Breast augmentation: a very common plastic surgery procedure
It has gained popularity among younger women because it creates a larger and fuller bust, which may be important to young women who have not developed full breasts naturally. However, there are some complications associated with younger age groups seeking to reconstruct their breasts. In the past, breast augmentation techniques have been skeptical; many women blamed their implants for breast tumors, and autoimmune disorders. Additionally, breast augmentation can have some complications involving scarring and numbness in the nipples, which can create some health issues later in life.
Although breast augmentation techniques are very advanced and safe now,
it had been slow to develop in the past. This is mainly because doctors could not find a safe material for use in breast implants. Materials such as rubber, cartilage, and ivory were used as implants with ill-effects. Silicone injections were introduced in the implants were introduced in the 1950s, and although silicone is used for implants today, silicone injections directly into the skin will cause tissue hardening. Saline implants were introduced as a safe alternative in the earlier 1960's. Shortly thereafter, silicone implants were introduced as an alternative to the silicone injections.
Both the silicone and saline implants came pre-filled. However, the silicone implants are filled to the desired size, and then implanted behind the breast tissue. Although the silicone looks more natural, there are risks involved with this insertion technique because the plastic surgeon must make an incision large enough to fit the implant. Sometimes this can cause scarring and discomfort during recovery. Saline implants are also pre-filled, but they are easier to insert because they are not completely filled to the desired size until they have been inserted behind the breast tissue.
Some young women who have breast augmentations may have complications later in life, especially with breastfeeding. This depends on the incision technique the plastic surgeon used to make the breast augmentation. Incisions around the nipple or areola can reduce sensitivity in the breasts, which can have an affect on breastfeeding. Nerves and nipple sensitivity are important for breastfeeding because they trigger milk production. A skilled plastic surgeon can avoid some of these complications by simply knowing what type of incision is appropriate for the patient. Many women have also had concerns with the silicone solution leaking into their breast milk. However, there have been extensive research studies into the use of silicone implants that have cleared it for safe use in women.
There are many safe options for breast augmentation. Breast augmentation is a popular surgery among young women, and these age groups should be aware of some of these risks associated with this procedure. For instance, FDA regulations associated with silicone implants will make some young women ineligible for implants. Additionally, incision techniques can have an affect on breastfeeding later on in life.
