Breast Implants

An increasing number of women are considering breast enlargement for various reasons including increasing the fullness and projection of the breasts, achieve more symmetrical breasts, increasing self image and confidence and improving the balance of your figure.

Breast implants are the medical devices that are inserted under the breast tissue or under the chest muscles with the aim of increasing breast size. There are two types of breast implants available for breast enlargement, silicone and saline implants.  Both the implants have an outer silicone shell but vary in shell thickness, size and shape. Saline filled breast implants are made of silicone shells filled with saline (sterile salt water). These are safer than silicone implants but tend to be slightly firmer than silicone implants. Silicone breast implants are made of silicone shells filled with silicon, a cohesive gel that holds together. Silicone breast implants tend to have a more natural feel but pose a greater risk to health if they leak. The FDA recommends that women must be 18 years and above to use saline breast implants and 22 years and above to use silicone breast implants.

The breast enlargement procedure is surgical procedure that is conducted under anesthesia. During breast enlargement, an incision is made under the arm, under the breast or around the nipple area. The breast implant is inserted into a pocket created under the chest muscle. The procedure takes between one to two hours to complete. In some cases an overnight stay in a hospital may be required.

There is no one set price for breast enlargement procedures. The cost of the breast enlargement procedure will include the cost of the implants, surgeons’ fees, and cost of anesthesia, hospital stay if required, cost of prescription medications and the cost of any post surgery garments you might require. It is often recommended that you wear a compression bandage or sports bra to provide extra support as the breast implants align themselves after your breast enlargement surgery.

Most surgeons will perform a baseline mammogram as well as other laboratory tests before the breast enlargement surgery is performed. You should inform the surgeon of any medication that you are taking. Some medications such as aspirin or other medications that can increase bleeding may have to be discontinued a few days before the breast enlargement procedure. Smokers are advised to stop smoking for a short period prior to the breast enlargement surgery.

Following the breast enlargement surgery you might the patient may experience soreness and in rare cases bruising.

• It is advisable to avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks following the breast augmentation surgery. If your surgeon has used non-dissolving sutures, you will have to have them removed at a follow up surgery.

• There are various risks that are associated with breast enlargement procedures, including breast pain, infection, scar tissue that distorts the shape of the implant, leakage or rupture of the implant, changes in the sensation of the breast and nipples.