Breast Augmentation | Choosing the Right Implant

Breast augmentation continues to be the number one sought after procedure in the United States. According to a recent industry article there are some guidelines that can help women choose which implants may be best for them. According to the article, the recent FDA approvals of a third breast implant brand on the market women finally have more choices than they ever did before. As surgical techniques for breast augmentation and breast implants continue to be improved, increasing the safety and reliability of the procedure, as well as the breast implants continue to be an ongoing priority. While there are two basic types of implants saline and silicone there are certain considerations that need to be made for each one. Saline implants have a solid silicone rubber outer shell and are filled with saltwater solution (saline). In some cases they could be prefilled to predetermined size or they could be filled at the time surgery. One of the primary benefits of this type of implant is that it can be inserted through a much smaller incision than silicone implants. One of the disadvantages is that the saline implants may not feel as natural as cohesive gel implants especially in patients who lack the breast tissue needed to cover the implant. Silicone implants are gel filled implants that are also implanted under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. These implants have a silicone outer rubber shell and are filled with a cohesive gel. They are available in different sizes and are available in both textured and smooth surfaces, just like saline implants. Some women feel that silicone implants have a more natural feel and therefore prefer them over saline implants. Some patients refer to them as” gummy bear” implants because the gel is predicted to maintain its shape over time. One of the disadvantages to gel implants is that patients could have a rupture and be unaware of the rupture. Currently the FDA recommends an MRI to determine if there is a silent rupture. Dr. Seify helps women to decide which breast implant will suit their needs best. Many considerations are taken prior to his recommendation. Some of these include breast measurements from the distance from the clavicle bone to the nipple areola complex, as well as the measurement of the breast fold. Dr. Seify also takes into consideration the patient’s body frame and the proportions. After careful and thoughtful discussions the patient ultimately chooses which breast implant is best for her. Patients who are considering breast augmentation are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.