Breast Implants
Breast enlargement is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed on women in the United Kingdom. Women may seek breast enlargement because they:
• are dissatisfied with the size and shape of their breasts
• have a congenital absence or deformity of one or both breasts
• wish to regain breast shape or size, for example, after having children
• wish to correct uneven breasts
Breast implants can bring psychological benefits for women who may feel that their breasts are unwomanly and inadequate. They can help restore lost self-esteem and improve the quality of life. It is important to realise that once you have breast augmentation, implants or enlargement surgery, you are committed to having further surgery at some time in the future.
Natural tissue
The use of body tissue can be a solution for breast enlargement carried out for cosmetic reasons. It is possible to move areas of body tissue, and body tissue is also commonly used in breast reconstruction.
Synthetic implants
All synthetic breast implants are surrounded by a firm elastic (silicone elastomer) shell. The surfaces of the implants may be smooth or textured. There are two types of implant filler available in the UK: silicone gel (semiliquid or cohesive) and saline.
Silicon gel
DESCRIPTION
Filled with a soft or firm silicone substance. Firm or cohesive gel implants contain a more solid, jelly-like gel which will keep its shape if the shell ruptures. Soft implants are filled with a more fluid-like gel.
ADVANTAGES
Long history of use. The soft silicone filler is the softest implant available. It is less prone to wrinkling and feels more natural than other implants. Available in either round or anatomical (breast shaped) designs. The 1998 IRG found no evidence that silicone
implants pose a danger to women’s health.
DISADVANTAGES
Insertion of firm cohesive gel may result in a slightly larger scar than surgery using an implant with a soft silicone filler.
Saline
DESCRIPTION
Filled with a salt and water solution of similar concentration to that found in body
tissue. May be pre-filled or filled through a valve at the time of surgery.
ADVANTAGES
Long history of use. Available in either round or anatomical (breast shaped) designs.
Filled with a solution which can be absorbed and excreted by the body.
DISADVANTAGES
May be more prone to rupture or deflation at an earlier stage than other implants.
Prone to wrinkling, may feel and look less natural than other implants and may lose volume over a period of time. Less satisfactory in women with little breast tissue.
