The goal of placing breast implants is for women to achieve their desired cup size as well as a desired breast shape.
What is a breast implant?
There are currently two types on the market for implant filling: saline-filled implants and silicone implants. These implants consist of a silicone shell, which is filled with either saline or silicone gel. Those who have breast implants inserted usually do so for purely aesthetic reasons. In Germany, between 30,000 and 45,000 breast implants are sold every year. The cost is usually between 4000 and 7000 euros, with health insurance companies only paying for such an operation if it is necessary for health reasons. Breast implants have only a certain life span of 10 to 20 years. Therefore, the breast implants may need to be renewed or even replaced. If the breast implants do not cause any problems they can be kept for a longer period of time.
Shapes, types and types
In order to achieve an optimal result in a breast augmentation, a thoroughly considered choice about the right implant must be made beforehand. At the same time, this will ensure the stability of a breast augmentation. The quality of the implant is very important for the patient, so that there are no complications later. When choosing for the right implant, there are the following four factors: the size of the implant, the filling of the implant, the shell, and the shape of the implant. The size of the breast depends on the taste of the client, nevertheless, there are some things that need to be considered. The breast can only be as wide as the chest is wide. In addition, the amount of skin as well as the skin texture must be taken into account and the implants in the breast should not harm the body symmetry. For implant filling, there are currently two types on the market: saline-filled implants and silicone implants. These implants consist of a silicone shell, which is filled with either saline or silicone gel. The implant shells are made entirely of silicone. They can have a smooth or a roughened surface. The external appearance is essentially determined by the shape of the implant. For a long time, only round implants were developed, but only since 1994 have other implants been available. The drop-shaped implants are narrow in the upper area and become wider towards the bottom. Many women now prefer this type of implant because the result is much more similar to a natural breast. Moreover, the teardrop-shaped implants can be defined by three dimensions: Thickness, height as well as width. Thus, the size and the shape of the breasts can be well chosen.
Structure and functioning
Before surgery is performed, the doctor and the patient have a precautionary consultation. The doctor palpates the breast, measures the thickness of the breast tissue, the size of the breast, the size of the areolas, any asymmetry of the breasts, and the skin texture. During the consultation, the patient should express her wishes very precisely so that she is satisfied with the result after the surgical procedure. In order for breast surgery to take place, perfect breast findings are a prerequisite. These include a magnetic resonance tomography, a mammography and in special cases an ultrasound examination of the breast. Breast implants can be placed in two different ways. Either under the large pectoral muscle or over the large pectoral muscle. There are also different access routes and associated incisions. There is the incision in the armpit and in the inframammary crease. Another method is the incision at the nipple, distinguishing between an incision at the nipple margin and an incision around the areola. An incision in the armpit is considered by most to be the most inconspicuous option, since scars in the entire breast area are completely absent and the scar is also discreet in the armpit area. Should the implants ever need to be replaced, this method does not leave the same scars. In addition, the placement of the implant here is more complicated than with the breast fold incision. With the incision under the breast, the doctor has a very good view during the operation. Also, this scar usually appears invisible later, since the breast in its natural initial position covers the incision. If it is necessary to replace the implants, the same access can be used for this.If only small implants are to be inserted, then a nipple incision can be resorted to. However, this poses more risks to patients than the above options.
Medical and health benefits
Breast implants do not have a medical benefit. They are an expression of socially aesthetic ideas. In certain cases, however, they are beneficial to a patient’s mental health. Especially if the woman has lost a breast due to cancer, for example. Science has found out in its previous studies that breast implants do not cause breast cancer and are not a trigger for any rheumatic diseases. Meanwhile, there are also many mothers who breastfeed their child with a breast implant. According to findings, this does not pose any risks to the infant. Nevertheless, it must not be forgotten that breast implants represent a foreign body. For example, if a woman with breast implants gets a serious general infection, it is advisable to reach for an antibiotic a little sooner than normal. This is because bacteria can enter the bloodstream and become attached to the implant surface. In this case, implant capsule fibrosis or an implant infection can develop. Although this risk is low, affected women should still take care. It is also essential to ensure that the material used is of high quality. In addition, regular check-ups should be observed. These are an ultrasound – as well as a body examination. After 10 years, when the warranty for the implants is usually over, an examination every one to two years is recommended.
