The Myths Surrounding Silicone Implants The popular perception is that silicone breast implants are always a better choice than those filled with saline. The foundation of this belief is twofold: that silicone implants feel better and look better than saline implants. While the former assertion is true in many cases, the latter is not. Both […]
Saline vs. Silicone: New Twist on an Old Debate Read More »
New FDA Alert on Breast Implants Due in part to recent social media pressure the FDA has once again called into question the safety of breast implants. The FDA enforced a twelve year moratorium (1994 to 2006) on the use of silicone implants to investigate an alleged association with rare connective tissue disorders. There was
First, some background. Breast implants are available in both round and tear drop shapes and each type can have either a smooth or rough (textured) outer surface (Figure 1). The material inside the implant, either saline water or silicone gel, have both been proven safe after decades of investigation and are not in question. However,
Are Breast Implants Associated with Cancer? Read More »
Monday - Friday
There are many ways to accomplish breast augmentation and there is a best method for every patient based on baseline anatomy and size preference. This patient wanted a natural appearing but significant size increase. More space was needed in the lower breast to accommodate the desired size. Lowering the fold position underneath the breast to accomplish this was best achieved through an incision along the bottom edge of the areola. These incisions heal great and are barely perceptible. “Under the muscle” was chosen to provide a smooth contour to the top of the breast. Silicone, the most common type used, was selected here due to its natural, tissue-like consistency. She is thrilled and so are we!
#silicone #implant #surgery
There are some scenarios where “the internal bra” may be of value, such as the massive weight loss patient with thin and stretched breast skin. However, it is probably an overused preventative today. Moreover, it is an added expense and complicates the surgical procedure. While it holds promise, the jury is out regarding its true value.
#bra #collagen #support
This tummy tuck result shown 8 years later testifies to the “one and done” nature of this procedure. This feature is pretty unique within the plastic surgery procedure spectrum. In this case it was more about the post pregnancy muscle separation rather than excess skin and fat. In truth a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) entails a challenging recovery, but the results are worth it!
#skin #muscle #flat
Breast augmentation can be achieved in many ways depending on patient preferences and their unique anatomy. Here are three examples:
Patient 1: She is a great candidate for over the muscle because she has many favorable factors. These include ample baseline tissue volume, breasts that are close together, and small implant size preference.
Patient 2: She is an example of the most common approach widely practiced: silicone implants placed under the muscle through an incision in the crease under the breast.
Patient 3: Postpartum patients do best with silicone implants due to the thin breast tissue remaining after breast feeding. The crease under the breast had to lowered in this case to accommodate the implant diameter of the size she selected. This is important so that the implant is centered on the nipple to create optimal breast aesthetics. Using an incision around the lower areola edge is the best way to lower the crease position with control and accuracy in cases like this.
There are many combinations of factors that include incision location; implant type, size, and profile; pocket plane either above or below the muscle; and patient aesthetic preferences that mandate an individual approach for each patient. There is no single technique that will yield the best result in all patients.
#breast #implant #surgery
