While many people get breast
implants as a birthday gift, others treat themselves to the surgery
in order to improve their physical appearance and self-confidence. But this
year, those who celebrate a milestone in their lives with this cosmetic
procedure should know that the procedure itself is hitting a milestone. That's
right – 50 years have passed since the first Breast Augmentation procedure was performed in 1962, so 2012 marks the
surgery's 50th birthday!
Today, there are two types of breast
implants available – silicone and saline. Silicone implants are
filled with sterile salt water. According to ASAPS, these implants may be
pre-filled to a predetermined size, but they can also be filled at the time of
surgery. The average cost for these implants in 2011 was $3,308.
Silicone gel-filled breast
implants are medical devices implanted under the breast tissue or
under the chest muscle. These implants have a silicone outer shell filled with
silicone gel. They come in different sizes and have either smooth or textured
shells. ASAPS reports the average cost for these types of implants in 2011 was
$3,694.
"Surgical techniques for breast
augmentation and breast
implants themselves are continuously being refined, increasing the
safety and reliability of the procedure," reports ASAPS.
In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently
approved a new type of silicone-gel breast
implant, manufactured by Sientra. These implants are available
textured or smooth and either round or shaped, which some believe helps to
create a more natural looking breast.
A licensed, board-certified plastic surgeon can help patients
decide which type and size of breast
implant is best for their desired outcome. According to the American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), more than 316,000 individuals underwent the
surgery in 2011, making it the second most common surgical procedure done by
ASAPS members.
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