There are two types of breast implants:
- Saline implants, sacs filled with saline (also known as salt water).
- Silicone implants, sacs filled with silicone.
This surgery may be performed at an outpatient surgery center or in a hospital. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. General anesthesia allows you to be asleep. This surgery can also be performed using a local anesthesia and numbing medication that will numb your breast, block the pain and allow you to remain awake during the surgery.
Whichever implant you choose, there are different ways they can be placed.
- The Surgeon can make an incision in the natural skin-fold, under your breast. The implant is then placed through this opening. However, in younger women, and women who haven't had any children this scar may be visible.
- The Surgeon can make an incision under the arm, then insert an endoscope through this opening to place the implant. An endoscope is a surgical tool with a camera and surgical instruments at the end. This procedure doesn't produce any visible scars around the breast. Instead, there may be a visible scar on the underside of the arm.
- The Surgeon can make an incision around the areola. The areola is the darkened area around the nipple. The implant is then inserted through this opening. However, receiving this procedure can make breastfeeding difficult, and you may lose sensation in the areola or the area around the areola.
- The Surgeon can make an incision near the belly button, then use the endoscope to move the saline implant up to the breast area to the desired location. Once the implant is in place the surgeon will fill it with saline.
The type of implant and size of implant you choose will determine these things:
- How much pain you will experience after the procedure.
- The natural appearance of your breast.
- The risk of the implant breaking or leaking in the future.
After having this surgery future mammograms will require additional views to allow for proper visualization and examination of breast tissue.
Recovery time for this surgery is usually around 4-6 weeks with restrictions on heavy lifting and strenuous activities. Consult with your surgeon!
As always, do research to select a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that is right for you. Check out our blog titled "Love Yourself!" There we discuss how to find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who will review your medical history, perform a medical exam, and discuss your expectations.
Happy Healing!