Implant Choices Are Important
The desire to change your body's contours
is the first step to a personal and unique
journey. Because no two bodies are alike,
there are many decisions that go into
breast augmentation. Among the most fundamental
choices you will make is the type of
implant you choose. As you will see below,
there are many things to take into consideration.
The result of your surgery depends on
the type of implant you choose, your
anatomy, the amount of tissue you start
with, as well how the implants are placed.
Below are the options you need to discuss
with your surgeon.
ROUND IMPLANTS
Round implants come
in smooth and textured surfaces. They
are the most popular choice and less
expensive than anatomical implants.
When a round implant is held vertically,
it takes on the same form as the anatomical
implant. It is a misconception that round
implants produce a "fake" or overly round
and augmented look; a good surgeon can
make the proper implant look very natural.
The advantages of a round implant are
in achieving a rounder, fuller look,
as well as having a choice between high
profile, moderate profile and low profile
implants.
The disadvantages
include a "rippling" effect
if the implant is under-filled, as well
as the possibility of the implant moving
and changing position, although this
is extremely rare.
ANATOMICAL IMPLANTS (Teardrop
Shaped Implants)
Anatomical breast
implants answer the desire for a more
natural looking breast shape. They
were designed for reconstruction purposes,
but have proved to be popular in general
breast augmentation. When
looking at an anatomical implant from
the front, it has an oval appearance. Viewed
from the side, it is larger at the bottom
than at the top. Most of the volume
in anatomical implants is in the lower
portion of the implant.
All anatomical implants
have textured surfaces to allow for
a better interaction with the surrounding
breast tissue. However, there is no
guarantee that the implant will not
flipor move. Positioning
is critical and your surgeon should be
well versed with this type of implant.
The advantages of an anatomical implant
include better projection of the breast
with less width and more long-term maintenance
of shape. Because of the textured surface,
there is less post-operative massage
needed.
The disadvantages
include the possibility of a "flip" or turn of the implant in
the breast pocket. Due to the texturing,
the implant may occasionally make the
surrounding tissue feel sensitive. Also,
since the length is greater than the
width of the implant, it may be unsuitable
for women with short chests or women
under 5'5".
SMOOTH IMPLANTS
As the name implies,
the surface of the implant is smooth.
Smooth implants are typically chosen
over textured implants; they have thinner
shells, and tend to last longer. Smooth
implants have a lower risk of rippling
and are not as firm as textured implants.
A smooth shell implant can move within
the pocket created by the surgeon behind
the breast, falling to the bottom of
the pocket when the patient is vertical.
It is only available as a round implant.
The advantages of smooth implants include
a more natural feel and movement. They
are more comfortable inside the breast
pocket and are available in high, moderate
and low profile styles.
The disadvantages
include a higher risk of capsular contracture.
Capsular contracture occurs when the
lining that forms around the implant
(or "capsule") contracts
excessively. This causes excess firmness
and can push the implant out of position,
changing the appearance of the breast.
Another disadvantage is the weight of
the implant will eventually cause some
stretching of the pocket, especially
in the lower portion of the breast below
the nipple. This can lead to a loss of
upper fullness.
TEXTURED IMPLANTS
Textured implants
are generally firmer than smooth implants,
due to it's thicker shell. Textured implants were designed
to help prevent capsular contracture,
though studies vary on whether or not
the textured surface significantly prevents
contracture. A textured surface
attempts to prevent scar tissue fibers
from laying down in a uniform, parallel
pattern, which causes the breast pocket
to firm and tighten.
The advantages of a textured implant
include less movement of the implant
inside the breast pocket, potentially
causing less capsular contracture. A
second major advantage is their ability
to give the surgeon more precise control
in the ultimate shape of the breast.
The disadvantages include a possibility
of discomfort, due to the textured surface
sticking to the surrounding tissue. The
overlying tissue can grab the implant
surface and pull on it, causing ripples
or wrinkles over time.
SALINE VERSES SILASTIC GEL FILLED
IMPLANTS
Gel filled implants are not banned. The FDA
has permitted the use of gel filled implants to special
cases such as their use for reconstruction following
mastectomy and their use in patients with very small
breasts who may also require a breast lift. There
is less rippling and palpability of the gel implant
in the lower outer quadrant of the breast when the
implants are placed below the muscle. When
your plastic surgeon suggests the use of a gel implant,
you will be part of a special study where the results
of your surgery will be submitted by your doctor
to the manufacturer to assess the long term benefits
of a gel implant. There is probably a higher incidence
of fibrous capsular contracture (firm breasts) with
the gel filled implant than with saline filled implants
regardless of whether they are placed above or below
the pectoralis muscle.
There are many choices to make on the road to your
final destination in breast enhancement. By spending
enough time researching the pros and cons and by
listening to the recommendations of your surgeon,
the results can be a life-long wish come true.
If you have any questions or to set an appointment
to start your journey, call us at (866) 731-3198.
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