The breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries around the world. Like any surgical intervention, its performance involves certain risks and requires dedication for optimal postoperative recovery. To ensure a safe procedure, it is essential to trust properly trained professionals. But it is equally important for the patient to prepare physically and mentally to go through the entire Mammaplasty process. In this article, we review what you should know about breast augmentation before doing it.

What is breast augmentation?

Augmentation Mammaplasty consists of a surgery carried out with the purpose of increasing the size of the breasts. To do this, implants are incorporated under the breast tissue or the chest muscles. These implants are covered by a flexible silicone outer covering and may contain a saline solution or a silicone gel.

This procedure must be performed by a plastic surgeon, after previous consultations for orientation and planning with the patient.

MOST USED MATERIALS FOR CHEST IMPLANTS

Among the most used materials for this type of operation are silicone prostheses and serum prostheses that have different characteristics:

Silicone prosthesis: They are the most used. Silicone prosthesis is composed of three layers of polyurethane and its filling can be of two types:

Cohesive gel: it is characterized by a greater bond between the molecules of the gel, which gives it greater density. In the unlikely event of a prosthesis rupture, the gel, being more consistent, does not migrate to other parts of the body.

Soft gel: The shape of this type of prosthesis changes depending on the movements and pressure that are made on the breast. In the event that the prosthesis breaks, the gel will come out of the capsule, spreading through the breast tissue. So it is not entirely recommended.

Serum prosthesis: The content of this type of prosthesis is compatible with the body, so in case of breakage of the material or leakage of the capsule, it could be reabsorbed by the body itself. Despite this, we also find some disadvantages such as the loss of volume of the breast over time or the undulation of the upper part of it.

What is augmentation Mammaplasty for?

This surgery is usually related to aesthetic purposes and it is important not to stigmatize its purposes and benefits. Most of the women who opt for Mammaplasty do so because they feel unhappy with their appearance. Some for having naturally small breast, others to correct differences in size or to reverse a reduction after pregnancy.

However, Mammaplasty can also be part of a breast reconstruction process, which is necessary after going through certain diseases (breast cancer, for example). In any case, breast augmentation allows many women to strengthen their self-esteem and confidence. And this translates into a positive impact not only on a physical level, but fundamentally on an emotional and social level.

What are the risks of breast augmentation surgery?

All surgery involves a degree of risk and, therefore, it is essential to have the support of trained professionals. But augmentation Mammaplasty can also lead to certain complications after surgery, such as:

Sensitivity changes in the breasts, especially in the nipples.
Pain in the breasts, mainly during the postoperative period.
Infections (postoperative care is essential to prevent them).
Development of systemic symptoms described in the so-called breast implant disease.
Distortion of the shape of the implant mainly associated with a contraction produced by the healing of the tissue.
Loss or patella of the implant.

We know that breast augmentation surgery has its risks and complications, however, they are temporary and scarce, and so we should not fear undergoing the operation. Being an optional surgical treatment, we have the last word in our hand.

If you want an assessment of our plastic surgeon, Dr. Lane Smith, make an appointment! The first assessment consultation is free.

Tire companies, driving experts and government agencies have been saying it for years, but now there is indisputable evidence that winter tires save lives and reduce serious injuries.

Research conducted by the government of Quebec in the two years since winter tire use became mandatory in that province shows a five percent reduction in road-accident injuries that can be directly attributed to winter tire use. The study also found that vehicle accidents resulting in death or serious injury declined by three percent. The research concludes that winter tires prevent about 575 road-accident injuries per winter in Quebec.

Sounds like an easy decision to drive on winter tires, but many motorists in the snow-belt still rely on all-season or even summer tires during the winter months. The reason is undoubtedly cost, but when you consider that riding on winter tires reduces the wear and tear on your all-season or summer tires, long-term cost is not a factor. Plus, how much is it worth to potentially avoid an accident? Even a fender bender is likely to cost more than a set of winter tires.

Some people may not think their region receives enough winter precipitation to warrant winter tires. William Estupinan, vice president of technical services for GITI Tire, which markets and sells GT Radial tires across North America, says this is faulty thinking.

“Many motorists are probably not aware that today’s high-tech winter tires deliver better grip in all cold weather conditions, even dry pavement, because of significant technology advances in tire tread compounds,” he says. “The rubber compounds in today’s sophisticated winter tires maintain their elasticity even in below freezing temperatures.”

When buying winter tires, motorists should look for the mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewall, which means the tire meets or exceeds tire industry snow traction requirements.

Ice or Snow Tires
Winter tires have become so advanced that there are now tires that specialize in the snow or ice. These tires perform well in both conditions, but are designed to be dominant in either snow or ice.

Estupinan says the first step is to determine your needs. Do you drive mostly on the highway, in the city, or in the country? Does your region typically get more ice or heavy drier snow?

Ice tires, such as the GT Radial Champiro IcePro, have a tread design made up of blocks set very close together with many tiny incisions, or sipes, in the blocks to help wick away the water that can form on top of icy roads. In addition, the tread on ice tires usually contains a higher percentage of silica in the compound to help keep the rubber flexible in very cold temperatures.

The GT Radial Champiro IcePro can also be studded which provides even more biting edges but can be noisier when traveling on dry roads.

The tread on snow tires, such as the GT Radial WinterPro, is made up of blocks set further apart in order to ensure better grip in the snow. If you drive in a city that regularly plows its roads and you are less likely to encounter icy roads, then a snow tire is likely your best bet.

Here are some other key considerations:
- Tire inflation pressure can drop quickly during cold spells. Every five degrees Celsius change results in about one psi change in pressure. Tires that are under- or over-inflated have a smaller footprint on the road surface – definitely not want you want when dealing with wintry conditions. Check your air inflation regularly during the winter and adjust it to the psi amount recommended by your vehicle manufacturer (this can be found on the door jam or in the vehicle owner’s manual).

- Do not just install two winter tires! All of your tires (whether that be four or six) should be matching winter tires during the winter season; this is true whether you drive a rear-wheel, front-wheel, four-wheel, or all-wheel-drive vehicle. Winter tires provide so much better traction in wintry conditions than all-season or summer tires; if you only put them on one end of the vehicle, one end of your car will be sticking to the road while the other one is sliding.

Headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, GITI Tire USA is the sales and marketing office in the U.S. for GITI Tire Company, Ltd., which manufactures and sells high quality GT Radial brand tires for passenger, SUV, light truck, truck, bus, and high performance vehicles. GT Radial tires are sold through distributors, independent dealers and retailers in North America. For more information, visit www.gtradial.com.

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