Types of Breast Implants
Virtually all breast implants are made of a round or teardrop shaped silicone elastomer (rubber) shell. The shells are filled with either a saline solution (salt water) or silicone gel. As you may expect, there are advantages and disadvantages to each kind of breast implant.
Saline-filled Implants
One advantage of saline-filled implants is that they can be implanted through a smaller incision than a silicone-filled implant. This is because saline implants are inserted into the body empty; the shells are filled through a valve once they're in place. Another benefit is that if a saline implant ruptures, the liquid inside is absorbed harmlessly into the body. This usually produces an obvious change in the size and/or shape of the breast, making saline rupture easier to detect than silicone rupture.
The two main disadvantages of saline implants are that they may look and feel less natural than silicone implants, and they may wrinkle, especially in women with little breast tissue.
Silicone-filled Implants
After a lengthy review process, the FDA has now approved silicone gel-filled implants for both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Until recently, only women participating in long-term studies by the FDA were able to have silicone implants for use in special situations. The biggest advantage of silicone-filled implants is their soft, natural feel. They are also less prone to wrinkling than saline implants. On the other hand, silicone implants come pre-filled, so surgeons need to make a longer incision to insert them in the breast. Another disadvantage of silicone gel is that implant rupture can be "silent"—occurring with no symptoms. Therefore, women with silicone implants are encouraged to undergo regular MRI imaging of the implanted breast.
Placement of Breast Implants
The surgical incision for each implant is made as inconspicuously as possible at one of four typical sites:
With the exception of the TUBA, implants can be placed either over or under the muscle in the breast. Your surgeon can explain more about the different procedures to help you choose the best option for you.
Under the Arm (Transaxillary)
For this type of incision, the surgeon may use a miniature camera probe and minimally invasive instruments to create a pocket for the breast implant. No scar is left on the breast itself.
Around the Nipple (Periareolar)
This is situated along the bottom part of the areola, the darkly pigmented skin around the nipple. The scar generally blends into this transitional area.
Within the Breast Fold (Inframammary)
This incision is made in the crease where the breast comes off the chest wall. If a complication arises during a transaxillary or transumbilical/TUBA procedure, the surgeon often makes this incision to easily access the breast implant pocket to maintain patient safety.
Belly Button (Transumbilical/TUBA)
Breast implants may be placed through the belly button via a procedure known as the TUBA technique (transumbilical breast augmentation). Currently, this technique can only be used for saline implants, which can then only be placed above the muscle rather than below.
Patient Education
Learn about possible Breast Implant Problems
Learn about Breast Implant Care
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