Breast Implants: The Basic Facts

Means of body modification have existed for years. Of course the mind jumps immediately to tattoos, piercings, and hair coloring as the simple means, but what about the more complex methods? In Victorian times, women tried to shrink their waists by wearing fishbone corsets so tight they literally could not breathe. While their midsections did shrink, many suffered ailments or even death due to broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and displaced organs. Many ordinary people shoot down media programming and publications for emphasizing the importance of beauty in modern society, but forget that the idea of beauty standards is not new or even unique to Western culture. While this is arguably an unfortunate historical trend, it is a fact of life and cosmetic procedures provide self-confidence everyday to those who feel they do not meet current standards. Perhaps the best way to comprehend trends in body modification is to stay informed and know the basics about common procedures. One of the more popular of these procedures is breast augmentation, usually with the use of breast implants.

Breast implants have been used in cosmetic procedures since the late 1800s. They are used to enlarge breasts, restore breast firmness, or to lift breasts that have lost shape due to weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or other factors. Breast implants may also be used in a male-to-female transexual patient to give them the body they desire. The earliest recorded breast implant used was crafted out of a benign tumor. Later materials used for implants included glass, ivory, and rubber. Today, there are three types of breast implants: saline, silicone, and composite. The names define what type of material the implant is filled with. Composite implants are often filled with various types of liquids such as soy oil, but are no longer produced. These implant types have been used since the mid 1950s and have been perfected over time.

Breast implants are inserted through an incision. There are five types of surgical incisions: Inframammary, Periareolar, Transaxillary, Transumbilical, and Transabdominal. Inframammary incisions are made under the fold of the breast. They provide excellent access, for implant placement, but leave bigger and more visible scars. Periareolar incisions are made on top of the breast on the edge of the areola and typically do not leave raised scars. Transaxillary, Transubmbilical, and Transabdominal incisions are less common and are made in the armpit, by the navel, and through the abdominal muscles respectively.

Of course, this is only a rundown of the basics. If you are thinking about getting breast implants, research is an absolute must. Talking with a plastic surgeon about your candidacy for the procedure, appropriate implant sizes for your body type, and the personal risks associated with getting breast implants is essential to this, as it is with any other surgical procedure. Modifying your body is your business and can be a great experience, but it is a choice you will have to live with.