Options for Breast Implants

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that thousands of women all over the world elect to have each year. It is also the number one cosmetic procedure performed and has been for years.

While it is a relatively straightforward procedure, there are several options a woman must make when it comes to their breast augmentation procedure. Breast implants come in all different shapes and sizes. There are saline breast implants which are filled with sterile saline water. Silicone implants are made with silicone gel. Both of these implants have various advantages and disadvantages. Such as silicone implants feel more natural but require a bigger incision than saline implants. Also, implants have different shapes, there are round or tear-drop shaped implants. Then, even more, they can be textured or smooth. After you make your implant decision, the placement of the implant is important to think about as well.

There is a sub glandular placement, which is placing an implant behind the breast. It can also mean placing the implant behind the chest muscle, which is referred to as submuscular placement. Dr. Cruise will work with you personally to help choose all of the aspects of your breast augmentation with you.

Overview of Breast Implants

Breast implants contain an outer shell that’s comprised of silicone, which is an inert polymer. The shell is made with a textured or smooth surface. If the implants have a smooth wall, they will slightly roll around within the pocket of the breast, which is intentionally designed to mimic the way natural breasts move. Implants vary significantly because all women are unique. There is no one implant that can be used for all situations as it depends on the fill volume, base width, and projection amount. Dr. Cruise has more than 15 years of experience and an eye for detail as it relates to the artistry of cosmetic surgery. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon and works with patients to choose the right implants. Dr. Cruise is adept at selecting and matching breast implants to achieve the desired outcomes based on patient goals.

Silicone Gel Breast Implants

The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated that women be at least 22 years old to receive silicone gel breast implants. Silicone has a higher level of viscosity than saline, which is one of the reasons why they create such a natural appearance and feel. The use of silicone gel feels similar to breast tissue. The new generation silicone implants are made of highly cohesive silicone gel (aka gummy bear implants). If a rupture should occur, the gel stays in-tact making it safer than the silicone gel of years past.

Saline Breast Implants

According to FDA regulations, women over the age of 18 are able to receive saline-filled breast implants. This type of implant is first placed in the body, at which point it’s given the volume that’s determined by the surgeon. This is based on the desired aesthetic that’s decided upon in consultation with the patient. Since saline is a fluid, it’s consistency is like that of water. Sometimes it’s possible to adjust a saline implant using an injection port that’s remote. In other words, patients will sometimes keep the implant port for weeks or months after the implant procedure so that adjustments can be made until the desired results are achieved.

Safety of Breast Implants

The use of breast implants has been proven safe in many clinical trials and studies. Thousands of people get implants each year with no complications. Sometimes implants rupture, it is important to keep a relationship with Dr. Cruise and get your implants checked to make sure they are still intact. After receiving breast implants, you may experience swelling, bruising, and inflammation, this will resolve over the healing process. If experience any signs of complications, contact our office.

Other Considerations

There are six things to consider when choosing breast implants for the augmentation procedure. These include implant type, size, shape, surface, placement, and the incision type.

Implant Type

• Silicone Gel
• Sterile Saline

Size

Women who get breast augmentation usually want bigger breasts that help to complement their figure more. Breast implant size is measured in ccs. It typically ranges from 200cc to 600cc. Most women want a natural appearance, so it is important that their breast implants don’t make them look overly large. You can try on different implant sizers to see how each size will look. You can also ask Dr. Cruise to show you before and after photos of previous patients and ask about their implant size.

Shape

There are two types of implant shapes:

• Round: these have a round, symmetrical shape. There is no malformation of breast shape if the implant moves. Round implants can be both textured and smooth.
• Anatomical: These are oval-shaped, and they give the implant a “bottom-heavy” look. These were designed to look more like a natural breast. But with anatomical implants, if it were to move then it could cause some asymmetry.

Surface

The surface of breast implants can either be smooth or textured.

• Smooth: These have a higher chance of moving within the pocket, but also have a lower rupture rate and have been proven to last longer.
• Textured: These feel firmer than smooth implants and were designed to minimize capsular contracture.

Placement

• Sub glandular: This places the implant right under the breast.
• Submuscular: This places the implant under the pectoral muscle.

Incision Type:

Typically, silicone implants require a longer incision than saline implants. This is because silicone implants come pre-filled whereas saline implants can be placed and then filled. The various incision types are:

• Inframammary: This is also called the “crease incision.’ The incision is placed in the crease under the breast where the breast meets the chest. This is a good place for an inconspicuous augmentation.
• Areolar or Periareolar: This approach involves an incision made around the areola or a semi-circle on the lower half of the nipple. Then the implant is inserted through the opinion. The scars tend to blend in here so it well-concealed.
• Transaxillary Incision: This involves creating an incision in the armpit crease. This can be a good decision for women who opt for saline implants. The scars can be well-concealed here.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are considering breast implants it is important to choose an implant type that will work for you and give you the look that you want. To get started on choosing an implant type make a consultation with Dr. Cruise, located in Newport Beach, CA. To set up an appointment call the office or fill out an online form.