Why Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation or breast enhancement is a procedure in which people use prosthetic breast implants to enlarge their breasts. The operation – called mammoplasty - is performed by a surgeon and the doctor must be a qualified plastic surgeon. Most people who receive implants are women who desire to have larger breasts and are unhappy with the size of their natural breasts.
Women who have had a mastectomy will usually receive one implant to balance out their shape, and women who have become smaller following childbirth will also have the procedure. Less commonly, men who wish to look like a woman receive breast augmentation as well. For most people, Breast Augmentation is an elective surgery that you want because it enhances your appearance and makes you feel better about yourself.
Breast Implant Surgery in San Diego
In the San Diego area, there are many qualified plastic surgeons to choose from. It is important that you choose an experienced plastic surgeon that is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons.
You can have your breast implants placed in one of two areas under the breast:
1. Just under the fatty tissue of the breast, over the muscle (sub-glandular) 2. Under the breast or pectoral muscle (sub-muscular)
There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. Sub-glandular placement tends to be a less invasive surgery, with shorter recovery and sometimes less cost. This method is better for women with a good amount of fatty tissue in the breast.
Sub-muscular placement involves going under the muscle and therefore is generally a longer procedure and takes somewhat longer for recovery. It can also cost a bit more. The advantage to this placement is that it tends to look more natural, especially for thinner women with less fatty tissue in their breasts.
Most of the time the surgery is done in a few hours and you go home the same day. Like any surgery, there are risks involved. These include but are not limited to problems associated with anesthesia reactions, infection, bleeding, swelling, and scarring. Occasionally people experience changes in nipple or breast sensation, but most of these cases are temporary.
A condition called Capsular Contracture can also occur. When an implant is inserted, scar tissue forms around it and this is considered normal healing. This scar capsule can sometimes tighten around the implant, causing compression of the implant and the breast to feel firmer, or in more severe cases, cause changes in the appearance of the breast and even discomfort. Additional surgery may be required for these cases.
What is the Difference between Saline and Silicone?
Saline and silicone implants are the two FDA-approve breast implants available in the US today. Both are encased with a silicone-rubber shell called a lumen. The substance inside is called the filler, and there is a “patch” where the hole is covered after the filler is inserted. Most implant shells are single layer, but some have two shells – inside the other for extra durability – called “double lumen”. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and are often filled after being placed in the breast. For this reason, the incision required is smaller than that of silicone implants. Silicone implants are pre-filled to size, and thus require a larger incision.
Breast implants will occasionally require repair or maintenance after several years. They may not last your lifetime before one of them leaks or ruptures. Rupturing can be cause by a physical blow or pressure, or age may result in leakage. Saline ruptures are usually easy to determine because the water is non-viscous and the implant deflates rapidly. The saline is harmless to your body. If leakage occurs, you can call your doctor right away and schedule a surgery to replace the implant. Silicone ruptures may be more difficult to determine. Because the saline is viscous and tends to remain in the breast tissue area, you may not be aware right away that the sell is leaking.
To be able to have silicone implants you must be at least 22 years old. This restriction is because your breasts should be fully mature and you should be finished with all growing. Breast implant surgery too early can damage your breasts. In addition, you should be old enough to make rational and educated decisions and, not rush into something that you might later regret. Breast augmentation is an important decision and you should be sure that you are happy with the outcome.
San Diego, CA
This coastal city situated south of Los Angeles County, bordering on the south with Mexico. It is the seat of San Diego County and is the second largest city in California. The climate is mild and pleasant, which draws many people to reside there. San Diego is the fifth wealthiest city in the U.S. and is the economic center of San Diego, San Marcus Metropolitan area and Carlsbad. The city’s economy comprises many industries, including tourism, electronics, biotechnology and bioscience, ship building ship and repair, financial services, agriculture, defense and manufacturing.
The area includes several military operations, which contribute to its economy. Marine Corps bases, Naval and Coast Guard stations are situated in San Diego, which is known as the “birthplace of naval aviation”. Recent downsizing of naval stations in Virginia has increased the size and scope of San Diego’s naval stations. Popular vacation areas include Mission Beach, the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park and Sea World, and the Cleveland National Forest.
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