Before undergoing breast augmentation surgery, patients often have many questions regarding the type, shape, and texture of breast implants. There are numerous options available in today’s market to provide the best fit for each individual. But no matter which breast implant you choose, my ultimate goal is to provide you results that are both beautiful and completely natural.
There isn’t a “one size fits all” method to choosing breast implants and the sizing of your implants is completely customized for you. During your consultation, we will discuss your personal plastic surgery goals, medical history, and different breast enlargement techniques and implant options that showcase the most natural-looking results. To determine which type of breast implant is right for you, whether it is silicone, saline or gummy bear implants, I will take full body measurements including height, weight, rib cage size, and current breast size. Additionally, you can physically try on different implant sizes to test which size and type of breast implant will help best achieve the look you desire.
Saline, silicone, and gummy bear implants are all deemed safe by the FDA. Saline implants have a silicone outer shell filled with sterile saline solution. Some patients prefer saline implants as the shell will be filled after the implant is inserted allowing for alternative incision options such as through the underarm, around the areola, along the bottom of the breast, or around the naval. Silicone breast implants have a silicone outer shell that is pre-filled with silicone gel, which some patients prefer as they believe they provide a more natural look. Gummy bear implants, which are filled with a highly-cohesive silicone gel, improve shape retention allowing a softer, more natural feel.
Breast implants have the possibility of lasting decades. However, manufacturers do not consider them “lifetime devices.” Though breast augmentation complications are rare, with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks that can occur. In some instances, implants can rupture, causing the breasts to deflate. If you experience a rupture with saline implants, you will have no physical harm; the body will absorb the saline solution and the breasts deflate. If you experience complications with silicone implants, it is less likely to leak and the breasts are less likely to deflate creating a “silent rupture”. The most common type of breast augmentation complication is capsule contracture, which occurs when the body forms a fibrous tissue lining around the breast area in response to an implant being placed in your body. Capsular contracture causes the implant to look and feel hard due to the build-up of the fibrous tissue and surgery is recommended in order to remove the capsule and restore a softer look and feel to the breasts.
If you’re interested in a breast procedure, or other cosmetic surgery procedures I perform, please contact Southern Plastic Surgery, P.C. today to schedule your consultation. For the most up-to-date plastic surgery news and specials be sure to connect with me, Dr. David Whiteman, on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.