Knowing Breast Implants: The Essentials | vgplasticsurgery's Blog

After speaking to a local top plastic surgeon Beverly Hills sources tell us that breast augmentation in America has a quite storied history. More recently, breast augmentation was the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure among women in 2008 with 355,671 undergoing the operation in that year, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. A Medscape article discusses updates on this very popular surgical procedure for readers who are both patients and healthcare professionals.

Regarding Breast Augmentation Los Angeles Cosmetic Surgeons Utilize Advanced Technology And Superior Materials

Previous generation silicone gel implants had thick, unnaturally stiff shells, a high rate of gel bleed, and an unacceptably high incidence of capsular contracture of up to seventy percent. Now third generation implants, from the mid-eighties to today, use a multi-layer barrier shell that are filled with a thicker, more cohesive gel to reduce potential leakage, decreasing the occurrences of gel bleed.

These “responsive gel” breast implants Los Angeles plastic surgeons tell us, have achieved high rates of safety and efficacy, being re-approved for general use with conditions by the US Food Drug Administration in November of 2006. Third generation silicone gel-filled breast implants are currently approved for two purposes: reconstruction in women of any age and augmentation in women 22 years or older. Saline-filled breast implants, on the other hand, are approved for women 18 years or older. Mentor in Santa Barbara, CA and Allergan Corporation in Irvine, CA are the two main implant manufacturers which provide plastic surgeons and patients with well-studied, safe FDA-approved breast implants for their patients in the United States.

In this type of procedure, the breast pocket may be created in either the subglandular (under the gland) or subpectoral (under the pectoralis major muscle) space. The subglandular technique is usually recommended for patients who have substantial breast tissue or a mild degree of breast droop, or ptosis, since greater projection may be achieved. Avid women bodybuilders may prefer subglandular implants because placing them under the muscle in some instances produces breast animation and distortions when the pectoral muscles are flexed. Issues typically discouraging the routine use of subglandular placement include increased risks of capsular contracture, rippling and implant palpability.

For more information regarding breast augmentation as well as facial procedures such as rhinoplasty Los Angeles patients are encouraged to contact their local cosmetic specialists to learn more.