Articles Directory | Free Articles | New Articles Daily

The use of breast implants in breast enhancement has become an increasingly popular option for women who wish to increase or restore their breast volume and size. Breast enhancement involves the insertion of implants under the chest muscle or breast tissue for breast enhancement or for the reconstruction of breast volume after weight reduction or pregnancy. Today, breast implants are sophisticated products of research, and breast enhancement has become a preferred life-enhancement choice for many women.

A variety of breast implants are available based on type, size, shape, texture and projection, so making an informed decision is important. The two types of breast implants approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are silicone-filled and saline-filled. Saline-filled breast implants contain an outer shell of silicone filled with sterile saline (salt water) and are considered to be one of the safer forms of breast implants. In case an implant leaks or ruptures, the saline solution (which is harmless to humans) is simply absorbed into body tissue. The size of saline implants can also be altered, depending on aesthetic or physical needs, which allows women to increase or decrease the size of their implants over time. On the other hand, silicone gel implants have a greater aesthetic appeal; they are smoother, softer and feel more like natural breast tissue than their saline-filled counterparts. Both silicone and saline implants have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages, and it is best to discuss which option is a better choice with your surgeon.

Choosing implant size is usually best determined by measurement of the breasts, but women can also choose the size that suits their aesthetic requirements. Next, the two implant surfaces available are smooth and textured. Smooth implants have thinner shells making them softer than textured implants while textured implants reduce the risk of the implant moving and also produces results that look and feel more realistic. Furthermore, there are two
basic types of breast shape you can achieve with breast enhancement. The round breast implant produces the greatest amount of lift, fullness and cleavage while the teardrop shape creates a more natural looking result. Lastly, the projection of the breast can be increased or decreased. The choice between moderate, mid-range, or high profiles is dependent on personal preference, body type, diameter of the chest, and the surgeon's recommendation.

While concerns about breast implant safety are natural, implants have been successfully used by millions of women around the world, and the number of women choosing breast implants for enhancement has only increased over the last decade. The FDA approved silicone gel implants for women aged 22 and older in 2006. Dr. William Maisel, chief scientist for the FDA's Center for Devices recently affirmed this endorsement saying “Women should feel assured that the FDA continues to believe that currently marketed silicone breast implants are safe.” While breast enhancement, like any other surgery comes with risks, women can be reassured that breast implants themselves are continuously being refined, increasing the safety and reliability of the procedure.

Disclaimer: This article is for general awareness and should not be considered as medical advice. Consult a qualified plastic surgeon for exact guidance.