Types of Breast Implants

saline-filled implants
cohesive silicone gel-filled implants
Most women receive saline-filled implants which consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile salt. Recently, new cohesive silicone gel implants have become available in Canada. Silicone gel implants tend to feel more like real breast tissue than saline implants and do not ripple or fold as much as saline implants. The current cohesive gel is less likely to seep, run or shift unlike the older type of liquid silicone implants.

Breast implants can make it more difficult to read mammograms. All women have a risk of breast cancer and one needs to have more vigorous screening after surgery. However, there is multi-centre study that found that breast augmentation patients have a lower breast carcinoma risk than the normal female population.

CONSULTATION
We will examine your breasts and take into consideration factors such as the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin and the placement of your nipples. If your breasts are sagging, a breast lift may also be recommended. Individual factors and personal preferences will help us together to determine your appropriate breast size and the location of incisions. Keep in mind that in general, the larger the implant, the greater the risk of complications.

PROCEDURE
Implants can be placed under the chest muscle or between the chest muscle and the breast tissue. There are advantages and disadvantages with each approach. We will discuss with you the implant placement location and location of the incision through which the implant will be inserted.

Once the incision is made either under the breast, in the axilla or at the edge of the areola, the surgeon creates a pocket into which the implant will be inserted. This pocket is made either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle (located between the breast tissue and chest wall).

Breast augmentation is usually performed on an outpatient basis, so it is important to arrange for someone to accompany you home after surgery and to stay with you during the first night following surgery.

SIDE EFFECTS
When a breast implant is inserted, a scar capsule forms around it as part of the natural healing process. The scar capsule may tighten and compress the implant, causing the breast to feel firmer than normal. This is called capsular contracture. Capsular contracture can occur to varying degrees and when severe, it can cause discomfort or changes in the breasts appearance. In such cases, additional surgery may be needed to modify or remove the scar tissue or perhaps, remove or replace the implant.

After surgery, some discolouration and swelling will occur, but this will disappear quickly. Most residual swelling diminish within a month. You may also experience temporary soreness, swelling, bruising and change in nipple sensation

Although rare, an infection may require temporary removal of the implant. Changes in nipple or breast sensation may result from breast augmentation surgery although they are usually temporary.

RECOVERY
Typically, one can return to work within a few days. Fading of scars can take several months or longer.

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