There are many reasons why women may choose to receive a breast augmentation. In many cases, breast augmentation is performed to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. However, this cosmetic surgery option is also available to women who want to restore their breasts after surgery or major weight loss. Whatever the case may be, there’s no question that a breast augmentation is a wonderful way to help a woman feel more beautiful and confident in the appearance of her body.
At The Vu Center in Portland, our goal is to provide you with the treatments and cosmetic surgery options you need to feel like the best version of yourself. We offer a wide variety of procedures to help you achieve the look that you desire. In addition to cosmetic procedures, we also offer procedures that are medically necessary to help you achieve the best quality of life. From hand surgery to breast augmentations and everything in between, The Vu Center in Portland is your one-stop shop for all of your plastic surgery needs. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation. In the meantime, continue reading below to learn more about breast augmentation and what you need to know about breast implants.
What Are Breast Implants?
As we mentioned above, a breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure in which the doctor will enhance the shape and size of a woman’s breasts. Traditionally, doctors will use breast implants during this procedure to increase the size of the breasts and give them a more aesthetically pleasing shape. Breast implants are comprised of a round silicone shell that are either filled with silicone gel or saline. There are pros and cons of using each type of implant, but ultimately, the decision comes down to which type of implant will best achieve the desired results, as well as the personal preferences of the individual.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution that can be adjusted to affect the feel and firmness of the implant. One of the most common concerns that women have with implants is what happens if their implant ruptures. While this is uncommon, saline implants are filled with a solution that is similar to what you may find already within your body, and if your implant ruptures, your body will simply absorb the solution. Another benefit of saline implants is that smaller incisions can be used to place the implants, allowing for minimal scarring.
There are many benefits to choosing saline implants, but one of the drawbacks of this type of implant is that, in some cases, they look and feel less natural. If you have thinner skin, for example, your saline implants may be more noticeable, and can even have a rippling effect. That being said, your doctor will have a better idea of what option is best for you.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are the other option of implants available for women who choose to undergo a breast augmentation procedure. Instead of saline, silicone implants are filled with a medical-grade gel that gives the implants a more natural feel and appearance. The gel used in silicone implants has a squishy feel and can change shape, but will also return to the natural shape of the implant. For this reason, many people prefer this type of implant, as it mimics the behavior of breast tissue.
The natural look and feel of silicone implants make them a popular choice for many women. However, there are a few drawbacks to the silicone implants. For one, they are more expensive than saline implants. Because silicone is a man-made substance, it is not as easily acquired as a saline solution. Additionally, this type of implant is only approved by the FDA for women who are 22 or older, whereas saline implants are approved for women ages 18 and up.
How Long Do Implants Last?
The life of your implants depends on a variety of factors. Doctors recommend that you have an MRI each year to determine if your implants are functioning properly. However, most implants – regardless of whether they are saline or silicone – will last between eight and 10 years.
Which Implants Are Right for Me?
Choosing the right implants depends on your personal preference and the appearance that you are trying to achieve. If you are unsure about which type of implant will provide you with the most benefits, your doctor will be able to go over the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
At The Vu Center in Portland, our goal is to help you look and feel confident in your own skin. We offer a variety of treatments and cosmetic surgery options, and our board-certified doctors will help you pick and choose the procedures that will deliver the best results. Whether you simply want to enhance your appearance or surgery is the best option to improve your quality of life, The Vu Center is here to help. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation.