Breast Implants

How popular are breast implants (breast augmentation)?
Breast implants first became a reality for women starting in the 1960's, but since there was no FDA regulation, they were considered risky and the price too high for most. But by 1990, 1,000,000 women had received breast implants. Jumping ahead, it is reported that in 2004 over 300,000 women had new breast implants or their current implants replaced. Because of societal peer pressure and the breast implants becoming more affordable, implants have gone up 300% in just the last 7 years. Estimates say that 25% of all breast implants are for replacements, usually for women who have undergone a mastectomy.

Silicone Breast Implants or Saline Breast Implants?
The first breast implants were silicone, but by the early 1990's when breast implants took off in popularity, the FDA removed silicone implants for purely cosmetic procedures. Women who had previous silicone implants could continue to replace exisiting silicone implants with new one's. Saline breast implants are the only option if you are looking to increase your bust these days. Saline breast implants have had excellent results with very few side effects; only about 8% of all women have the implants removed due to complications or side effects. It is not uncommon however for a women to have their breast implants replaced in order to go bigger or smaller.
Hospital or Private Doctor's Office?
Estimates indicate that approximately 65% of all current breast implants are performed in private doctor offices; the other 35% are done at a hospital.
How costly are breast implants?
Breast implants are not covered by health insurance. The pricetag will vary greatly depending, like everything else, on where you live. Breast Implants in Boston will normally cost more than say Texas. The average procedure will cost around $7,000 (including anesthesia). You should also be weary of a physician who will charge for an initial consultation. In the long run, the cost of breast implants is well worth it. Were that not the case, implant popularity would not continue to soar.
Plastic Surgery in Massachusetts:
Surgery to remodel, repair, or restore body parts, especially by the transfer of tissue as defined by The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. The most common plastic surgeries are liposuction, breast implants, facelifts, botox, dermabrasion and tummy tucks. Plastic surgery is growing in popularity; plastic surgery was originally mostly for women. But men are electing to have plastic surgery at a rapid growth rate. Any plastic surgery should always be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon.

Buttock Lift - Get The Ultimate Sex Appeal

For a woman's allure and sexuality, buttocks are an important component. In Washington DC there are surgeons who are qualified and will give you the best results on buttock lift. Fat will be removed from other parts of your body, after which it will be carefully grafted to your buttocks through a surgery. It is a procedure which will rejuvenate your buttocks, you will enjoy a more beautiful and attractive figure. If you have always felt dissatisfied of the shape and size of your buttocks, this procedure will work out for you. Your buttock may be looking dimpled or flabby, but after the surgery, your buttocks will be back to shape.

Maybe you have tried several methods of buttock lift, but they have not worked effectively for you, if you are in Washington DC, there are surgeons who will highly assist you prepare you for the surgery. It is a procedure where you will be able to attain long lasting results. The surgeons will carry out the procedure carefully, to ensure that you do not experience any side effects. Your general appearance will be improved and you will gain back your self confidence. It's a surgery which will help you restore your figure. Incision will be carried out in a professional way, to ensure that you achieve your desired shape.

If you have always felt unattractive, this should not bother you anymore, since after going through the buttock lift, you will be able to appreciate your new look. You will attain a curvy shape which is more appealing. You should ensure that your buttock is in good shape, since a curvy buttock is one of the beautiful images of a woman. In Washington DC there are surgeons who will assist you, get that shape you have always craved for. The procedure is fast and effective. Why should the shape of your buttocks make you fill uncomfortable? Try this surgery, and for sure you will get amazing results.

Buttock lift will give you a more enhanced shape. It is a certified procedure which many have tried and the end results have been successful.In Washington DC the surgeons will advice you before they carry out the surgery on you. This is a procedure with enormous benefits. You will be able to attain your desired shape through a painless procedure. Change your appearance and completely with this new advanced surgery. After the surgery your body will feel more balanced.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5745600

News on Gel or Silicone Breast Implants

A great deal of controversy has arisen over the use of gel-filled breast implants during the past decade. During this time, Dr. Johnson has been involved in two national clinical trials related to this topic. In fact, Dr. Johnson is one of a limited number of practices in the United States that is permitted to use gel-filled implants.

The latest developments arising from the Federal studies are revealed here.

Federal Review says Silicone-Implants Do Not Cause Cancer. Are Silicone Breast Implants Back?

During the past 11 years, Dr. Ronald J. Johnson has participated in two national clinical trials on silicone breast implants. His work contributed to the findings released to a Federal Review Panel. This Federal review of more than 100 studies on the medical effects of silicone breast implants has concluded that the devices do not cause breast cancer. The study suggests that, if anything, implants may actually decrease the risk of breast cancer. Although the studies were consistent in finding a decreased breast cancer risk in women with implants, it is unclear whether this finding is related to the implants.

A report on the Federal review is published in the September 17 issue of The Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The report gives silicone breast implants a "clean bill of health" as far as breast cancer is concerned.
S. Lori Brown of the Food and Drug Administration, a co-author of the review, said that the possibility of breast implants being linked to some types of connective tissue disease is only of "borderline" statistical significance. Because such diseases are so rare, it may never be possible to accurately interpret these statistical results.

The overwhelming consensus of the studies examining this issue to date is that no significant association exists between implants and connective tissue disease.

Louise A. Brinton of the National Cancer Institute says that a 15-year study of 13,500 women with breast implants is now being evaluated. This is the largest such study conducted to date and should provide even more definitive data on the health effects of breast implants.

In the news

Are Silicone Breast Implants Back?

MEMPHIS, TN: The long-awaited findings of a court-appointed panel of scientists were released in December, reporting no proven links between silicone breast implants and diseases claimed by women suing implant manufacturers.

Ronald J. Johnson, M.D., of The Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis, is a plastic surgeon who has been doing breast implant surgery for over 25 years for patients from all around the United States. In the area of silicone implants, he is one of a select group of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in the Country who has been participating in two national clinical studies of silicone or "gel" breast implants. Dr. Johnson's group is the only approved private practice site in Memphis and in this region of the United States participating in the McGhan Study.

Four areas of women's health related to breast implants were studied.

Dr. Johnson said, "This four-member panel was appointed in August 1996 by U.S. District Court Judge Sam Pointer of Birmingham. This is the judge who is coordinating federal breast implant litigation. The purpose of this respected panel was to analyze scientific claims on the effect of silicone breast implants on women. This panel, representing the four major clinical areas related to connective tissue diseases, found no links between silicone implants and women's illnesses. The panel included a toxicologist, immunologist, epidemiologist and a rheumatologist.

Silicone breast implants came on the market in the 1960's, and twenty years later women began blaming various maladies on their implants. Dr. Marcia Angell, executive editor of the New England Journal of Medicine said, "Many women developed symptoms that any woman over 25 could develop."

"In fact, with each passing year as peer-reviewed studies emerge on the topic from Harvard, Mayo Clinic, and Johns Hopkins, evidence is mounting to support their findings that there is literally no link between silicone implants and these various diseases," said Dr. Johnson.

From the ban to the McGhan
Study of silicone breast implants.

Shortly after the 1992 ban on silicone implants by Dr. David Kessler, then head of the FDA, a national clinical trial was approved to study the long-term effects of silicone implants in patients. Dr. Johnson was one of a group of plastic surgeons in the United States to participate in the 'Mentor Study'.

"Silicone implants are still not available to women in this country, other than through a clinical study," Dr. Johnson explains. Two major national studies are now in progress, the Mentor and the McGhan clinical trials. We have been involved in both studies since their beginning, and have had excellent results with our patients participating in these programs."

Why does the demand for silicone breast implants persist?

The reason for the continuing demand for silicone breast implants has primarily been aesthetic. Dr. Johnson has performed hundreds of surgeries using both saline-filled and gel-filled implants. He explains, "Not all women have enough breast tissue of their own to shape around saline-filled implants. Often slender women do not have enough breast tissue mass to effectively cover the more watery properties of a saline-filled implant. Some women complain that it feels like a 'baggie' filled with water. Gel-filled implants provide a much more authentic feel to the augmented breast. I have had patients ask that I replace their gel implants with saline, only to have them return a few years later, wanting to return to a gel implant. They just prefer the feel of the gel implant."

During the silicone breast implant ban in the United States, several other materials have been tested, but with mixed results. Breast implants with vegetable and soybean oil were tested, but they provided little improvement over the saline-filled implants, and their use has declined markedly in the past year. Patients and surgeons alike reported less-than-satisfactory aesthetic results.

Breast Reduction Surgery (Reduction Mammaplasty) Basics

Aside from aesthetic reasons, many women choose to undergo breast reduction surgery to help reduce back strain, skin irritation, or breathing problems caused by large breasts. Because a breast reduction surgery is usually performed to lessen health risks, it is one of the few plastic surgery procedures that can be covered under medical insurance in some instances.

How It's Done

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and can be done as an outpatient procedure, although with some patients a hospital stay is required. Techniques of surgery can vary slightly based on the doctor's preference and the patient's need, but in general an incision is made from the lower crease of the breast, above the nipple in a circle, and back down to the crease of the other side of the breast. The final incision is similar to the shape of an inverted keyhole.

Excess fat, skin, and tissue are removed, and the nipple and areola, which remain connected to the nerves throughout surgery, are moved up on the breast. The remaining skin on each side of the breast are moved up and to the center to create a new contour and the skin is stitched together. Total surgery usually lasts between 1 and 3 hours per breast.

Technology

Most of the instruments used for breast reduction surgery are standard surgical tools. In some cases liposuction can be used instead of or in combination with surgery. In those instances the different techniques and technology available for that procedure could present options for the patient.

Recovery / Post Op

Following surgery you will be wrapped with gauze and a supportive bra or bandages. The gauze will be removed within a few days following surgery, however the supportive bra will be required for several weeks while the breasts heal and swelling and bruising subside.

Patients can typically return to work between one and six weeks depending on the type of work and personal recovery. It may take as long as three months before the actual results of surgery are realized.

Complications

As with any major surgery breast reduction carries with it the possibility of very serious risks including infection, blood clots, and adverse reaction to anesthesia. There are also several aesthetic and physical risks involved, including:

Nerve damage
Loss of sensation
The inability to breast feed
Excessive scarring
Asymmetry
The necessity of additional surgery
Am I A Candidate?

Women who wish to have surgery should wait until the breasts have fully developed. In some cases this happens as early as 16 years of age or younger, however, most surgeons will only operate on women under 18 unless they are experiencing extreme discomfort or are at risk health wise. The ideal candidate is one who has large breasts that cause back pain or other health problems, is acceptable of scarring and other risks, and does not plan to breast feed in the future.

Costs

The average surgeon fee is about $5,000 or slightly more. Facility, anesthesia, and supply fees are additional, and will bring the final total to somewhere between $6,000 and $10,000. Now the all-important question is: will this be covered by insurance? The answer depends on your provider. Each company uses different criteria to determine whether or not a patient should be accepted. Many place requirements on breast size, weight when compared to height, the effects on your body and health, and amount of tissue to be removed. Your surgeon will be able to present your case to the insurance agency with the necessary information.

Plastic Surgery Breast Implants

Breast Augmentation is the most frequently performed plastic surgery on women in the U.S. today. Over 300,000 women undergo breast augmentation every year, with the popularity of the procedure ever increasing, especially amongst female body-builders.

Breast implants are most commonly used as aesthetic enhancement on an individual who is lacking in natural breast tissue due to genetically predisposed or environmentally induced factors. Because breast tissue is primarily composed of fat cells, in the past, physicians attempted to inject fat (obtained through liposuction) into the breast. However, today, this is completely unacceptable due to calcification (complete hardening of the breast). Hormonal therapy may increase the natural breast size, slightly, but not enough for the majority of women.

Currently, the most common way to increase breast size is via breast implants. A breast implant is a sac of silicone elastomer that is either filled with saline or silicone, and is surgically implanted under the breast tissue. The proportion of the breast to body height and weight is taken into consideration, as is the chest width, location of nipple/areola complex, and cleavage. Because the concepts of aesthetics are constantly changing, there are many factors such as implant type, size, and site that should be tailored to the individuals' specificity.

Type of Implant:

Silicone vs. saline? This discussion is going to remain for many years. Until 12 Years ago silicone was the dominant implant in the U.S.A. However, due to possible autoimmune mediated health problems associated with leakage, saline is now used in 90% of surgeries. Legal, psychological, and technical factors will eventually determine which is preferable. Silicone implants are now gaining momentum and the FDA is going to rule on weather or not to legalize them (which will probably happen). Although the silicone might have some side effects, it doesn't seem as awful as thought to be a decade ago. The advantage of silicone implants is that it is softer and appears more natural. However, leaks may be found in secondary tissue. Generally, saline is a bit firmer, but it is without the supposed health risks because a leak is simply absorbed by the body. The decision should be made after consultation with an experienced surgeon.

Location of Implant:

The breast implant can be placed either under the pectoralis major muscle (sub muscular) or on top of the muscle and under the breast glands (sub glandular). Sub muscular implants are more popular because they are less palpable, have lower risk of capsular contracture, and don't inhibit mammography. However, it requires more invasive surgery and longer healing time. Bodybuilders prefer sub-glandular insertion because the heavily developed pectoralis muscle might flatten the implant and there will be less projection of the breast. Women with sagging or drooping breasts may opt for sub glandular placement for the better projection as well. Disadvantages of sub glandular implants include impairment of proper mammography and increased risk of capsular contraction.

Location of Incision:

There are four areas of incision:

Periareola (lower part of areola 1 - 1/2 inches)
Sub-mammary (on the lower breast crease)
Axillary (arm pits)
Trans umbilical (from the belly button)
Each has advantages and disadvantages but the preferred incision is periareola because it is less noticeable. Arguments against periareola are that it is harder to perform, that there is interference with sensation of the areola and violation of the breast tissue. Physicians who are experienced in this method find it easy to do. Personally, I did not see a difference in nipple sensation compared to other methods. Instead of inserting the implant through breast tissue it can be turned under the skin to further preserve the tissue.

Shape of Implants:

Most surgeons have experience with teardrop (natural implants) and with the round implants. Preference is toward the round implant because it appears more natural. Previously, there were high profile implants (which projected more) and low profile implants (less projection). Recently, medium profile implants were introduced.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last:

There is no expiration date for implants. One should be checked by a physician if there are any symptoms or changes that are not expected including deflation, infection, change of location, etc. Mammography, ultrasound, or MRI should follow onset of any of these symptoms. Older patients have to be checked more regularly by themselves, a physician, or radiologist. Once someone has implants for over ten years they should consider replacing them.

Risks: (not common but possible)

1. Capsular contraction: Scar tissue forms around the implant to form a hard

shell. There are several steps to prevent it, such as, size and location of the implant, as well as medications like Singular and Acculent.

2. Infection or rejection from non-sterile techniques.

3. Shifting (moving) of the implant. The pocket for the implant should be adjusted for the patient (this will usually, prevent shifting).

4. Scars: Less conspicuous in the periareola compared to sub-mammary incision.

5. Sensation: May be initially decreased. Usually 90% of sensation will return within 1-2 years of surgery.

6. Violation of breast tissue.

7. Breast Feeding: About 50% of women won?t be able to successfully breast feed, particularly those with periareola incision.

8. Synechia: Adhesions (also known as "kissing Breast"), sometimes related to techniques.

In general complications occur less when using experienced and certified surgeons.

Results:

Plastic Surgery is an art form in combination with science. Each patient and physician has a different sense of what is aesthetically pleasing (although the basics are common). During a consultation with a physician, the goals of both the patient and physician should coincide and be realistic. The results are not entirely depending on the physician. It is important to understand that everybody starts with differing anatomical breasts (some patients are better candidates than others) and there are always unforeseen factors (also very rare).

When Interviewing a Physician:

1. Make sure you feel comfortable and trusting.

2. See more than one physician.

3. Check for credentials.

4. Make sure the facility is accredited by a respectable organization and that they belong to a reputable hospital in the area.

5. Use the internet to view before and after pictures.

6. It is a big plus if a trusted person refers him.

7. Ask for references and phone numbers of pervious patients and actually speak to them.

8. Do you like the atmosphere of the plastic surgeons office?

9. Is the staff accommodating and polite.

10. Is the plastic surgeon also an artist in other fields like painting, drawing, sculpting?

Breast Augmentation and Pregnancy

If you can plan ahead well enough, it’s wiser to have the baby before the breast implants. After feeding a baby for several months or a year or so, many women notice a little shrinkage and sagging in their breasts. So if no more babies are wanted, this is a good time to have breast implant surgery.

If you have already had breast augmentation done and are considering having a baby, the first thing to get clear is that most cosmetic surgeons agree that breast implants pose no risk whatever to having a normal pregnancy. And conversely, that a pregnancy poses no risk at all to the breast implants.

WHAT’S IN A BREAST?
Breast tissue consists of milk-producing sacs that connect to milk ducts, which converge at the nipples, about 20 to each nipple. Around these sacs and ducts is connective tissue that gives support, and fatty tissue that gives protection. In the nipples are nerve endings, sweat glands, muscle fibers and sebaceous glands.

During pregnancy, the breasts will change and enlarge as they prepare to make and store milk. But this happens independently of the presence of implants.

Breast implants are inserted in one of two places:

Beneath the breast tissue and above the pectoral muscles; or
Beneath the pectoral muscles and above the chest wall
Whichever place it is inserted, the breast implant does not interfere with the activity of the breast itself.

POSSIBLE EFFECTS FROM THE INCISION
The surgical procedure used to insert the breast implants is an issue separate from the simple presence of those implants. If silicone gel breast implants were inserted, the incision is usually under the breast or near the armpit and will not affect the milk-producing process. If saline implants were inserted, the incisions will have been smaller, and they may have been made at the aureola, the circular darkened area around the nipple.

In this case, depending on how the surgery was done, milk ducts or nerves may have been damaged or cut. This may have happened only on one side, or on both.

If milk ducts were interfered with, the flow of milk to the baby may be decreased. If nerves were affected, the nipple may be either extra sensitive, or less sensitive. If extra sensitive, discomfort may be experienced during nursing. If less sensitive, the milk may not let down when the infant starts to suckle and manual stimulation may be necessary to trigger it. Also, proper nerve function tells the brain to release hormones that promote milk production.

Every woman is different and every instance of surgery unique. So no flat generalizations can be made and in practice, you won’t know if or how your breasts have been affected until you start nursing the baby.

LEAKAGE OF SILICONE INTO MILK
There’s currently no evidence suggesting that silicone leaks into the breast milk. Nor is there evidence to confirm that it doesn’t. Mostly this is because not enough information has been gathered or analyzed yet. There are no methods yet for detecting silicone in breast milk.

However, if some silicone did leak into the milk, many say that it would not harm the baby, as silicone is similar to a substance that is sometimes used to decrease a baby’s stomach gas.

IN CONCLUSION
The chances are good that you can nurse your baby after breast implants have been inserted, but no firm predictions can be made. Close monitoring of the baby’s weight would be wise, to make sure enough milk is being produced. If necessary, you can supplement with formula.

Breast Augmentation

Augmentation mammoplasty is the medical term for breast augmentation. Also referred to as breast enhancement or breast enlargement, this type of plastic surgery involves placing silicone or saline breast implants either behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle to add size, shape, and fullness to the breast. Breast augmentation can be performed to make smaller breasts appear larger, balance breasts that are asymmetrical, or restore fullness that has diminished with age or as a result of pregnancy.

Breast Augmentation Surgery

The breast enhancement process can take several weeks from the initial consultation through post-surgical recovery, and involves close communication and cooperation between patient and surgeon. Before breast implants are placed, many decisions must be made, including the type and size of the breast implant, where it will be placed, and the location of the incision. The patient will also be asked to follow some specific instructions from the doctor during the weeks preceding the operation.

During breast enlargement surgery, the surgeon will place the breast implants according to the decisions made during the planning stages. This process usually takes between one and two hours.

After breast augmentation surgery, the patient will most likely be drowsy and sore for a day or two. Although the patient should be able to get up and move around after about 48 hours, there may be some lingering side effects for a couple weeks to a month. The patient should follow the surgeon’s instructions closely during this healing period and have a friend or relative agree to drive them home and provide assistance for a couple of days.


Breast Enhancement FAQs

Before undergoing any elective surgery, it is important to be well-informed about the risks, benefits, and probable results. If you are considering augmentation mammoplasty, read through our answers to frequently asked breast enlargement questions to get all of the information you need about the procedure.

Breast Augmentation Recovery and Results

The length of the breast augmentation recovery process depends heavily upon the patient’s condition, the degree of enlargement, and several other factors, but usually lasts between a few weeks and a couple of months. Breast implant results will also vary from person to person and are most satisfactory in patients who have reasonable expectations.

Breast Augmentation Risks, Complications, and Benefits

Although there are many benefits that result from breast augmentation surgery, including improved self esteem, a more balanced figure, and more choices in clothing, there are also a number of risks involved with breast enhancement that should be carefully considered before choosing to undergo surgery. Capsular contracture, ruptured breast implants, and other complications can interfere with the appearance of results and may require additional surgery to repair damage or remove the implants.

Am I a Candidate?

Only a qualified cosmetic surgeon can determine whether breast enlargement is right for any one individual, but there are some groups for whom it is generally considered unadvisable and others for whom careful consideration is recommended, such as teenagers. Young women under the age of 18 are generally considered not to be good candidates for breast implants because the breasts continue to develop on into the early twenties. To find out if you are a candidate for breast augmentation, or another plastic surgery procedure such as liposuction, schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon in your area by using DocShop's comprehensive directory.

Breast Augmentation Cost and Financing

Augmentation mammoplasty is an elective cosmetic surgery and as such, these procedures are not covered by insurance plans. For most, the cost of breast enhancement surgery is an important consideration. Since breast implant prices and surgeons' fees alone are expensive and do not make up the entirety of the cost, some may be tempted to go to a surgeon who offers discounts or low prices. This is usually a mistake. A surgeon who offers discounts is usually one who either lacks experience or has a less than satisfactory record of results. Breast augmentation financing is available to help women pay for the cost of surgery so they don't have to settle for an inexperienced surgeon and risk their health or the quality of their results.

Choosing a Breast Enlargement Surgeon

Selecting a breast surgeon is undoubtedly the most important decision a patient can make about her breast augmentation. In addition to being board certified and experienced in breast enhancement surgery, the surgeon should be someone the patient feels comfortable with.

Natural Breast Enhancement Options

Women who are concerned about the risks or cost of augmentation mammoplasty may turn to natural breast enhancement pills, creams, or devices. However, these products are not without their own risks, so it is