what it means to have breast implants, and how it can have an effect on your long term plans. If later on you decide to have children, you may need to think twice before getting the procedure done. There are studies which have shown that females with implants may have trouble with breastfeeding, or they may even be incapable to breastfeed. A typical problem is the lack of milk supply among females with implants. Talk about with your medical doctor your concerns so that you can have an informed choice.
You also need to examine risks like implant rupture, the need for more surgery, capsular contracture, breast discomfort, and decreased sensation of the breasts and nipples. In order to make a sound choice, you need to be totally aware of the health hazards involved. Let your medical doctor know your concerns so that he could address the concerns accordingly. Knowing what you are getting yourself into is a good way of ensuring that you are in it for the long run.
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