Well-shaped breasts that are proportionate to the body go a long way in enhancing a woman’s confidence and self-esteem. Leading plastic surgeons who offer breast augmentation in New York City perform the procedure using implants. According the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) breast augmentation ranked first among the top five cosmetic surgical procedures in 2016, with 290,000 procedures performed last year. It was also reported that silicone implants were used in 84% of the procedures and saline implants in 16%. There are some important things that women considering breast implant surgery should know.
Both Silicone and Saline Implants are Safe: NYC plastic surgeons offer four types of FDA-approved breast implants: silicone, saline, gummy bear, and IDEAL. Silicone and saline implants are the most popular options, though there have been concerns about the safety of silicone gel implants. If the silicone gel-filled implant ruptures, the gel may remain in the shell or in the scar tissue that forms around the implant. However, a Cleveland Clinic article points out that recent research has found that silicone implants are just as safe as their saline counterpart.
Breast implants don’t have an expiration date: You don’t have to worry about an expiration date for your breast implants as there’s no such thing. Women are advised to have an MRI scan every few years to make sure that their silicone implant is intact. In case of rupture or leakage, it should be removed or replaced. The FDA recommends medical imaging to verify the implant’s integrity beginning at three years and every two years after that. If a saline implant leaks, breast size will decrease and women may opt to replace it for aesthetic reasons.
Additional surgery may be required: Anatomical changes that take place over time may call for additional surgery. As you age, your body will change. Childbirth will alter the size and shape of the breasts. Scar tissue may develop around the implants. In such cases, you may need surgery for a replacement or revision implant surgery.
Implants and breastfeeding: One common question that prospective patients ask is whether you can breastfeed with implants. The answer is yes, though it depends on certain factors such as the type of surgery involved, whether there is the milk ducts or nerves have been severed and how much functional glandular tissue is present before and after the procedure, and other conditions. It is reported that women who have a mastectomy and implant breast reconstruction cannot breastfeed because the milk ducts in the breast tissue are removed. According to an Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, some mothers with implants may find it difficult to produce an adequate milk supply.
Have realistic goals about implant size: Size options are limited and your implants can’t be always as big as you want. Implant size would depend on the size of your rib cage, as well as the thickness and elasticity of your skin. The greater your skin’s elasticity, the greater your ability to stretch and accommodate larger implants without stretch marks. Moreover, it’s important to set realistic goals and you cannot expect to go from small to very large at one go, though implant size can be increased over time.
3D imaging gives you a preview of your results: A picture can help you describe your expectations. In an established New York plastic surgery center, surgeons would use innovative 3D simulation platforms such as Axis Three, VECTRA 3D, and Oculus Rift 3D Imaging Glasses which allow patients to preview their potential results. This improves the consultation experience and patients’ confidence. You can also check out breast augmentation before and after photos available at the website of the practice. This will give you an idea of the extent of changes that you can expect, though results would vary among patients depending on individual considerations.
For option outcomes for New York City breast enhancement, choose an AAAASF plastic surgery center with plastic surgeons who experts in the procedure. They can provide customized treatment and optimal outcomes based on a thorough evaluating your anatomy, breast tissue, and aesthetic goals.