Three Things To Know About Breast Augmentation And Implants

While breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed in the United States each year, many women considering it for themselves might not realize how many variations are available. As double-board certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Steve Svehlak and Dr. Dan Yamini offer education on breast augmentation in the Los Angeles area—a region known for being image conscious and at the forefront of aesthetics and style.

By banishing the notion of “one size fits all” procedures, Drs. Svehlak and Yamini seek to raise awareness of the reality of breast procedures, putting more power into the hands of patients who will apply their knowledge and find greater satisfaction in their surgical outcomes.

Variety in augmentation procedures is about much more than size differences. Patients can choose from various shapes, textures, and fillers.

IMPLANT SHAPES

Breasts come in a variety of shapes, and augmentation can further that diversity, with some women setting their sights on a natural-looking boost and others eyeing large, round implants for a more dramatic change.

The two shapes to choose from are round, which are perhaps obviously circular, and teardrop, which are considered to more closely mimic the anatomical slope of the breast.

Round implants give the breasts a very full look, as the top and bottom halves of the implants mirror each other. In the case of implant rotation, round implants typically create no noticeable changes to the breast tissue.

Teardrop-shaped implants have a narrow top that widens to a rounder base, so the resulting fullness remains lower on the breast. Because these implants are not vertically symmetrical, rotation—in the event it happens—may be more visually obvious.

IMPLANT TEXTURES

No matter the shape, an implant is made with a silicone shell to hold the filler inside. This shell can be smooth or textured, with each option featuring distinct qualities.

A smooth shell is more prone to rotation or motion once inserted, which some women find appealing due to the looser, more natural motion of the breast.

A textured shell encourages the formation of some scar tissue, which anchors the implant in place and prevents motion and rotation. This is ideal for women who would prefer their implants to be more secure. Another advantage of textured implants is that research has shown they can help reduce the risks of capsular contracture. 

IMPLANT TYPES

The material found inside the implants themselves is a significant variable, with three options for women to choose from.

Saline is essentially sterile salt water, a common filler choice. For these implants, the shell is first inserted into the pocket, then inflated to the desired size. If a leak happens to occur later in the implant’s lifespan, it will deflate, creating a noticeable visual change in the breast itself.

Silicone is the same material implant shells are made from, but many women find this gel form to be closer to the feel of natural breast tissue. These implants come pre-filled, so insertion location and size of any incisions play a role in determining the use of silicone as a filler. A leak would not be as noticeable as it would with a  saline implant, so regular imaging checks are important throughout the life of the implants.

Form-stable silicone is a third variation, with the thicker gel forming a gummy bear-like consistency that is more prone to staying put, even in the case of a leak. The most recently developed of the three implant filler options, it has proven to be popular for both its look and feel, as well as its reliability.

No one who comes into a plastic surgeon’s office for a breast augmentation would be expected to know exactly what type, size, shape, and texture of implant would suit her. During a consultation she should work closely with a qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon who will answer her questions and guide her in her choices so she can enjoy her augmentation results for many years.

Learn more about breast augmentation and its many variables from the Los Angeles-area surgeons at Sunset Cosmetic Surgery. Call 310-858-9100 or visit sunsetcosmeticsurgery.com for more information.