Breast augmentation: Breast implants reshape self-image

[Guest guest]

This came from today's 's News Alert for " Breast

Implants " . . . Sickening, considering all the sick

women and children we see!

I can't believe Mayo Clinic is still spewing this

garbage! Apparently this was originally written in

2004.

Rogene

--------------------------

" Breast implants don't weaken your immune system. When

your body detects something foreign in your system,

such as a virus or bacteria, it responds by kicking

your immune system into high gear. However, the IOM

found no evidence to suggest this happens with breast

implants. Nor did it find evidence linking implants to

any sort of autoimmune or connective tissue disorder.

Breast-feeding is safe. If your breast milk has

absorbed some of the silicone from the implants, don't

worry. Your baby isn't in danger. Because breast milk

is the best thing you can feed your baby, the IOM

encourages women with implants to breast-feed. "

http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=72668AB3-9D5F-474C-836C33C4128E598\

B

Breast augmentation: Breast implants reshape

self-image

By Mayo Clinic staff

Breast augmentation — surgery to enhance a woman's

breasts — ranks as the third most popular type of

cosmetic surgery. More than a quarter of a million

women opted for breast augmentation in 2003, according

to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Improvements in implant materials and surgical

techniques make breast augmentation safer than it once

was. If you're considering augmentation, be sure you

understand what's involved in the surgery, develop

realistic expectations, and know the possible risks

and complications associated with implants.

Why do it?

Your reasons for choosing breast augmentation are

highly personal. Breast augmentation may help you:

Enhance your breast appearance if you feel your breast

size is too small

Adjust for a reduction in the size of your breasts

after pregnancy

Reconstruct your breast after having breast surgery

for cancer or other conditions

Correct a birth defect of your breasts, such as having

breasts of two different sizes

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy

Besides enhancing the appearance of your breasts,

augmentation may improve your self-image, which in

turn can boost your self-confidence.

The best candidate for breast augmentation surgery is

a woman looking for an improvement — but not

perfection — in her appearance. Your ideal for how you

want your breasts to look and the reality of the

outcome of the procedure probably aren't going to

match up. Discuss your expectations with your surgeon

— be open and honest so that you'll have a realistic

expectation of what's to come.

Before surgery: Consider pros and cons

Well in advance of surgery you'll need to consult with

your surgeon about your preferences for size, feel and

overall appearance of your breasts. Your doctor will

describe the surgical techniques and provide you with

the package insert of the implant you select. Review

this carefully and keep a copy of all pertinent

information for your records.

Before you decide to have surgery, consider some

important factors regarding breast augmentation:

Breast implants aren't lifelong devices. You'll

probably have additional doctors visits and at least

one more surgery to remove or replace your implants.

You might need more surgery after implant removal. If

you have your implants removed for any reason, you may

experience unacceptable cosmetic changes — such as

wrinkling, dimpling or droopy excess skin — which

might require replacing the implants.

Breast implants won't prevent your breasts from

sagging after pregnancy. Some women actually need a

breast lift in addition to breast augmentation to

correct sagging breasts. Also, depending on how it's

done, breast augmentation surgery may make

breast-feeding more challenging.

Routine screening mammograms may be more complicated.

Additional views or ultrasound may be necessary, which

results in more time spent obtaining images of your

breasts. The quality of the mammogram will depend on

the experience and expertise of your technician and

the facility you select.

Insurance probably won't cover the procedure. If it

isn't medically necessary, many insurance companies

won't cover breast augmentation. If that's the case,

be prepared to handle any financial obligations that

accompany the surgery and any related surgeries you

might need in the future.

Considering these points may trigger many questions

with regard to your personal situation. Prepare a list

of questions to bring to your doctor. You may also

find it helpful to talk with other women who have gone

through the procedure. Ask if your doctor has the

names of some people you can contact.

The procedure

Breast augmentation surgery — also known as

augmentation mammaplasty — can be performed in a

surgical center or hospital outpatient facility. You

usually go home the same day, but on occasion the

surgery might require a hospital stay. Local or

general anesthesia may be used. It all depends on the

particulars of your procedure.

To insert the implant, your surgeon makes an incision

in one of three places:

In the breast fold. An inframammary incision runs

along the crease between the underside of your breast

and your chest.

Along the nipple. A periareolar incision follows the

natural line around your nipple and areola. This

incision may leave a less noticeable scar than the

inframammary incision, but it might also impact your

ability to breast-feed or affect sensation in your

nipple.

Under the arm. The axillary incision is made

underneath your arm.

Breast implants may be smooth or textured, round or

shaped like a tear drop. They consist of a silicone

shell filled with salt water (saline) or silicone gel.

In general, only saline-filled implants are available

for cosmetic use. Silicone gel-filled implants may be

available to women after surgery for breast cancer or

to women who had saline implants placed but then

experienced unsatisfactory results, such as wrinkling

or dimpling.

After making the incision, the surgeon lifts your skin

and tissue to create a pocket in your breast, either

just behind the breast glandular tissue or beneath the

muscle in your chest (pectoral muscle). The surgeon

inserts the implant and centers it behind your nipple.

When inserted, the implant is empty. The surgeon fills

the implant with saline once it's in place. Surgery

generally lasts one to two hours.

Recovery

You'll be tired and sore for the first few days after

your surgery, but your doctor will likely prescribe

medication to help relieve your pain. If you don't

have a physically demanding job, you may be able to

return to work within a few days. Getting back to

other normal activities will take longer — at least

two to three weeks — as your breasts will be sensitive

to direct physical contact. Follow your doctor's

advice about when you can return to your regular

activities.

Besides stitches, you may also have drainage tubes in

your breasts after surgery. These both come out a week

or so after the procedure. Your doctor may recommend

using a compression bandage or sports bra for extra

support and positioning of the implants during this

time.

You may notice a burning sensation in your nipples for

a few weeks, but that will go away as you heal. Expect

some pain, swelling, tenderness and bruising as you

heal. If you notice warmth and redness in your breast

area, though, accompanied by a fever, you might have

an infection. Contact your doctor as soon as possible.

The scars you notice after your surgery may initially

appear firm and pink. The scars fade gradually over

time, but they won't go away completely.

Risks

Be aware of the risks associated with breast implant

surgery:

Repeat surgery. You run the risk of having more

surgeries down the road, either to replace the

implants or to remove them altogether. In clinical

trials studying the safety and effectiveness of

saline-filled breast implants, as many as one in four

women had a second operation within five years of

getting implants.

Rupture. Implants can rupture, causing fluid to leak

into your breast and surrounding tissue. This could

happen as a result of a blunt-force injury — if you're

in a car accident, for example — or from tiny cracks

in the implant shell that can occur over time.

Deflation. A rupture or a slow leak can cause an

implant to collapse, deflating the size of your

breast. This may result in breasts that are noticeably

different in size or in a change to the cosmetic

appearance of your breast, such as sagging or

wrinkling.

Capsular contracture. Fibrous scar tissue forms a

capsule around your breast implant. This tissue

gradually builds up over time, constricting your

implant — a painful and potentially disfiguring

condition. Surgery is usually necessary to correct

capsular contracture.

Infection. An infection can occur from implants. Your

body thinks the implants are foreign and attacks them

— the same way it would a virus or bacteria.

Medication may help, although antibiotics aren't

always successful in treating an infection resulting

from breast implants. Replacing the implant may be

necessary if you develop a severe infection, and you

may have to wait six months to a year after removal

before you can get a new implant placed.

Hematoma. Blood and other fluids can pool around the

implant, causing pain, infection or other

complications.

Pain. You may experience more pain than what's

considered normal after surgery. This may indicate a

bigger problem. If your implant ruptures or moves from

its original position, pain and discomfort may result.

Capsular contracture — the squeezing of your breast

implant — can also be painful. You may need to have

the implants replaced to remedy the problem.

Other possible risks include dissatisfaction with the

results of your surgery. You might experience changes

in the sensation of your breasts and nipples that take

time to get used to. Or you might be able to feel the

implant beneath the surface of your breast tissue.

Debunking myths

You may be worried about getting implants because of

rumors you've heard. A committee at the Institute of

Medicine (IOM) reviewed the current research and

concluded:

Breast implants don't increase your risk of breast

cancer. The IOM reviewed evidence that breast implants

don't cause breast cancer or the recurrence of breast

cancer. However, it's still essential that you undergo

routine screening for breast cancer — breast

self-exams, mammograms and clinical breast exams —

just as you would if you didn't have implants.

Breast implants don't weaken your immune system. When

your body detects something foreign in your system,

such as a virus or bacteria, it responds by kicking

your immune system into high gear. However, the IOM

found no evidence to suggest this happens with breast

implants. Nor did it find evidence linking implants to

any sort of autoimmune or connective tissue disorder.

Breast-feeding is safe. If your breast milk has

absorbed some of the silicone from the implants, don't

worry. Your baby isn't in danger. Because breast milk

is the best thing you can feed your baby, the IOM

encourages women with implants to breast-feed.

Saline-filled implants are greatly improved. Women

with saline implants used to complain about sloshing —

hearing the liquid inside the implant — and being able

to feel the implant beneath the surface of the skin

(rippling effect). Some women preferred silicone

gel-filled implants, claiming they looked and felt

more natural. However, better results from saline

implants are now possible by slightly overfilling the

implant and placing it behind, rather than on top of,

the chest muscle.

Finally, know that health risks associated with

implants do exist. Take these risks into

consideration, consult with your doctor, and be

confident that you're making a fully informed decision

before you proceed with breast augmentation.

Related Information

Breast implants: Do they interfere with

breast-feeding?

Breast implants: Do they interfere with mammograms?

Breast self-exams: One way to detect breast cancer

Mammography: X-ray exam to detect breast cancer

August 19, 2004

WO00052

© 1998-2005 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and

Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy

of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial

personal use only. " Mayo, " " Mayo Clinic, "

" MayoClinic.com, " " Mayo Clinic Health Information, "

" Reliable information for a healthier life " and the

triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo

Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

[Guest guest]

*Choke! Gag! Sputter! GRRRRRR!!!!* What a bunch of crap coming from

a medical establishment! Pure fantasy! What the IOM REALLY said

was not that there was no evidence...it said that the quality of the

studies and the lack of good data made it unable to draw any

conclusions about the connection between implants and illness and

that MORE studies (obviously, better ones) were needed. See how the

media twists things?

(Choke, gag sputter, GRRRRR!!)

>

> This came from today's 's News Alert for " Breast

> Implants " . . . Sickening, considering all the sick

> women and children we see!

>

> I can't believe Mayo Clinic is still spewing this

> garbage! Apparently this was originally written in

> 2004.

>

> Rogene

> --------------------------

>

>

> " Breast implants don't weaken your immune system. When

> your body detects something foreign in your system,

> such as a virus or bacteria, it responds by kicking

> your immune system into high gear. However, the IOM

> found no evidence to suggest this happens with breast

> implants. Nor did it find evidence linking implants to

> any sort of autoimmune or connective tissue disorder.

> Breast-feeding is safe. If your breast milk has

> absorbed some of the silicone from the implants, don't

> worry. Your baby isn't in danger. Because breast milk

> is the best thing you can feed your baby, the IOM

> encourages women with implants to breast-feed. "

>

>

> http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=72668AB3-9D5F-474C-

836C33C4128E598B

>

> Breast augmentation: Breast implants reshape

> self-image

>

> By Mayo Clinic staff

>

> Breast augmentation — surgery to enhance a woman's

> breasts — ranks as the third most popular type of

> cosmetic surgery. More than a quarter of a million

> women opted for breast augmentation in 2003, according

> to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

>

> Improvements in implant materials and surgical

> techniques make breast augmentation safer than it once

> was. If you're considering augmentation, be sure you

> understand what's involved in the surgery, develop

> realistic expectations, and know the possible risks

> and complications associated with implants.

>

> Why do it?

>

> Your reasons for choosing breast augmentation are

> highly personal. Breast augmentation may help you:

>

> Enhance your breast appearance if you feel your breast

> size is too small

>

> Adjust for a reduction in the size of your breasts

> after pregnancy

>

> Reconstruct your breast after having breast surgery

> for cancer or other conditions

>

> Correct a birth defect of your breasts, such as having

> breasts of two different sizes

>

> Breast reconstruction after mastectomy

>

>

> Besides enhancing the appearance of your breasts,

> augmentation may improve your self-image, which in

> turn can boost your self-confidence.

>

> The best candidate for breast augmentation surgery is

> a woman looking for an improvement — but not

> perfection — in her appearance. Your ideal for how you

> want your breasts to look and the reality of the

> outcome of the procedure probably aren't going to

> match up. Discuss your expectations with your surgeon

> — be open and honest so that you'll have a realistic

> expectation of what's to come.

>

>

> Before surgery: Consider pros and cons

>

>

> Well in advance of surgery you'll need to consult with

> your surgeon about your preferences for size, feel and

> overall appearance of your breasts. Your doctor will

> describe the surgical techniques and provide you with

> the package insert of the implant you select. Review

> this carefully and keep a copy of all pertinent

> information for your records.

>

> Before you decide to have surgery, consider some

> important factors regarding breast augmentation:

>

> Breast implants aren't lifelong devices. You'll

> probably have additional doctors visits and at least

> one more surgery to remove or replace your implants.

> You might need more surgery after implant removal. If

> you have your implants removed for any reason, you may

> experience unacceptable cosmetic changes — such as

> wrinkling, dimpling or droopy excess skin — which

> might require replacing the implants.

>

> Breast implants won't prevent your breasts from

> sagging after pregnancy. Some women actually need a

> breast lift in addition to breast augmentation to

> correct sagging breasts. Also, depending on how it's

> done, breast augmentation surgery may make

> breast-feeding more challenging.

>

> Routine screening mammograms may be more complicated.

> Additional views or ultrasound may be necessary, which

> results in more time spent obtaining images of your

> breasts. The quality of the mammogram will depend on

> the experience and expertise of your technician and

> the facility you select.

>

> Insurance probably won't cover the procedure. If it

> isn't medically necessary, many insurance companies

> won't cover breast augmentation. If that's the case,

> be prepared to handle any financial obligations that

> accompany the surgery and any related surgeries you

> might need in the future.

>

> Considering these points may trigger many questions

> with regard to your personal situation. Prepare a list

> of questions to bring to your doctor. You may also

> find it helpful to talk with other women who have gone

> through the procedure. Ask if your doctor has the

> names of some people you can contact.

>

> The procedure

>

> Breast augmentation surgery — also known as

> augmentation mammaplasty — can be performed in a

> surgical center or hospital outpatient facility. You

> usually go home the same day, but on occasion the

> surgery might require a hospital stay. Local or

> general anesthesia may be used. It all depends on the

> particulars of your procedure.

>

> To insert the implant, your surgeon makes an incision

> in one of three places:

>

> In the breast fold. An inframammary incision runs

> along the crease between the underside of your breast

> and your chest.

>

> Along the nipple. A periareolar incision follows the

> natural line around your nipple and areola. This

> incision may leave a less noticeable scar than the

> inframammary incision, but it might also impact your

> ability to breast-feed or affect sensation in your

> nipple.

>

> Under the arm. The axillary incision is made

> underneath your arm.

>

>

> Breast implants may be smooth or textured, round or

> shaped like a tear drop. They consist of a silicone

> shell filled with salt water (saline) or silicone gel.

> In general, only saline-filled implants are available

> for cosmetic use. Silicone gel-filled implants may be

> available to women after surgery for breast cancer or

> to women who had saline implants placed but then

> experienced unsatisfactory results, such as wrinkling

> or dimpling.

>

>

> After making the incision, the surgeon lifts your skin

> and tissue to create a pocket in your breast, either

> just behind the breast glandular tissue or beneath the

> muscle in your chest (pectoral muscle). The surgeon

> inserts the implant and centers it behind your nipple.

> When inserted, the implant is empty. The surgeon fills

> the implant with saline once it's in place. Surgery

> generally lasts one to two hours.

>

> Recovery

>

>

> You'll be tired and sore for the first few days after

> your surgery, but your doctor will likely prescribe

> medication to help relieve your pain. If you don't

> have a physically demanding job, you may be able to

> return to work within a few days. Getting back to

> other normal activities will take longer — at least

> two to three weeks — as your breasts will be sensitive

> to direct physical contact. Follow your doctor's

> advice about when you can return to your regular

> activities.

>

> Besides stitches, you may also have drainage tubes in

> your breasts after surgery. These both come out a week

> or so after the procedure. Your doctor may recommend

> using a compression bandage or sports bra for extra

> support and positioning of the implants during this

> time.

>

> You may notice a burning sensation in your nipples for

> a few weeks, but that will go away as you heal. Expect

> some pain, swelling, tenderness and bruising as you

> heal. If you notice warmth and redness in your breast

> area, though, accompanied by a fever, you might have

> an infection. Contact your doctor as soon as possible.

>

> The scars you notice after your surgery may initially

> appear firm and pink. The scars fade gradually over

> time, but they won't go away completely.

>

>

> Risks

>

>

> Be aware of the risks associated with breast implant

> surgery:

>

> Repeat surgery. You run the risk of having more

> surgeries down the road, either to replace the

> implants or to remove them altogether. In clinical

> trials studying the safety and effectiveness of

> saline-filled breast implants, as many as one in four

> women had a second operation within five years of

> getting implants.

>

> Rupture. Implants can rupture, causing fluid to leak

> into your breast and surrounding tissue. This could

> happen as a result of a blunt-force injury — if you're

> in a car accident, for example — or from tiny cracks

> in the implant shell that can occur over time.

> Deflation. A rupture or a slow leak can cause an

> implant to collapse, deflating the size of your

> breast. This may result in breasts that are noticeably

> different in size or in a change to the cosmetic

> appearance of your breast, such as sagging or

> wrinkling.

>

> Capsular contracture. Fibrous scar tissue forms a

> capsule around your breast implant. This tissue

> gradually builds up over time, constricting your

> implant — a painful and potentially disfiguring

> condition. Surgery is usually necessary to correct

> capsular contracture.

>

> Infection. An infection can occur from implants. Your

> body thinks the implants are foreign and attacks them

> — the same way it would a virus or bacteria.

> Medication may help, although antibiotics aren't

> always successful in treating an infection resulting

> from breast implants. Replacing the implant may be

> necessary if you develop a severe infection, and you

> may have to wait six months to a year after removal

> before you can get a new implant placed.

> Hematoma. Blood and other fluids can pool around the

> implant, causing pain, infection or other

> complications.

>

> Pain. You may experience more pain than what's

> considered normal after surgery. This may indicate a

> bigger problem. If your implant ruptures or moves from

> its original position, pain and discomfort may result.

> Capsular contracture — the squeezing of your breast

> implant — can also be painful. You may need to have

> the implants replaced to remedy the problem.

>

> Other possible risks include dissatisfaction with the

> results of your surgery. You might experience changes

> in the sensation of your breasts and nipples that take

> time to get used to. Or you might be able to feel the

> implant beneath the surface of your breast tissue.

>

> Debunking myths

>

> You may be worried about getting implants because of

> rumors you've heard. A committee at the Institute of

> Medicine (IOM) reviewed the current research and

> concluded:

>

> Breast implants don't increase your risk of breast

> cancer. The IOM reviewed evidence that breast implants

> don't cause breast cancer or the recurrence of breast

> cancer. However, it's still essential that you undergo

> routine screening for breast cancer — breast

> self-exams, mammograms and clinical breast exams —

> just as you would if you didn't have implants.

>

> Breast implants don't weaken your immune system. When

> your body detects something foreign in your system,

> such as a virus or bacteria, it responds by kicking

> your immune system into high gear. However, the IOM

> found no evidence to suggest this happens with breast

> implants. Nor did it find evidence linking implants to

> any sort of autoimmune or connective tissue disorder.

> Breast-feeding is safe. If your breast milk has

> absorbed some of the silicone from the implants, don't

> worry. Your baby isn't in danger. Because breast milk

> is the best thing you can feed your baby, the IOM

> encourages women with implants to breast-feed.

>

> Saline-filled implants are greatly improved. Women

> with saline implants used to complain about sloshing —

> hearing the liquid inside the implant — and being able

> to feel the implant beneath the surface of the skin

> (rippling effect). Some women preferred silicone

> gel-filled implants, claiming they looked and felt

> more natural. However, better results from saline

> implants are now possible by slightly overfilling the

> implant and placing it behind, rather than on top of,

> the chest muscle.

>

> Finally, know that health risks associated with

> implants do exist. Take these risks into

> consideration, consult with your doctor, and be

> confident that you're making a fully informed decision

> before you proceed with breast augmentation.

>

> Related Information

>

> Breast implants: Do they interfere with

> breast-feeding?

>

> Breast implants: Do they interfere with mammograms?

>

> Breast self-exams: One way to detect breast cancer

>

> Mammography: X-ray exam to detect breast cancer

>

>

> August 19, 2004

> WO00052

>

>

> © 1998-2005 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and

> Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy

> of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial

> personal use only. " Mayo, " " Mayo Clinic, "

> " MayoClinic.com, " " Mayo Clinic Health Information, "

> " Reliable information for a healthier life " and the

> triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo

> Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

>