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Breast Implants

Breast Implant Size and Shape

Breast Implants are used during breast augmentations, one of the procedures most closely associated with plastic surgery. Deciding on an implant is one of the most important aspects of breast augmentation, and there are several options available. All types of implants can be inserted safely. While this can be done for cosmetic reasons, there are many reconstructive benefits of breast implants as well.

It is also important to remember that, according to the FDA, breast implants are medical devices, and it’s likely that at some point in the future, you will need to schedule further surgery for device maintenance.

The decision to get breast implants, or which implants to elect, can be a complicated one, and Dr. Polsen is ready to schedule a confidential consultation to help you make the choice that’s right for you. You can also call our Clear Lake Area / South Houston office at (281) 538-6600.

Overview:

  • Breast Implants change the size and shape of the breast
  • Both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes
  • Most common types are silicone and saline, as well as fat graft

Find our breast augmentation before and after gallery here.

How To Decide on an Implant

Deciding on your implant type is, of course, a very personal decision and individual decision. Much will depend on your desired outcome and your final desired look. However, there are several criteria you should consider when it comes to your breast implants. First and foremost, you should consider the overall size you want for your implants. This may sound easier than it actually is. Many women come in with a certain size range in mind, but it can be difficult to visualize what will look good on your frame.

To help patients decide on size, plastic surgeons will sometimes give patients a special bra to wear. Breast implant facsimiles (which approximate the size and weight of implants) can be inserted into this garment in order to give patients an idea of the size and weight of their proposed new breasts. Additionally, some patients opt for a photo-manipulation technique to show them what they might look like with their new breast size.

Breast Implant Type

There are three basic types of implants, each with varying degrees of effectiveness and longevity. Saline breast implants were quite popular in the 1990’s, but have since dramatically fallen out of favor with plastic surgeons. They are still appropriate in some instances—for example, when patients are looking for the absolute minimal incision possible. However, silicone breast implants have actually been shown to be more durable and to look more natural. For that reason, most plastic surgeons recommend that patients strongly consider silicone breast implants.

More recently, some patients have expressed interest in natural fat as a breast implant material. Generally, this type of implant is not chosen nearly as often as traditional, silicone implant. Fat graft results are not as reliable over the long term as silicone implant results. However, fat graft does have the advantage of looking completely natural. That said, most of our Houston breast implant patients still opt for the silicone breast implants that have shown excellent long term results.

Breast Implant Shape

There are two basic breast implant shapes, and in most cases, it is up to the patient to decide on which shape is more desired. There is a basic sphere shape and there is a more natural looking teardrop shape. The sphere shape, in most cases, will look artificially enhanced—however, for some of our Houston breast implant patients, that is precisely the desired result. On the other hand, patients who want a more natural look may opt for a teardrop shape.

It should be noted that, while enhanced breasts may look “natural” when the patient is standing, the implant will not distribute in the same way as natural tissue when, for example, the patient is sitting or lying back. That said, the breast naturally has a kind of “teardrop” shape, and there are certain implants that replicate that shape more accurately than others. At the end of he day, however, it will mostly come down to what the patient desires and what will fulfill the patient’s transformational desires.

Other Considerations

There are other considerations to take stock of when you are considering your breast implants. Some of those considerations are:

  • Breast implant brand
  • Incision technique
  • Long-term results
  • The possibility of changing out the implants sometime down the line
  • Whether the implant will be placed below the muscle or below the breast tissue
  • Texture of the implant

With so many variables to take into consideration, it is absolutely vital or breast enhancement patients to schedule a consultation with Dr. Polsen at his Houston Clear Lake area office to discuss all of these possibilities and what will best bring about the desired final results.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Candidates considering breast implants should generally be in good health and have realistic expectations of what the procedure can accomplish. Candidacy may also depend on individual medical needs or preferences; for example, a candidate who is allergic to silicone would not be a good fit for that type of implant and should elect instead a saline implant. However, a candidate with a history of leaking implants may elect for a silicone implant.

It’s also worth mentioning that candidates should undertake breast augmentation surgery for their own purposes, not to please a loved one or because of outside pressure.

The Procedure – Breast Augmentation

Breast Implants are inserted during a breast augmentation surgery. There are several ways to accomplish your desired look. Dr. Polsen works with each patient to help ensure desired results. During the operation, Dr. Polsen will place the implant under the pectoral muscle, which helps with support and with obscuring undesired lines created by the implant.

There are advantages to each type of implant, so be sure to discuss your preferences with Dr. Polsen. Silicone implants are the most natural looking and feeling. Fat graft implants may also look very natural, but they require additional liposuction surgery on donor areas of the body.

Recovery

You can generally expect to return to work within a week after breast augmentation surgery. However, heavy lifting and other strenuous activity should be avoided for a month. Patients of breast augmentation surgery in the Houston Clear Lake Area will receive personalized instructions from Dr. Polsen to properly manage their recovery for best results.