Breast Implants in scottsdale
Silicone implants were again made available for breast augmentation over 12 years ago in 2006. The vast majority of implants used in my practice are silicone although a number of patients will still request saline or salt water implants. In the last few years cohesive or “gummy” implants have become available from three manufacturers: Allergan, Mentor and Sientra. These implants also come in a wide range of diameters, projections and volumes. During your consultation, Dr. Shaw will help you decide which implant is exactly right for you. Please feel free to contact us at any time to discuss your breast enlargement options.
Breast Augmentation Testimonial using Allergan Natrelle Inspira Implants
Implant Profile
Cohesive Silicone Gel implants are available in up to 5 different profiles. The higher the profile, the more the implants will project from your chest. Whatever profile you choose, the implant base must match your breast diameter. Implant volume is related to both width and height (projection). Dr. Shaw and the Vectra 3D imaging will make sure it’s a perfect fit and satisfy your aesthetic goals.
BREAST IMPLANTS IN SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
For women having breast augmentation, one of the decisions to be made is which breast implant to use. Presently, there are two types of breast implants: saline breast implants and silicone breast implants. Both are made of an outer silicone shell. Where they differ is the substance that is inside the implant. Saline implants are filled with a sterile salt-water solution, while silicone implants contain a cohesive silicone gel. Both types come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures. Each has its own pros and cons (see below).
SALINE BREAST IMPLANTS
Pros
- Filled with sterile saline (salt-water). Since saline is like normal body fluid, it is safe and easily absorbed if the implants were to leak
- Leaks easily detected due to implant deflation
- Saline is filled after the breast implant is placed making the incision smaller and easier to insert
- Volume of saline can be adjusted to meet your desired goal or to correct a size difference between the two breasts
- Less expensive than silicone implants
- A few studies have shown a lower capsular contracture rate
cons
- Rippling may be felt or seen in moderately thin patients or those with small amount of breast tissue
- Saline implants are less compressible and may feel firmer than silicone to the touch or during a hug
- Cannot be place over the muscle due to severe rippling in many cases
- In the event of a rupture, replacement must occur fairly quickly to avoid capsular changes
Silicone BREAST IMPLANTS
Pros
- Look and feel very natural due to silicone gel’s thick, cohesive material that moves and feels like real breast tissue
- New generation “gummy” silicone gel implants made by Mentor, Allergan and Sientra are far superior than those used in the past and have a proven track record of safety
- Silicone implants are preferred for implants placed on top the muscle
- Much less rippling
- In the event of a rupture the breast does not “go flat”
cons
- Silicone breast implants come pre-filled with gel requiring a slightly larger incision. Keller funnels are used to minimize the length of the incision
- Inability to adjust the volume during the procedure
- It may be more difficult to detect a leak because there are not obvious signs.
- The FDA suggests that women have periodic MRI scans to ensure that silicone implants are intact.
Dr. Shaw usually recommends silicone implants to those women seeking the softest, most natural breasts, especially if they are very lean or lack breast tissue.
Dr. Shaw will use his vast experience and expertise to help you make the right choice to achieve your aesthetic goals.
A LITTLE SILICONE IMPLANT HISTORY
Saline and silicone breast implants were both developed in the 1960s. Because of their natural look and feel, silicone became the implants of choice for millions of women. From 1992 to 2006 silicone implants were used in a national adjunct study and first time breast augmentation only patients were excluded from the study. These patients had to use saline for their breast augmentations. All other breast surgeries had the option to use silicone implants: Breast lifts with augmentation, breast reconstruction, revision breast surgery…. In 2006 after intense study and research, the FDA declared silicone gel breast implats safe and approved their use in the U.S. in first-time augmentation surgeries again. This is great news for patients and plastic surgeons who now have a choice of implants.
Dr. Shaw uses both silicone and saline implants with great success. During your consultation, he will discuss all implant options and help you decide which is best for you. Currently silicone implants are used in over 95% of the breast augmentations in Dr. Shaw’s practice.