I’ve decided to do a series of hubs on breast surgery, be it breast enhancement or breast repair, there are many different types of breast surgery – and in the spirit of women’s health and awareness, we’ll explore them all.

If you’re considering breast implants, there are some things you should know before going under the knife. As you probably already know, the decision to undergo plastic surgery is both major and life changing – and you shouldn’t take your decision to have breast augmentation surgery lightly. So, in order to provide you with the best possible information, I will approach the prospect of breast enhancement surgery from every angle.

First of all, I should be up front and let you know that I myself have not had breast implants (as I am ‘gifted’ in that area naturally), but I have spent quite some time and some extensive study looking into the many forms of breast augmentation because I am seriously considered having my girls ‘lifted’. Why? Because after 28 years and 2 kids, they’re just not where they used to be…even though I’m working out like crazy and putting on muscle. Don’t get me wrong, they aren’t ‘saggy’, but they aren’t my ideal. --- But I digress…let’s move on.

In the first of the ‘breast hub series’, we’ll look into the various types of breast implant and explore, not only the benefits, but the dangers and the procedures by which each are implemented. As the series continues, we’ll also look into the other types of breast augmentation as they pertain to the average Jane, as well as those of us who have had mastectomies and other destructive or deforming changes.

On to the coup de grâce… The silicone breast implant has been around for quite some time and has long been the source of quite a bit of controversy. The silicone breast implant began to lose popularity in the 1990s. This is due in part to the many claims women made over the years that their silicone implants caused health problems ranging from connective tissue disorders to rheumatoid arthritis. Thanks to these claims, the FDA placed a moratorium on the use of standard silicone implants in the year 1992. Basically, silicone implant was no longer made available to the general public (consequently, the use of silicone implants never really stopped…it was just kept on the D.L.)

Silicone gel implants were put under rigorous study and were proven safe and effective and finally regained FDA approval in November of 2006. Since that time, the FDA has conducted periodic studies of silicone gel implants and each time they’ve passed with flying colors.

Because silicone implants come pre-filled, patients who choose this method are faced with a longer/larger incision. This lengthened incision is the only real drawback to getting silicone implants. You may also find it pertinent that silicone implants come in both textured and smooth. The textured variety tends to be more firm than are smooth silicone implants. There are countless resources about the dangers and benefits of silicone implants online; your best bet is to read the information you find that’s published by plastic surgeons themselves.

Now, let’s move on to the saline breast implant. Saline breast implants are currently the most popular variety of implant used in the United States. Saline implants are generally considered more safe than their silicone counterparts because any leakage will only release salt water and not silicone gel.

Saline implants are typically filled ‘on site’ during surgery. There are some pre-filled saline implants but no prefilled saline implants are approved by the FDA. The people at the FDA have put together and excellent definition and explanation of how the saline implant is put into place and a great description of the material itself. Because I couldn’t say it better myself, I have decided to pass their information on to you (giving the folks at the FDA full credit).

So, the FDA says ;

" What Is a Saline-Filled Breast Implant?

A breast implant is a sac (implant shell) of silicone elastomer (rubber), which is surgically implanted under your chest tissues, and then filled with saline, a saltwater solution, through a valve.

Are You Eligible for Saline-Filled Breast Implants?

Implants are to be used for females for the following indications (procedures):

• Breast Augmentation -This procedure is done to increase the size and proportions of a woman's breasts. A woman must be at least 18 years old for breast augmentation.
• Breast Reconstruction -This procedure is done to restore a woman's breast shape after a mastectomy or injury that resulted in either partial or total loss ofthe breast(s), or to correct a birth defect.

What Are Important Factors for You to Consider When Deciding to Have Saline-Filled Implants?

• Whether you are undergoing augmentation or reconstruction, be aware that breast implantation may not be a one-time surgery. You are likely to need additional surgery and surgeon visits over the course of your life.

• Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. You will likely undergo implant removal with or without replacement over the course of your life.

• Many of the changes to your breast following implantation are irreversible (cannot be undone). If you later choose to have your implant(s) removed, you may experience unacceptable dimpling, puckering, wrinkling, or other cosmetic changes of the breast.

• Breast implants may affect your ability to produce milk for breast feeding. Also, breast implants will not prevent your breasts from sagging after pregnancy.

• With breast implants, routine screening mammography will be more difficult, and you will need to have additional views, which means more time and radiation.

• For patients who have undergone breast implantation either as a cosmetic or a reconstructive procedure, health insurance premiums may increase, coverage may be dropped, and/or future coverage may be denied. Treatment of complications may not be covered as well. You should check with your insurance company regarding these coverage issues. "

You can find out more of what the FDA has to say on their official website at http://www.fda.gov.

As you make your decision, it’s important to consider all your options and take your time picking sizes and surgeons. After all, it’s your body and you should treat it as a temple.

Don’t forget to pop on over and visit my site at http://www.personaltrainyou.com