When choosing a breast implant, texture is an important consideration. There are two basic implant textures: smooth and textured. Smooth implants, the most commonly used texture, are able to move freely in the breast pocket for they have thinner shells; thus, making it soft.Textured implants on the other hand, do not. Smooth implants are also often placed under the muscle (subpectoral/submuscular placement) for it decreases the chances of the patient having capsular contracture, and it is believed that they may have less change of rupture.
Textured implants were designed as an attempt to reduce capsular contracture. However, whether or not they really prevent capsular contracture it’s still unknown. Texture implants have rough outer surface which allows them to create cohesion between the implant and the surrounding tissue, and to create traction rippling—that is, when the overlying tissue grabs the implant surface and begins to pull on it.
(http://www.justbreastimplants.com/implants/texture-shape.htm )
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Breast Implant Shapes: Round and Anatomical
To determine what would be an appropriate shape for the implant, is an important factor when choosing breast implants. There are two shapes that a woman can choose from: round, which conforms to the natural shape of the breasts, and anatomical, which is often recommended for patients who underwent breast reconstruction.
Round breast implants the most popular type for breast augmentation. They are just that . . . round; however, there are certain types of round implants that enhance the forward projection of the breasts better than others. Round shaped implants not only present the fewest amount of complication, and provide the greastest amount of lift, fullness and cleavage; but it also provide less control over the upper portion of the breasts. Thus, they cost a little cheaper than anatomical shaped implant.
Anatomicals, also known as contoured shaped implants, are the ones shapes like teadrops. These type of implants generally have more volume at the bottom, which projects a conical fashion. Woman usually opt for this shape of implant because it gives them a more naturally teadrop shaped breasts. However, they can cost a lot more for the implant requires a textured surface to prevent rotation; otherwise it can become distorted—round shaped implant do not pose the risk of implant rotation because of its symmetrical shape.
Round breast implants the most popular type for breast augmentation. They are just that . . . round; however, there are certain types of round implants that enhance the forward projection of the breasts better than others. Round shaped implants not only present the fewest amount of complication, and provide the greastest amount of lift, fullness and cleavage; but it also provide less control over the upper portion of the breasts. Thus, they cost a little cheaper than anatomical shaped implant.
Anatomicals, also known as contoured shaped implants, are the ones shapes like teadrops. These type of implants generally have more volume at the bottom, which projects a conical fashion. Woman usually opt for this shape of implant because it gives them a more naturally teadrop shaped breasts. However, they can cost a lot more for the implant requires a textured surface to prevent rotation; otherwise it can become distorted—round shaped implant do not pose the risk of implant rotation because of its symmetrical shape.
Inframmary Incision
First thing I must say, ‘gross, gross, and gross.’ As TUBA, I also saw inframammary incision on Dr. 90210, and I’m still a little shaky. In this technique, the incision is made under the breast fold, and it seriously looked as if the surgeon was cutting the breast off. Patients who undergo this procedure generally have longer and more painfull recovery, in addition to a pretty visible scar (in a horizontal position).
Nevertheless, although I like this incision the least for it looked the worst, the incision is actually less noticeable as the nipple incision, and since the incision bypasses the milk ducks, women typically experience less difficulty breastfeeding. Plus, it allows for both subpectoral and submuscular placement of the implant. Yet another advantage can be found during revisions such as capsular contracture, when the surgeon uses the same incision rather than ‘cutting-out’ another part of the breast.
Nevertheless, although I like this incision the least for it looked the worst, the incision is actually less noticeable as the nipple incision, and since the incision bypasses the milk ducks, women typically experience less difficulty breastfeeding. Plus, it allows for both subpectoral and submuscular placement of the implant. Yet another advantage can be found during revisions such as capsular contracture, when the surgeon uses the same incision rather than ‘cutting-out’ another part of the breast.
Transauxiliary Incision
The transauxiliary incision, also known as crease, is when the incision is made in one of the crease lines of the armpit. Once the armpit breast implant has been made, a channel, where the breast implant is inserted, is made. This approach is often used for skinny women who undergo a submuscular placement of the implant.
Women who have chosen the ‘armpit’ incision, report to be scarless after the procedure—which is probably because armpits normally remain concealed—even without proper healing of the incision. Also, according to surgeons, armpit incision tend to cause less future breast feeding complication that other incisions; and this particular incision allows them to place the implants above or below the muscle.
As all other incisions however, transauxiliary incision presents disadvantages as well. The first disadvantage is that approximately 22% of women with this incision will need to undergo another surgery in lesser amount of time as women with different breast augmentation incision. Another con is that if a patient ever needs revision, which happens within 4 to 5 years after the surgery, the original breast incision cannot be used; thus, requiring additional incision (plus scars).
No wonder transauxiliary incision is the least used.
Women who have chosen the ‘armpit’ incision, report to be scarless after the procedure—which is probably because armpits normally remain concealed—even without proper healing of the incision. Also, according to surgeons, armpit incision tend to cause less future breast feeding complication that other incisions; and this particular incision allows them to place the implants above or below the muscle.
As all other incisions however, transauxiliary incision presents disadvantages as well. The first disadvantage is that approximately 22% of women with this incision will need to undergo another surgery in lesser amount of time as women with different breast augmentation incision. Another con is that if a patient ever needs revision, which happens within 4 to 5 years after the surgery, the original breast incision cannot be used; thus, requiring additional incision (plus scars).
No wonder transauxiliary incision is the least used.
Areola Incision
In this technique the incision is made around the edge of the areola (the darker skin around the edge of the nipple), and according to surgeons, this allows for precise placement of the implant since the incision is in the close proximity to the treatment area. In addition, areola incision allows for the placement of the implants in various position in reference to the chest muscle; and like TUBA, areola incisions also leaves a small scar and it tends to heal well.
Three major cons are associated with this time of incision though:
1. If scars don’t heal properly, they may be very noticeable.
2. When placing the implant the muscles and connective tissue must be separated; otherwise the patient may feel great discomfort.
3. Patient may suffer from mastitis (breast infection), galactocele (milk-filled tumor), or galactorrhea (sudden milk production by a woman who isn’t pregnant nor has given birth); thus, decreasing her chances of nursing.
Nevertheless, areola breast incision is now the most popular choice among breast implant incision sites.
Three major cons are associated with this time of incision though:
1. If scars don’t heal properly, they may be very noticeable.
2. When placing the implant the muscles and connective tissue must be separated; otherwise the patient may feel great discomfort.
3. Patient may suffer from mastitis (breast infection), galactocele (milk-filled tumor), or galactorrhea (sudden milk production by a woman who isn’t pregnant nor has given birth); thus, decreasing her chances of nursing.
Nevertheless, areola breast incision is now the most popular choice among breast implant incision sites.
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