Breast augmentation – whether with implants or natural tissue – is a procedure that adds volume to the breast. Women typically seek augmentation to address certain concerns, such as disproportionate breasts with respect to the chest wall (the breast “footprint”) and to the figure overall; asymmetries; and loss of volume and fullness. In most cases, a patient seeking a breast enlargement can choose from three options:

– Saline implants

– Silicone implants

– Autologous fat transfer, or using natural tissues from the patient’s body

Most plastic surgeons suggest that a patient opt for the newer models of silicone gel implants, but some patients may choose to explore the advantages and disadvantages of all three options before finalizing any breast augmentation plans.

Saline Implants

Saline implants were introduced to the U.S. market in the 1960s. Filled with distilled saltwater, these implants were the only option women undergoing breast augmentation within the U.S. had between 1992 and 2006 while a moratorium was placed on silicone implants. One advantage of saline implants is that the liquid is harmlessly absorbed by the body if an implant ruptures. However, these breast implants often create an unnatural appearance, feel stiff, more readily exhibit ripples and wrinkles, and can deflate over time. Additionally, large saline breast implants are heavier than silicone models, so there may be a greater possibility for downward displacement within the breast pocket.

Fat Transfer

One form of natural breast augmentation is performed using a patient’s own fat, harvested during liposuction and purified before injection. Many patients who are wary of breast implants may believe this to be a more agreeable approach to augmentation. There are, however, a few disadvantages.

To ensure the proper volume and symmetry, fat transfer breast augmentation often requires multiple sessions, as transplanted fat can dissipate over time and may leave a little as 30 percent of the initial deposit. Transplanting fat tissues with stem cells, or “adipose-derived stem cells” (ADSCs), may last longer. ADSCs are highly active and powerful cells that are currently being tested for use in regenerative medicine. However, one major concern in using these cells for breast augmentation is the effect that they may have on the development of breast cancer.

As a result, most surgeons do not recommend autologous fat transfer for breast augmentation purposes. Additional research and testing is necessary to ensure fat grafting to breasts is safe and effective, particularly when ADSCs are involved.

Silicone Gel Implants

Unlike saline breast implants and autologous fat transfer, silicone implants have improved drastically and are highly recommended by plastic surgeons. The early models of silicone breast implants came under scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration in the late 1980s due to reports of implant failure in women who had undergone breast augmentation. Complications included rupturing, leaking, deflation, capsular contracture, and others. As a result, the FDA placed a moratorium on silicone implants for use in the U.S. to conduct further testing.

After years of research and testing, a new silicone cohesive gel implant was conditionally approved by the FDA. These breast implants, also known as gummy bear implants, feature an improved, gelatin-like silicone compound made of interlocking molecules instead of the liquid gel used in older models. Today’s silicone implants are resistant to folding and wrinkling, and many surgeons believe that they provide the most natural looking and feeling results.

Ultimately, a patient makes the final decision regarding which breast enlargement method she prefers. However, it’s important for patients to speak with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon and seriously consider his or her recommendations for the best results.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, http://bayshoreplasticsurgery.com/ breast implants, and more.

Author Bio: Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

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Keywords: breast implants, breast augmentation, breast enlargement, breast enhancement