We can’t deny how the world has become so focused on physical appearance. Just turn on the TV, open a magazine, or scroll through your social media feeds and you’ll be bombarded with images of “perfect” bodies. It’s no wonder that more and more people are turning to cosmetic surgery to help them achieve their ideal look.
There are people in this world who are gifted with breasts that are naturally large and perky. For the rest of us, we have to rely on breast implants to give us the cleavage we desire. Today, we’re going to take a look at everything you need to know about breast implants. So, whether you’re considering getting them yourself or you’re just curious about the procedure, read on!
What are breast implants?
To start off, let’s answer the question, “what exactly are breast implants?” Breast implants are medical devices used to augment, reconstruct, or create the shape and size of a person’s breasts. They are made up of an outer shell, which is typically made of silicone, and they are filled with either saline (sterile salt water) or silicone gel. These implants are placed under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle that covers the breast.
The main purpose of breast implants is to improve the appearance of a person’s breasts. Basically, if you’re not happy with the size, shape, or symmetry of your breasts, implants can help to create a more aesthetically pleasing look. Additionally, breast implants can be used to restore breasts that have been affected by weight loss, pregnancy, or age.
In this day and age, there are many people who opt to get breast implants for purely cosmetic reasons. Even celebrities are getting in on the action! The popularity of breast augmentation has been on the rise in recent years, with over 300,000 procedures being performed in the United States alone in 2016.
Are breast implants safe?
This is a question that we get a lot. And rightfully so! After all, we are talking about surgery and placing foreign objects into your body. However, breast implants are generally considered to be safe. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that “breast implants are not lifetime devices and the longer you have them, the greater the chance of developing complications.”
Of course, as with any surgery, there are always risks involved. The most common complication associated with breast implants is capsular contracture, which occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and squeezes the implant. This can cause pain, changes in breast shape, and implant rupture. Other complications include infection, bleeding, and asymmetry.
On the other hand, breast implants may serve as a benefit to your health in some cases. For example, breast reconstruction following a mastectomy (breast removal surgery) can help to improve your self-esteem and quality of life. Additionally, implants can be used to correct congenital defects or to alleviate symptoms caused by breast ptosis (sagging).
What are the different types of breast implants?
Now that we had a little background on breast implants, let’s talk about the different types that are available. The two main types of implants are saline-filled and silicone gel-filled.
Saline-filled implants: These implants are filled with sterile salt water. They are considered to be safer than silicone gel-filled implants because if they leak, the saline will be absorbed by your body with no harmful effects. Additionally, these implants are less expensive than their silicone counterparts.
Silicone gel-filled implants: These implants are filled with viscous silicone gel. They are considered to be more natural-looking and feeling than saline-filled implants. However, they are also more expensive and there is a greater risk of rupture with these implants.
How long do breast implants last?
The answer to this question depends on how you treat your implants and what type of implants you have. But generally speaking, breast implants are not meant to be a lifetime device. They can be expected to last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
How long do silicone gel-filled implants last?
Silicone gel-filled implants are typically expected to last between 10 and 15 years. However, it is important to note that these implants may need to be replaced sooner if they leak or rupture. Also, since silicone implants are more expensive than saline implants, you may want to consider this when making your decision.
How long do saline-filled implants last?
Regular checkups with your surgeon are recommended to ensure that your implants are functioning properly. Saline-filled implants usually last between 10 and 20 years. Be reminded to inspect for some changes in your implants, such as lumps, pain, or changes in breast shape for you to take some action and have them checked by your surgeon.
Are breast implants eco-friendly?
No, breast implants are not currently considered to be eco-friendly. These implants contain materials that are not biodegradable, so they will remain in the environment long after the death of the person with implants. Additionally, the manufacturing process of breast implants uses a lot of energy and resources, which can be harmful to the environment. Also, considering the chemicals and toxins that are used in the manufacturing process, it is safe to say that breast implants are not currently eco-friendly.
How can you make breast implants eco-friendly?
Although we have established that breast implants are not currently eco-friendly, there are some things that you can do to make your implants more sustainable. Here are some tips:
-Dispose of your implants properly. Be sure to check with your local authorities to find out the best way to dispose of your implants.
Choose fat transfer over implants. If you are considering breast augmentation, you may want to consider fat transfer instead of implants. This is a more sustainable option as it uses your own body fat to add volume to your breasts which is actually a more natural option.
-Educate yourself on the manufacturing process. If you are considering getting breast implants, be sure to do your research on the manufacturing process. This will help you to understand the environmental impact of your decision and allow you to make a more informed choice.
Breast implants are not eco-friendly, but by following these tips, you can make your implants more sustainable and help to protect the environment.
So, have you made up your mind about getting breast implants? Weigh the pros and cons carefully and consult with your surgeon to make sure that this is the right decision for you. Of course, keep in mind that you are perfect just the way you are! There’s no need to be insecure, we’re all beautiful in our own way and implants shouldn’t be seen as a necessity, but rather as a personal choice. As always, thanks for reading!
