Breast Augmentation - How Does It Work?

Nearly 300 thousand breast augmentation surgeries are performed each year

. While today the procedure might seem perfectly common, it is the result of a long evolution. For a woman considering cosmetic breast surgery, part of the preparation is becoming as fully informed as possible.

To get started, here is a history of the procedure and information about how the process works, what results it can achieve and what to expect.

History

Modern augmentation has evolved from clinical trials back in the 60's. However, even before that time, Japanese prostitutes were injecting their breasts with materials such as paraffin and silicone, believing it to make them more attractive to American servicemen.

For 30 years after the first American woman received silicone implants, they were mostly known for the controversy and courtroom battles in regards to their safety. After a series of lost lawsuits and large payouts, the FDA stopped the distribution of silicone implants in 1992 with the exception of special circumstances such as reconstruction.

Saline implants quickly took their place. However, after numerous large-scale studies performed around the world indicate no link between silicone and any major diseases such as neurological disease, the ban was lifted. Now the debate continues over the advantages between saline and silicone.

How they fit

The breast is composed of two elements. There are the lobes and ducts that connect with the areola and work together to produce milk. This system is surrounded by a system of fatty tissue and ligaments that protect the milk producing system and give the breasts their volume. The whole structure rests on top of the pectoral muscles.

During augmentation surgery, the doctor will use a non-invasive incision to carefully insert the implant behind the milk-producing system, creating a space in the fatty tissue. The implants will be placed either behind the pectoral muscle or on top of it.

A woman must work with her doctor to determine the best placement as well as the best incision location. The options will vary based on several factors, including the type of implant.

After the surgery

There are several risks associate with breast augmentation. Surgical risks include infection and blood accumulating under the skin. After the surgery and recovery has been completed, there are many other things that a woman could experience. In some cases the implants will experience a visible rippling effect, or other unnatural appearance that could require additional surgery to correct.

Another common problem is capsular contraction, caused when the scar tissue around the breast squeezes the implant. In the worst cases, this can cause a hardening of the breast. A woman should review all of these potential complications with her doctor prior to making a decision regarding implants.

by: Abigail Aaronson

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