Introduction
Breast augmentation is the procedure used to surgically alter the shape, size, structure of breasts by insertion of breast implants. Breast implants are prosthetics (artificially produced products) used to be inserted in the breasts, during a breast augmentation surgery, so as to alter the look of the breast. It is usually done in people who have undergone removal of breast post-cancer or who have congenitally deformed breasts.
What are breast implants?
Breast implants are used by many people to enhance the shape and/or size of their breasts without any underlying disease. Breast implants are of 3 types, silicone implants filled with silicon solution, silicone implants filled with saline solution and other implants with miscellaneous fillers.
What is breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty are medical terms used by plastic surgeons for the surgery conducted. The primary aim of these surgeries is to insert implants in women where complete mastectomy (removal of breast) has been done post breast cancer. Silicone implants are the best form of implants used these days as the implant is heat and trauma resistant. It gives a very smooth shape to the breast as it is extremely flexible yet maintains tensile strength. Saline solution implants are mostly used in women who opt for the surgery for a cosmetic reason and desire a minimal incision made in the breast and hence they call for a very small surgery. Breast augmentation consists of covering a flap of skin over the implants and giving the appearance of a normal breast. Breast augmentation is a very common procedure often done for purely aesthetic enhancement purposes akin to permanent makeup.
Benefits of breast augmentation surgery
The best benefit that breast augmentation imparts is that it can help in lactation in reproductive females who have undergone surgery for removal of breast.
Silicone implants are by far the best implants but they are very expensive. They give a look as close to the normal original breast. Now-a- days there are removable implants which can be inserted into the brasserie and can be removed at the end of the day. Such removable implants are usually made up of silicon and are convenient for use in patients who are not fit for surgery or who cannot afford expensive reconstruction surgeries or who simply want better breasts without going under the knife. The surgeon must be extremely cautious while performing a breast augmentation surgery as the implant should be placed in the exact position and there are many shapes and sizes of implants to be selected from. Complications of breast implants may be hematoma, altered breast sensation, pain and heaviness of the breast, asymmetry, visible wrinkling of breasts, wound or scar infection, implant rupture and capsular contracture.
Summary: The difference between breast augmentation and breast implants is clear. Breast implants are the synthetic parts that are used to improve the shape of the breasts whereas breast augmentation is the name of the surgical procedure that uses breast implants. Breast augmentation is done for those having a deformed breast since birth, those who underwent removal of the breast due to breast cancer, or for those who seek plain cosmetic enhancement.