Breast implant or breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to increase the size of breasts in proportion to the rest of the body. The procedure involves surgical insertion of silicone gel or saline filled implants in the breast tissue. The procedure currently ranks as the second most popular cosmetic surgery in the US after liposuction.
One of the reasons for the growing popularity of breast implant surgery is that the procedure is highly customizable according to the unique anatomical and aesthetic needs of a patient. Dr. Brian J. Parker is an experienced plastic surgeon providing breast augmentation and other procedures to patients in Las Vegas and surrounding communities.
Suitable Candidates
Women affected by one or more of the following conditions may benefit the most from breast implant plastic surgery procedure:
- Size of the breasts is naturally small in proportion to the rest of the body.
- The patient desires larger breasts purely for aesthetic reasons.
- Breasts are unevenly sized or asymmetrical.
- Loss of volume has occurred in the breasts following a pregnancy or major weight loss.
- Congenital defects are present in one or both breasts.
- Breast reconstruction is needed following a mastectomy or breast injury.
Silicone vs. Saline Implants
Saline implants include a core that is filled with a sterile saline solution. These implants are completely biocompatible and pose no health risk in case of implant rupture or leakage. However, the touch and feel of saline implants may not be as natural as that of silicone implants. The FDA has approved these implants for women above the age of 18.
Silicone implants include a core made of highly cohesive silicone gel, which gives a more natural touch and feel to the implants. New varieties of silicone implants include ultra-cohesive gel, which will not flow to other areas in the event of an implant damage. These implants are more popular today as compared to the traditional saline implants. The FDA has approved these implants for women above the age of 21.
Costs
The dollar amount of breast implant procedure will vary from one practice to another and even from one patient to another at the same practice, depending on several factors. The location of the practice, the qualifications of the cosmetic surgeon, the type of implants chosen, and the quality of the surgical facility are some of the key factors that will impact the overall monetary amount of the procedure. Dr. Parker receives patients from Las Vegas and nearby locations for breast implant surgery.
Problems
Success rate of breast implant surgery is very high today, but the patient should not expect the implants to last a lifetime. Most patients will need an implant replacement at some point, which may occur due to implant damage, rupture, mal-positioning, mis-shaping or simply due to the changed aesthetic preferences of the patient.
Recovery
Most women will be able to return to work or resume their daily activities in about 10 to 14 days. A surgical bra may have to be worn for several weeks for added support.
If you would like to learn more about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Brian J. Parker by contacting us at (702) 240-9500.