Breast augmentation: Choosing the right type of implant

Thursday September 21, 2006 | Posted in: Plastic Surgery Procedures
Technorati Tags: breast augmentation surgeon, breast augmentaion, plastic surgeon

One's decision to go for breast augmentation is a major, bold step. Noting that no two bodies are alike, it is just as important a decision for any conscious woman to consider the type of implant to be fitted to her bosom – one that matches her anatomy and the amount of tissue, among other factors. The result of the breast augmentation surgery depends on how the implants are placed, but to a large degree, it is on the type of implant used.

While a patient has no direct liberty to choose the type of implant that she fancies or the type she gathered from the grapevine as ‘recommended’, it is best that a qualified cosmetic surgeon explains the options.

The choices, to include the pros and cons of different types of implants are presented by different information resources on plastic surgery. The role of a person contemplating on having her breast enhanced is to spend enough time to research. Cosmetic surgeons are also expected to recommend the best and suited type of implant for the patient.

Here is a round up of the types of breast implants:

Anatomical Implants or Teardrop Shaped Implants

Anatomical breast implants were originally designed for reconstruction purposes but it has become to be popular in general breast augmentation because it answers the desire of many women for a natural looking breast shape and size.

This type of implant is oval-shaped and, most of the volume is in the lower portion of the implant. Hence, viewed from the side, is larger at the bottom than at the top. Anatomical implant, which length is greater than the width, is not recommended to women with short chests or women under 5'5".

To allow for a better interaction with the surrounding breast tissue, all anatomical implants have textured surfaces, thus less post-operative massage is needed. However, due to the texturing, the implant may occasionally make the surrounding tissue feel sensitive.

Anatomical implant is also preferred because it allows better projection of the breast with less width and more long-term maintenance of shape.

Attending plastic surgeon should be well versed with this type of implant because positioning is critical. There is possibility for this kind of implant to "flip" or turn in the breast pocket.

Round Implants

Less expensive than anatomical implants, round implants are the most popular choice. This type of implant, which come in smooth and textured surfaces, are perceived to produce a “fake” or overly round and augmented look. On the contrary, round implants produces a rounder, fuller look and a skillful surgeon can easily position round implants to look very natural.

When a round implant is held vertically, it takes on the same form as the oval-shaped anatomical implant. There are choices between high profile, moderate profile and low profile round implants.

Although this is extremely rare, there is a possibility of the implant to move and change position. Also, if the implant is under-filled, there is a tendency to produce a "rippling" effect.

Smooth Implants

Smooth implant is only available as a round implant, in high, moderate and low profile styles. Although this kind of implant is not as firm as textured implants, it is typically chosen over the latter because of its smooth surface - so the name, thinner shells, which tend to last longer, and lower risk of rippling.

When the patient is vertical, smooth implants are more comfortable inside the pocket created by the surgeon behind the breast -- moving and falling to the bottom of the pocket. This way, smooth implants are preferred for its more natural feel and movement.

With smooth implants, there is a higher risk of capsular contracture – a condition that occurs when the lining that forms around the implant -- called “capsule” -- contracts excessively. The recipient may experience excess firmness of the breast, which may push the implant out of position, changing the appearance of the breast.

Also, the weight of the implant will eventually lead to a loss of upper fullness. This happens when the pocket stretches, particularly in the lower portion of the breast below the nipple.

Textured Implants

Due to its thicker shell, textured implants are generally firmer than smooth implants. The thickness was intended to help prevent capsular contracture. Textured implants tend move less once inside the breast pocket, potentially causing less capsular contracture (Although findings vary as to whether or not the textured surface significantly prevents contracture).

A textured surface is also preferred because it attempts to prevent scar tissue fibers from laying down in a parallel, uniform pattern, which causes the breast pocket to firm and tighten. With this type of implant, plastic surgeons are able to execute more precise control in the ultimate shape of the breast.

However, due to the textured surface sticking to the surrounding tissue, there is a possibility of discomfort. Ripples or wrinkles eventually surface once the overlying tissue can grab the implant surface and pull on it

Saline Verses Silastic Gel Filled Implants

News of gel implants being banned is not true. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has permitted the use of gel filled implants to special cases such as their use for reconstructive surgery especially following mastectomy. Patients with very small breasts who may also require a breast lift also benefit from this

When the implants are placed below the muscle -- in the lower outer quadrant of the breast, patients will feel less rippling and palpability of the gel implant.

Compared with saline filled implants, it was noted that there is a higher incidence of fibrous capsular contracture (firming of the breasts) with the gel filled implants, regardless of whether they are placed above or below the pectoralis muscle.

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