Breast Enlargement (augmentation)

FDA News Regarding Silicone Breast Implants

Common Questions on Breast Enlargement Surgery

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure used to enhance the shape and size of a woman's breast. The procedure is usually performed to enlarge small, underdeveloped breasts or breasts that have decreased in size after pregnancy. It can also be performed in cases of breast deformity or where one breast has not developed in proper symmetry with the other.

For breast enlargement, The Centre, P.C. recommends the use of the VitaMedica Surgery Program, a comprehensive pre- and post-surgery nutritional supplement system designed specifically for patients undergoing extensive surgical procedures.

There are three incision locations popularly used for breast augmentation: in the breast crease below the breast, around the lower side of the nipple where the skin changes color, and in the armpit. This is something you can discuss with your cosmetic surgeon and decide upon before your surgery. Whether you have saline implants or silicone gel implants, they can be placed below the breast tissue (and over the muscle), or below both the breast tissue and the muscle. The surgeon will create a pocket for each implant, place the implants correctly, stitch the incision closed, and place dressings over the area. You can go home the same day. Be sure to follow the recovery instructions you’ll be given, and to keep your follow-up appointments.

The best candidates for breast augmentation surgery are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in their physical appearance. Before you decide on breast augmentation surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

 FDA News Regarding Silicone Breast Implants

In November, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved silicone gel breast implants for all women aged 22 and over. This ends the 14 year period of restricted use for silicone implants and makes them available for cosmetic enhancement. The two companies whose silicone implants are approved are Mentor Corporation and Allergan Corporation (formerly Inamed).

Mentor’s silicone implants are known as MemoryGel™ implants, and have been used for about 20 years in breast reconstruction with excellent results. Allergan’s silicone implants are called Inamed® silicone-filled breast implants, and like the MemoryGel™ implants, are based on many years of careful research and study.

At The Centre, P.C., we are pleased to offer you the choice of having either saline or silicone gel breast implants. Silicone implants have a more natural look and feel to them than saline implants, and have less of a tendency to ripple in any way that you can feel or see. They also weigh a little less for each size than the saline implants.

Silicone implants come pre-filled in three profiles: low, moderate, and high. They can be round or teardrop-shaped, and can have a textured surface or a smooth one. They can be inserted using the same incision locations that the saline implants use: beneath the nipple, beneath the breast, or in the armpit.

For more information about silicone gel breast implants, please contact our cosmetic surgeons. You can schedule an initial consultation where your questions will be answered, and we’ll listen to your goals and concerns. Together, you and the surgeon could decide on the best way to achieve your goals. Call or email us today.

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For more information on breast augmentation surgery, contact our plastic surgery staff at The Centre, P.C. We offer the latest plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, the Michiana area, and Chicago.

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514

Chesterton
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Toll Free: 800.909.2992
Phone: 219.395.9200
Fax: 219.926.3534