Pages

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Teardrop-Shaped or Anatomical Breast Implants



Anatomical breastimplants—also referred to as dimensional, teardrop, and contoured implants—were first used to reconstruct the breasts of post-cancer patients.  But in later years, some plastic surgeons have started using these devices in cosmetic breastaugmentation surgery.

Unlike round implants in which all the sides are symmetrical, anatomicalimplants have more volume at the bottom than on top, leading to a teardrop appearance.  But because of their shape, there is a risk of flipping over, which in turn leads to visible distortion of the breast contour.

To prevent the anatomical implants from flipping over, they always come in textured shell, which can prevent them from rotating.

The anatomical implants are available in different sizes and profiles (outward projection off the chest wall).  However, patients should bear in mind that these implants are only filled with saline or saltwater solution.

Anatomical implants filled with silicone gel are not available in the US because the “gooey” material cannot be molded into a teardrop shape.

However, there is a new type of breast implant called gummy bear implant (available in some European countries and Canada) which uses a gel more cohesive than the currently available silicone implant’s.  And with its form-stable characteristic, anatomical implants can now be filled with silicone.

It is important to know that gummy bear implants are not yet available in the US market, although some patients may have these new devices if their breast augmentation surgery is conducted by a surgeon involved in a nationwide, FDA-approved study.

While anatomical implants are used in cosmetic breastaugmentation, they are not as popular as the round implants because they are more expensive and can expose patients to higher risk of visible and palpable rippling (because they are always available in textured shell), particularly those with a limited amount of fats and tissue in their breasts.

Another consideration is that the anatomical implants can rotate inside the breast pocket, which in turn can disfigure the shape of the bust.  On the other hand, round implants can be subjected to gross movement and they will still not result to distorted appearance because all their sides are symmetrical.

Contrary to popular belief, there is really no significant difference between anatomical and round implants when it comes to the breast contour after surgery.  In fact, round implants will form a teardrop shape if these are held against the chest wall as the gravity works its wonder.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Patient Options in Breast Augmentation Surgery





The primary goal of breastaugmentation is not just about increasing the bust size but also making the result as natural as possible.  Fortunately, this is easier nowadays as breast implants come in different sizes, shapes, shell, filling, and projection, in addition to a wide range of surgical techniques used by plasticsurgeons.

Nowadays, three options in breast implant placement are available for patients: complete submuscular (under the muscle), partial submuscular (partially under the muscle), and subglandular (behind the tissue).  These surgical techniques have their own pros and cons which are carefully explained to women so they can decide for themselves.

The complete submuscular implant placement results to longer recovery and more pain during healing period because the pec muscles are stretched and pushed.  However, the technique provides countless of benefits such as more coverage to reduce the risk of implant wrinkling; more lifting effect; better mammogram reading; and lower risk of capsular contracture, which is a condition resulting to hardening of the scar tissue around the implants.

On the other hand, the subglandular implant placement results to shorter recovery because the pec muscle remains intact.  But since no muscle covers the implant shell, the technique is only ideal for patients with enough glandular tissue, fats, and skin.  Another consideration to make is that an ongoing ptosis (drooping) may be further aggravated because of the lack of strong “support.”

Meanwhile, the partial submuscular combines the benefits of subglandular and complete submuscular implant placements.

Aside from the implant placement, the type of implants can also have a significant impact on the final result.  For instance, women who want to achieve more cleavage are advised to choose round implant rather than the teardrop-shaped version, although the latter is more notable for simulating the natural contour of the breast.

Breast implants are either filled with saline or silicone gel.  For those who want to achieve a more natural “feel” and “look,” and women with a limited glandular tissue, the silicone implant is a better option; however, one downside is that the patients are required to undergo MRI screening every two years to detect any asymptomatic or “silent” leak.

On the other hand, women with saline implants are not required to have a regular MRI screening because a leak is easily manifested by deflated-looking breasts, making it possible to immediately seek revision breast augmentation.

Regardless if saline or siliconeimplants are used, their size should not only be based on one’s goal but also on her body-frame, amount of tissue and skin, and chest width.  It is important to note that a good plastic surgeon will not push the body’s limit by introducing implants that are too large for it.

Breast implants can be inserted via four incision sites: axillary (armpit), TUBA (navel), breast crease, and areola complex.  Patients should remember that the best surgical technique largely depends on their goals, acceptable risk level, and type and size of implants.

The axillary and TUBA incision sites require the use of an endoscope, which is a fiber optic camera attached to a large monitor.  Through this instrument, plastic surgeons can insert an empty saline shell inside the breast pocket and then fill this with a sterile saltwater solution.

But because the axillary and TUBA incisions work farther away from the bust area, there is a greater margin of error.  By contrast, the breast crease and areola incision sites provide surgeons with greater control over the final result of the surgery, making them a more popular choice.

Since there are many surgical options and type of implants available for women, breast augmentation typically involves lengthy consultation between patients and plastic surgeons.  In this way, doctors can also determine if the goals and expectations of a person with the surgery are plausible and achievable.