“WHAT IMPLANT AM I GETTING?”

Posted On: July 26, 2010 Author: The Office of Dr. Stuart Linder Posted In: Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Revision, Home

It is unbelievable to me, seeing the number of revisions that I perform, that patients have no idea what implants they have received from past surgeons.  Not only do they not know the manufacturer of the implants, they often do not know the volume in cc’s, the shape of the implant or whether they are textured or smooth.  It is absolutely imperative that the patient during consultation understand which implants are best suited for their individual needs, understand the following variables of the implant.
1. Saline vs. silicone.  You need to know whether you’re getting salt water implants or silicone gel implants.  Salt water/saline implants are useful for patients who have thick tissue endomorphic build and would do well and would have little risk of visibility or palpability of the implants along the side of the breast, even under the muscle.  Silicone gel implants are very useful for ectomorphic build women who are quite thin with minimal amounts of breast tissue and may do well with the cohesive silicone gel in order to reduce visibility and rippling.
2. Textured vs. smooth.  It is imperative that patients understand whether they’re using a smooth or extra coating to the implant.  In 2010, we primarily use smooth implants, both in silicone and saline, to reduce fibrous effusion of the implant in an improper position, especially superiorly or laterally.
3. Shape and style of the implant.  There are several shapes, including anatomical, wide-based and round implants.  We only use round implants.
4. Profile.  There are three profiles of the Allergen implant, moderate, moderate plus, high profile.  It is imperative you know which profile will best fit your need.  Narrower women may do well with high profile versus wider women who may do well with moderate plus saline or silicone implants.
5. Manufacturer, Allergan vs. Mentor.  Both are excellent implant companies, providing FDA-approved saline and silicone implants.  It is useful to know catalog, lot number and serial numbers of the implants which shall be provided on the implant manufacturer cards which each patient should be given in the recovery room immediately after the surgical procedure.
In conclusion, it is vital that each patient become an active member of her plastic surgical procedure when undergoing breast augmentation surgery in order for her to know what implant shape, style and manufacturer will best fit her needs, as well as to maintain the device with identification card for future surgeries and/or revisions.