Textured vs. Smooth Implants Beverly Hills

Posted On: September 07, 2010 Author: The Office of Dr. Stuart Linder Posted In: Breast Implants, Breast Revision, Home

TEXTURED VS. SMOOTH IMPLANTS

Back in the 70’s and 80’s, textured implants were the most favorable implants used.
They believed using a textured implant over the muscle reduces capsular contracture and scar tissue formation.  This has been found to be true.  However, in 2010, most of the time we place implants subpectorally in the dual plane technique behind the muscle.  As a result, smooth implants should normally be used.  Smooth implants behind the muscle have a significantly reduced rate of scar tissue similar to textured implants above.  The negative features of textured implants include fibrous ingrowth of the implant into the capsule around the bag which can increase visibility rippling and palpability of the bag.  If the implant should rotate and is anatomical with a textured implant, then you’re sure to have a disfigured breast.  We do not use textured implants almost ever in my practice.
Other negative components of textured implants again include rippling and visibility, especially along the lateral breast area even under the muscle.  Textured implants will stick to whatever component of the breast are positioned and may be impossible to reposition, especially in a lower position.  Often, upper pole fullness can be associated with textured implants positioned too high.  Advantages of smooth implants, both saline and silicone include, they do not have fibrous ingrowth and therefore are able to be repositioned into a lower position by tissue expansion immediately postoperative.  They also have less visibility and rippling.  In general, we use smooth silicone and saline implants every week in our patients in Beverly Hills because they are predictable, have no problem with rotation or deformity and usually maintain a proper position as placed in the operating room.