Breast Augmentation with Breast Implants remains one of the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in the San Francisco Bay Area, but breast enhancement comes in all shapes and sizes. As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in the East San Francisco Bay Area City of Walnut Creek, a large part of my private practice is dedicated to the numerous aspects of breast enhancement, including:
The simplest way to decide what to do to achieve the optimal results in Breast Enhancement Surgery is to independently evaluate what needs to be done to the size of the breast and what needs to be done to the shape of the breast. While intimately related, size and shape often need to be addressed separately.
The Best Breast Size
The best size for your breasts depends on you. The best breast size will vary, and depends on the size of your body (preoperative breast size, the dimensions of the chest wall, height, weight); your level of activity (couch potato, gym enthusiast, serious athlete, Olympian); and most importantly, your comfort level with your desired cup size. This is a simplification, but a good sampling of what I am considering during every breast enhancement consultation. Whether increasing the size of the breasts with breast augmentation or decreasing the size of the breast with Breast Reduction, there is a range of aesthetic outcomes determined by physical parameters. In the vast majority of cases, this range includes what my patient has pictured in her own mind. On the other hand, the imagination has no bounds, and occasionally it outstrips what is possible.
The Best Breast Shape
The ideal breast is perky, with the nipple centered over the most projecting aspect of the breast. Changes in shape solely due to absent or lost volume, like that seen after pregnancy or weight loss, can often be improved with breast implants alone. Changes in shape due to increasing breast volume, whether due to genetics, pregnancy or weight gain, are addressed with breast reduction.
It may seem like breast reduction is the opposite of Breast Augmentation. If you are considering only breast size, it is. However, when we consider breast shape, just removing volume is not sufficient. The result would be a deflated, saggy breast. Breast reduction surgery includes a breast lift as an integral part of the procedure.
The Best Breast Lift
Breast Lifts, like breasts themselves, come in different sizes. Small breast lifts are effective for small amounts of sagging, while big breast lifts are necessary to correct large amounts of sagging. The topic is too large to cover in a paragraph, or even a web page, but more general information is available on San Francisco Breast.
The important part about breast lifts is that they help enhance the shape of the breast. Whether you are born with tubular breasts, have breast asymmetry or your breasts are ptotic (saggy), a breast lift can reshape the breasts into a more attractive form. Unlike breast augmentation, which simply magnifies the existing shape of the breast, a breast lift can remove excess skin and elevate the nipple’s position on the breast mound.
Breast Enhancement Consultations
If you are considering breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction surgery, be certain to find a qualified Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. It is important to remember that while there may be several ways to accomplish your desired goals, the method is not as important as the person you choose to do your surgery. Choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, who is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery, members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) are ASPS members who have shown a special interest in the cosmetic side of plastic surgery. For those truly dedicated to Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, the ASAPS also offers a Certificate of Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery. Mine is pictured below, as evidence that I am dedicated to providing you with the best that Cosmetic Plastic Surgery has to offer.
Dr. Mele's Certificate of Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery
If you are in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, and would like to take the next step and schedule a personalized consultation appointment, please give us a call at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form to the left.
The Tummy Tuck remains one of the most requested cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in my San Francisco Bay Area plastic surgery office. Walnut Creek is a growing community with excellent schools. It’s a great area for raising children, so I see lots of mommies from Walnut Creek and the surrounding areas.
Tummy Tuck, Abdominoplasty, Panniculectomy, it doesn't matter what you want to call it, the result is a flatter, firmer stomach.
What Does a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Do?
Tummy tucks are designed to fix abdominal wall laxity. Abdominoplasty can repair stretched abdominal wall muscles. The tummy tuck removes the excess skin and fat that accumulates on the lower belly. This part of the abdominoplasty is sometimes called a Panniculectomy. Whatever the name, the result is a firmer, flatter abdominal wall.
Tummy Tuck Timing – When to Get Your Abdominoplasty
There are several reasons for abdominal wall laxity, but having children tops the list. Pregnancy stretches the abdominal muscles and skin. Often the stretching is irreversible, and the skin and muscle remain loose, despite weight loss and working out. It may take several months for your abdomen to recover from child birth. Normally, maximum shrinkage is seen by your newborns first birthday. The best time to get a tummy tuck is after your are done having children. For more information about abdominoplasty, click on San Francisco Tummy Tucks
Another common reason for a tummy tuck is a history of being overweight. Weight gain, like pregnancy, stretches the abdominal wall. When the weight is lost, loose skin and stretched muscle may continue to be a problem. This occurs in more areas than the abdomen. Loose skin may affect the breasts, face, arms and thighs too. The best time to have a tummy tuck after Weight Loss, is when you have reached your goal weight. If you have had bariatric surgery for weight loss, it is recommended to wait one year after your weight loss surgery. This allows you to reach a stable weight, and gives your body time to adjust to its new physiology. For more information on plastic surgery that can help improve your appearance after weight loss, click on Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery.
Mommy Makeovers
The Mommy Makeover is a combination of Tummy Tuck and Breast Enhancement. Since pregnancy affects the breast and abdomen, the mommy makeover is one of the most common combination surgeries I perform. Most commonly, Breast Augmentation, with or without a Breast Lift, is added to the tummy tuck. But sometimes, just a breast lift (mastopexy) or even breast reduction is needed. A mommy makeover may involve a smaller abdominal procedure when appropriate, so liposuction and mini tummy tucks (mini abdominoplasty) are always considered. For more information on Mommy Makeovers, click on San Francisco Mommy Makeover.
If you would like more information about the mommy makeover, tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, liposuction, Breast Augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction or post-bariatric plastic surgery, make an appointment for a personal, private plastic surgery consultation. Give us a call at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form on this page.
As 2011 draws to a close, so do the first 50 years of breast implants. In 1961, American plastic surgeons Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerow, and the Dow Corning Corporation, developed the first silicone breast prosthesis, filled with silicone gel. In 1962, Timmie Jean Lindsey became the first woman to receive silicone breast implants.
Breast Implants Have Come a Long Way in 50 Years
Saline Breast Implants
You might be surprised to find out that saline filled implants did not appear until the French company, Laboratoires Arion, began manufacturing them in 1964. Filled with 0.9% saline, water that is the same saltiness as your body, these implants are filled in the operating room after insertion, allowing for a smaller incision compared to the incision needed for pre-filled silicone gel breast implants. While early models were fragile, contemporary saline breast implants have a stronger silicone elastomer shell. These implants became the most frequently used in the US during the 1990′s, when silicone gel filled breast implants where restricted to reconstructive use only.
Silicone Breast Implants
While saline filled breast implants have changed relatively little over their lifetime, silicone filled breast implants have gone through five distinct generations.
First Generation Silicone Breast Implants
The first generation was tear-dropped shaped. Yes, that’s correct, the first breast implants were silicone filled and tear dropped shaped. These implants have a smooth surface, so to keep them from rotating, a Dacron patch was attached to the back. It had the texture of the soft side of Velco, and allowed the body a point of attachment to prevent rotation. The shell was thick, as was the gel inside. This helped prevent deflation and tearing at the point of fixation. The thicker gel also made it easier to take care of any leaks, as the thicker the gel, the less it migrates.
Second Generation Silicone Breast Implants
In the 1970′s, in an attempt to improve the look and feel after breast augmentation, the shell and the gel inside the implant was made thinner. Unfortunately, new technology doesn’t always mean improved. With these changes came more complications. The thinner shells broke more frequently and the thinner gel could migrate farther after a leak. Even without a leak, silicone gel could “bleed” through the intact shell like Helium through a balloon. This resulted in a class action lawsuit against Dow Corning and other breast implant manufacturers. Other “improvements” which arrived in the 70′s were polyurethane foam coating for the implant shell and double lumen implants.
Polyurethane foam coating reduced the incidence of capsular contracture, but a concern that a breakdown product of the coating (TDA) might cause cancer stopped sales. The FDA later stated the risk was infinitesimally small, but no breast implant manufacturer has sought FDA approval for sale in the US. These implants remain available in Europe and South America.
Double lumen implants have two sections, an inner chamber pre-filled with silicone gel and an outer chamber that can be filled with a varying amount of saline. Double lumen implants were used mostly for breast reconstruction. Unfortunately, the increased complexity of dual chamber breast implants led to increased device failure, and eventual withdrawal from the market.
Third Generation Silicone Breast Implants
Around 1985, breast implants where manufactured with elastomer coated shells. This significantly reduced the number of implant failures and also the problem with gel “bleed”. Since that time the rate of capsular contracture has dropped. Coincidence? Maybe. At the same time the changes in the shell were made, additional improvements in manufacturing and quality control also occurred.
Fourth Generation Silicone Breast Implants
Fourth generation implants are defined by a return to a thicker, cohesive silicone gel filler. Back to the future is the theme for the third and fourth generation breast implants. Like the original breast implants, with thicker tougher shells and thicker less runny filler, the safety and predictability of fourth generation, cohesive gel breast implants has improved. Fourth generation silicone gel filled implants are currently the only FDA approved silicone breast implants currently available in the US.
Fifth Generation Silicone Breast Implants
The next incarnation of silicone breast implants are the gummi-bears. They are filled with a soft, semi-solid silicone with the consistency of gummi-bear candy. They are soft enough to give when compressed, but firm enough to return to their original shape when the pressure is released. Since they are essentially a solid, these implants do not experience problems with leakage or gel migration. Most are made with an anatomical shape. To prevent rotation, the implants surface is textured to allow the capsule to attach to the shell. This works most the time, but implant malposition from rotation can be a problem (not seen with smooth round implants). Overall, the form-stable implants are more firm, but still soft. Somewhat surprisingly, they can still ripple (wrinkle).
Allergan Natrelle Style 410 (gummi-bear) breast implants come in 12 shapes and many sizes.
Since they are solid, gummi-bear breast implants require a larger incision for placement. This can be a deterrent when a simple breast augmentation is being considered. The mastectomy incision used for breast reconstruction and the breast lift incisions allow for the insertion of solid implants without additional incision length.
Soft-solid breast implants are figuratively sitting on the shelf at the FDA. Despite some advantages, the approval process has ground to halt over the last several years. The FDA has all the information it has requested, and no new requests for information are forthcoming. Despite this, no vote has been taken. It is increasingly unclear to industry, plastic surgeons and patients alike what the reason is. These fifth generation breast implants have a good record in Europe, where they have been used since 1995, and they have been available since 2000 to our northern neighbor, Canada. Dear FDA, how about approving silicone implants that can’t leak this year?
On April 12, 1961, Soviet cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, used a space capsule like this to become the first human in orbit. That same year, the first breast implant was developed by American plastic surgeons Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerow.
Breast implant capsules have a bad reputation. Normally, they are only discussed when they are causing problems like capsular contracture or breast implant malposition. However, like a space capsule, the breast implant capsule provides protection, and without breast implant capsules, there would be no breast augmentation.
What is a breast implant capsule?
Whenever a breast implant is used for breast augmentation, your body makes an encapsulating sheet of scar that lines the breast implant’s pocket. This normally thin, soft scar is called the “capsule”, and it is incredibly important in maintaining your breasts’ enhancement.
Have you ever wondered how breast implants stay in place?
The capsule is responsible for keeping the breast implants in the proper position beneath the breasts. It forms in just a few weeks after breast augmentation surgery and keeps the breast implants from freely sliding around. Optimal breast implant position is a combination of careful placement during surgery and a proper capsule. The capsule will quickly line the surgical pocket and provide a smooth, strong interface between the breast implant and the soft tissues of the chest. By reinforcing the pocket, the capsule helps to maintain optimal breast implant placement.
The capsule protects the breast implant.
Not only does the capsule help keep the breast implant in position, it also protects the implant. The interior of the capsule is smooth and allows for nearly frictionless movement within its boundaries. The outer layers of the capsule provide enhanced vascular circulation and helps protect the breast implant from infection.
When good capsules go bad.
So what can go wrong with breast implant capsules? The perfect capsule is firm enough to maintain proper breast implant positioning, but soft enough to not be felt. Problems occur at the extremes, so like Goldilocks the capsule needs to be just right, not too hard and not too soft.
Too soft
When the Breast Implant Capsule is too soft, it does not provide enough support for the implant. Gravity pulls the implants down when standing or to the side when laying down. The larger the breast implants, the greater the force. Stomach sleeping also pushes the implants apart. A healthy capsule can resist the tendency toward Breast Implant Malposition, but a good bra helps too.
Treatment for implant malposition can include a capsulorrhaphy, to tighten the capsule, and close off the areas where the implant should not be going. If an overly large breast implant in compounding the problem, a smaller implant can help reduce recurrence. The use of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has also become more popular as a way to line, reinforce and thicken the capsule.
Too hard
When the Breast Implant Capsule is too hard, it can compress the implants, and cause Capsular Contracture. Capsular contracture can also result in breast implant malposition. If the capsule is tight only on one side, it will push the breast implant toward the soft side. If the capsule is tight all the way around, it can make the implant feel hard.
Treatment for capsular contracture includes capsulectomy, removing the thickened capsule, and capsulotomy, incising the capsule to allow it to expand. Both these techniques are performed in the operating room. An older, non-operative technique called closed capsulotomy was a way to split the capsule without surgery by forcefully compressing the implant. This has been largely abandoned as it has less predictable results, may lead to uncontrolled bleeding or implant rupture, and violates most breast implant warranties.
Just Right
The most common types of capsules are grade I followed by grade II. Grade I capsules are soft on not detectable from the outside, Grade II capsules feel firmer, but are not tight enough to cause visual changes. Both usually provide adequate support to allow the breast to age naturally, securely on the chest. If you are considering breast augmentation, or you have breast implants and are considering breast implant revision surgery, give me a call at (925) 943-6353 or contact my Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery Office using the contact form in the left column.
Breast Implant Revision Surgery is performed to improve the results of Breast Augmentation. While Breast Augmentation is both safe and effective, our bodies continue to change as we age. Breasts naturally change size and shape over time. This occurs with or without breast augmentation. While most changes are gradual, changes can happen relatively quickly with pregnancy and changes in weight.
Breast Implant Replacement
Breast implants can wear out too, requiring a new implant to be placed. The major US breast implant companies, Allegan and Mentor, do provide Breast Implant Warranties.
What Are the Common Reasons for Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery?
The most common reasons for Breast Implant Revision Surgery are a desire for a change in size, deflation of the breast implant, capsular contracture and breast implant malposition. It is important to clearly identify what problem(s) are bothersome, and to seek a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
Below is number four of four of my latest Breast Implant Revision Videos. They appeared on KRON4′s Body Beautiful. The series covers Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation Maintenance. The television show was broadcast live, so viewers could call in during the broadcast to have their questions answered. The (415) number shown in the video was only for the show; however, if you have Breast Augmentation or Breast Implant Revision questions, please call our San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery Office directly at (925) 943-6353. If you prefer, you may also use the contact form on the left.
San Francisco Bay Area Breast Implant & Breast Augmentation Revision Video
San Francisco Bay Area Breast Implant Revision Questions
This Breast Augmentation and Breast Implant Revision Surgery video includes:
The type of trauma most likely to cause breast implant deflation
Common reasons for breast implant revision surgery
Changing breast implant size
Breast implant leaks
Capsular Contracture
Breast Implant Malposition
Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants Revision Resources
You are viewing number three of four Breast Implants Revision Video segments from Dr. Mele’s recent Body Beautiful television appearance. Here are links to the other segments:
Breast Augmentation remains one of the procedures that I perform most frequently. Whether you’ve always had small breast and want them larger, or you had larger breast and want them back, Breast Augmentation can help you achieve your goals.
Breast Implant Revision Surgery is performed to improve the results of Breast Augmentation. While Breast Augmentation is both safe and effective, our bodies change as we age. Breasts naturally change size and shape over time, and this happens even after breast augmentation. Changes can certainly be exacerbate by pregnancy and changes in weight, but most of the time the changes are gradual and sneak-up on us.
What’s New in Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation?
If you are considering Breast Augmentation or Breast Implant Revision surgery, you should know that new breast implants are available and more are on the horizon. New techniques are also being developed to help make your Breast Enhancement simpler, safer, more predictable and easier overall. Be certain to seek a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for all your Cosmetic Breast Surgery needs.
Below is part three of four of my Breast Implant Revision Video that appeared on KRON4′s Body Beautiful. Options in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation Maintenance are reviewed. The television show was broadcast live, so viewers could call in during the broadcast to have their questions answered. The (415) number shown in the video was only for the show; however, if you have Breast Augmentation or Breast Implant Revision questions, please call our San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery Office directly at (925) 943-6353. If you prefer, you may also use the contact form on the left.
San Francisco Bay Area Breast Implant & Breast Augmentation Revision Video
San Francisco Bay Area Breast Implant Revision Questions
This Breast Augmentation, Breast Implant Revision Surgery video includes:
The Breast Implants currently available
Saline Breast Implants – Natrelle (Allergan) and Mentor (J&J)
Silicone Gel Breast Implants (Natrelle and Memory-Gel)
Soft-Solid Silicone Breast Implants (GummiBear Implants)
Natrelle 410′s*
Mentor Contour Profile Gel (CPG)*
*The 3 yr and 5 yr data for the 410′s and CPG breast implants surpasses that of the breast implants that are already approved in this country. Why are they not approved? Only your FDA knows for sure.
Breast implant deflation
What are the signs and symptoms associated with a leaking breast implant?
How to check for a breast implant leak
How long do Breast implants last?
How are breast augmentation and breast lifts combined?
Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants Revision Resources
You are viewing number three of four Breast Implants Revision Video segments from Dr. Mele’s recent Body Beautiful television appearance. Here are links to the other segments:
Breast Implant Revision Surgery is performed to improve the results of Breast Augmentation. Breast Augmentation Revision can help with Breast Implants are the wrong size, in the wrong position, have developed capsular contracture or when other cosmetic deformities require correction. Specific techniques have evolved for the correction of the most common problems that can occur with Breast Implants. Some recently developed new techniques have significantly improved the results of breast implant revision for problems that have been difficult in the recent past.
San Francisco Bay Area Breast Augmentation
This segment of Body Beautiful focuses on before and after results. Breast Augmentation is reviewed, as well as the correction of specific breast implant problems like capsular contracture and implant malposition (bottoming out and symmastia). The following Breast Implant Revision Video was broadcast on KRON4′s live Medical Monday show, Body Beautiful. The television show allows viewers to call in during the broadcast and have their questions answered. The (415) number shown in the video was only for the show, so if you have Breast Augmentation or Breast Implant Revision questions, please call our San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery office directly at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form on the left.
San Francisco Bay Area Breast Augmentation & Breast Implant Revision Video
San Francisco Bay Area Breast Implant Revision Questions
This Breast Augmentation, Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery video includes:
Before and After Pictures of Breast Augmentation
Before and After Pictures of Breast Augmentation Revision including:
Before and After Pictures of Breast Augmentation Revision for a Breast Implant that is too low and a poorly formed inframammary fold (IMF)
Before and After Pictures of Breast Augmentation Revision for Grade III Capsular Contracture causing the Breast Implant to be too high (Capsulotomy/Capsulectomy)
Before and After Pictures of Breast Augmentation Revision for Grade IV Capsular Contracture causing the implant to ride up and appear significantly smaller
Before and After Pictures of Breast Augmentation Revision for Breast Implants that are too close (as seen in symmastia) and too far from the midline (often causing a large gap between the breast implants) and rippling on the inside of the breast (medial rippling)
Before and After Pictures of Breast Augmentation Revision for severe bottoming out with internal capsulorrhaphy (though a breast lift is the most frequently selected option)
Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants Revision Resources
You are viewing part two of four Breast Implants Revision Video segments from Dr. Mele’s recent Body Beautiful television appearance. Here are links to the additional segments:
Breast Augmentation remains one of the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. While often the procedure lasts a lifetime, breast augmentation revision is quite common. Breast Implant Revision has emerged as a specialty unto itself. While many of the tenants that lead to excellent Breast Augmentation results will also apply to Breast Augmentation Revision, new and specific techniques have evolved for the correction of the common problems that can occur with Breast Implants.
The most frequent reasons for Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery include the desire to change the size of the breast, breast implant deflation, problems with the position of the breast implants and tightening of the scar that normally forms around the breast. The last listed is called capsular contracture.
San Francisco Bay Area Breast Augmentation
What follows is a Breast Implant Revision Video segment from KRON4′s live Medical Monday show, Body Beautiful. The television broadcast allows viewers to call in and have their questions answered live. The (415) number shown in the video was only for the show, so if you have Breast Augmentation or Breast Implant Revision questions, please call our San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery office directly at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form on the left.
San Francisco Bay Area Breast Augmentation & Breast Implant Revision Video
San Francisco Bay Area Breast Implant Questions
This Breast Augmentation, Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery video includes:
What to consider before having Breast Augmentation
Is “routine maintenance” for Breast Implants required?
If my Breast Implants are too high, can they be lowered?
If my Breast Implants are too low, can they be raised?
If my Breast Implants are too wide, can they be moved towards the middle?
If my Breast Implants are too close together, can they be separated?
What causes Breast Implants to fail?
Can I maintain my body proportions and have Breast Augmentation?
What are the problems associated with Breast Implants which are too big?
Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants Revision Resources
You are viewing one of four Breast Implants Revision Video segments from Dr. Mele’s recent Body Beautiful television appearance. Here are links to the additional segments:
Breast Augmentation and Breast Implant Revision San Francisco Bay Area – 1 of 4 (You Are Here)
This patient had breast augmentation prior to becoming pregnant. Left: After pregnancy, the breast implant position remains unchanged; however, the breasts have dropped. Right: After breast augmentation revision, the breasts have been lifted and the breast implants exchanged, dramatically improving the breasts' shape and profile.
Pregnancy and Breast Augmentation
Pregnancy can change the volume and shape of breasts, and the result isn’t always positive. If you have been pregnant, you know firsthand. For the lucky few the changes are subtle, or even enhancing, but usually they are not. Many patients opt for breast augmentation after having children to restore what was lost. If you are trying to get pregnant, it is worth delaying your breast augmentation; however, if childbearing is not imminent, waiting may not be desirable.
Breast Implant Problems After Pregnancy
The breast augmentation revision before and after pictures above are of a woman who had breast augmentation at a young age, and enjoyed her breast implants for many years. After childbearing, her breast implants remained in a perky position, but the natural breast tissue sagged. Her breasts would have sagged and deflated whether she had breast implants or not, but with implants the result was normal elongated, deflated breasts, with the addition of disproportionate upper pole fullness from her breast implants.
The Breast Implant Revision Solution
The solution was a breast lift with breast implant exchange. The natural breast tissue was lifted to reduce the length of the breast and firm the natural breast tissue. The breast implant was exchanged to help with both shape and the post-partum changes in breast volume. Larger breast implants can be used to replace lost breast volume. Smaller implants, removal of the breast implants, or even breast reduction can help when the breast remain too large after lactation.
A desire to change breast implant size (larger or smaller)
Deflation of the breast implant
Firmness due to tightening on the breast implant capsule (capsular contracture)
Breast implant asymmetry or malposition like bottoming out, double bubble or symmastia (uniboob)
If you have one of these problems, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, like Walnut Creek Breast Implant Specialist Joseph Mele, MD, FACS, can help.
Tomorrow, Dr. Mele will be appearing on Body Beautiful. The show airs live on KRON, channel 4, September 12, 2011, at 11:00 AM. Breast augmentation and breast augmentation revision surgery will be discussed. If you have questions, call in to the KRON studios on Monday at 11:00AM, or send us your question through the contact form on the left. Every effort will be made to answer your questions during the show.
Breast Implant Revision Videos
Below are links to previous television appearances on KRON4 featuring Breast Augmentation Revision Videos and Breast Augmentation Revision Before and After Photos:
Breast Augmentation Scar Revision Before and After Pictures
Breast Augmentation Scar revision is another reason for Breast Implant Revision Surgery. Follow the link for a case presentation of breast augmentation scar revision for a wide-spread periareolar scar : Hypertrophic Breast Scar Revision
Saline Breast Implants or Silicone Breast Implants? The question is asked every day in my Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery Office, and it is often followed by, “Which is Safe?” The decision to have breast augmentation surgery is a personal one. While both saline breast implants and silicone breast implants are both safe, which is best will depend on you.
Why Choose Silicone Breast Implants?
The main reason women choose silicone gel breast implants is because they feel softer. If you are thin and have small breasts, a breast implant will be more palpable. A silicone breast implant tends to give a softer, less detectable result. A silicone breast implant will move more like breast tissue too. These advantages are less pronounced for larger breasts.
Why Choose Saline Breast Implants?
The main reason my patients choose saline breast implants is because they are afraid of silicone. Saline implants are a bit firmer and can provide some additional projection when this is desired. They can also be placed through smaller incisions, because saline breast implants can be inserted empty, and filled after they are inside. The peace-of-mind that saline breast implants offer comes into play when we discuss breast implant leaks.
What Happens if My Breast Implants Leak?
Both the currently approved saline breast implants and silicone breast implants can leak. If and when the FDA gets around to approving the form-stable, gummi-bear breast implants, board certified plastic surgeons will be able to offer an implant that doesn’t leak. For now, leakage rates are low, but account for about one third of all breast implant revision surgery.
When Saline Breast Implants Leak
When a saline breast implant leaks it is obvious. The implant goes flat, and the volume is lost. No special test is necessary to make the diagnosis. Since saline is water with a little salt added to match your body’s saltiness, it is quickly absorbed and leaves no trace. US breast implant manufactures offer lifetime breast implant warranties, so the breast implant will be supplied without a charge, and if a leak occurs within 10 years of your primary breast augmentation, they will also supply money to help defray the cost of surgery to replace the defective implant.
When Silicone Gel Breast Implants Leak
When a silicone gel breast implants leaks, it may not be so obvious. The silicone is a cohesive gel and does not run like water. This is good in that the capsule around the implant often prevents the gel from migrating; however, it also means that the size of the breast does not change. The FDA has recommended that all patients with silicone breast implants obtain an MRI every other year to look for these silent leaks beginning three years after the initial surgery. If the gel migrates outside the capsule, the body will often form additional scar to wall-off the free gel. This can cause a lump in the breast and may be the first clue that a silicon breast implants has leaked.
So … Saline Breast Implants or Silicone Breast Implants?
There is no “correct” answer. For most patients a good result will be obtained with either saline breast implants or silicone breast implants. Silicone breast implants tend to give a more aesthetic result when the breast tissue is small and when the implant is large. The bigger the breast implant, and the smaller the breast, the more obvious breast augmentation may be. The silicone implants feels and acts more like breast tissue, so it can often provide a superior result in this situation. The advantage is not as pronounced if you have more breast tissue and a smaller breast implant.
While information is available on-line, the best way to get an informed opinion is by visiting a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mele give us a call at (925) 943-6353 or use the contact form in the left column.
