Breast
Augmentation: This is currently the
most common cosmetic procedure performed today
in the united states. This is an area of special
interest at Chicagoland Plastic Surgery. This
operation involves placing saline (salt water)
filled implants either directly under the breast
tissue or underneath the pectoralis muscle
that lies beneath the breast. There are several
types of breast implants on the market today
but most are filled with saline. Silicone implants
currently are available only under special
research studies. Breast implants need to be
tailored to the patients desires and body size
and shape.
The
two basic shapes of implants are round and anatomical
(tear drop shaped). Round implants tend to give
more upper fullness while the anatomical implants
are designed to give a more natural sloping appearance
to the breasts.
The
second significant difference regarding implants
has to do with the exterior shell of the implant.
The implants can have either a smooth shell or
a textured shell. The textured implants have
a lower risk of developing a capsular contacture
(firmness of the breast). The smooth implants
have a slightly lower risk of rippling then textured
implants, when placed in a subglandular pocket
(directly beneath the breast).
