Breast Implant
What does the breast comprise of?
Breasts overlie the chest muscles and are predominantly made up of milk ducts and glands enclosed in a thick layer of fatty tissue.
Why do my breasts sag?
Factors such as advancing age, pregnancy and nursing may cause the breasts to lose their natural shape and firmness, and droop or sag.
How can I firm up my breasts?
The size and shape of the breasts can be surgically augmented by placing an implant below the breast tissue.
What are the other uses of breast implants?
Breast implants may also be used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy or loss of breast tissue secondary to trauma or injury. Sometimes, it may also be used to rectify a birth defect.
Am I a candidate for breast implants?
Breast implants can be considered if the following criteria are met:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Do not have any active infection
- Are not currently nursing or pregnant
- Do not have an existing malignant or pre-malignant cancer of the breast
What are these implants made of?
These breast implants are artificial shells made of elastic silicone, filled with sterile saline or silicone gel. They can be placed either under or over the chest muscles.
How do I choose the right size of breast implant for my breasts so that it looks natural?
The size of the breasts after surgery depends on the initial breast size before the surgery and the size of the implant chosen. Implant size is measured in grams. Your plastic surgeon will help you in choosing the right sized implant.
Are there different types of implants?
Your doctor will suggest the best type of implant based on your individual requirements.
Shapes
Breast implants are available in two shapes:
- Round breast implants: These breast implants are shaped round.
- Shaped Breast Implants: These breast implants are tear-drop shaped, resembling the shape of a mature breast that gently slopes downwards.
Profile
The profile refers to the outward projection of the implant. Breast implants are available in three profiles: low, moderate and high. Some companies also have an extra-high profile. High profile breast implants have a maximum outward projection for a particular size and shape.
Surface texture
Round shaped breast implants are available with both smooth and textured shell surfaces; whereas, shaped breast implants are available only in textured shell surface. Textured implants have a thicker shell and are generally firmer. They require a slightly larger incision than the smooth implants.
Brazilian implants
These are similar to the textured silicone breast implants, but have another layer of foam bonded to the surface of them which gets degraded within a few months. The role of the foam is to reduce the risk of deforming scar tissue formation around the implant.
What are the implants filled with?
Breast implants are either saline filled or silicone gel filled.
- Saline-filled breast implants require a smaller incision for placement. These are filled with saline only after its surgical placement. Filling during the surgery allows the surgeon to make minor adjustments to the volume.
- Silicone gel filled implants are pre-filled and require a longer incision for implantation.
What are the pros and cons of a saline vs a silicone implant?
Saline implants are considered safer as only the filled saline will be released into the tissue in the event of an implant rupture (a rare event). There is minimal risk and you would see the breast size decrease. It is very easy to replace them. However, these implants look less natural as compared to silicone filled implants. They look rounder and feel slightly firmer than silicone breast implants. Silicone gel filled implants have a more natural look and feel softer than the saline implants.
Are there any risks and complications associated with breast implants and their surgery?
Complications associated with breast implant surgery are specific to the breast implant. These may include:
- Capsular contracture
- Pain
- Infection
- Calcium deposits in the tissue around the implant
- Haematoma
- Seroma
- Changes in nipple and breast sensation
- Necrosis around the implant
- Extrusion
- Deflation or rupture
Few patients may develop unpleasant cosmetic outcomes that include
- Wrinkling
- Asymmetry
- Implant shifting
- Incorrect size
- Unanticipated shape
- Implant palpability
- Scar deformity
- Hypertrophic scarring
- Sloshing
Sometimes, an additional surgery may be required to treat the associated complications.
Careful surgical planning and newer techniques are aimed at minimizing these risks and complications.
Dr. Mansoor is an expert in all types of breast implants (silicone, saline, and Brazilian) and would discuss them fully with you, so that your implant is chosen based on your particular needs. He will help you decide on the right implant depending on your preferences.
