Choosing and comparing breast implants

Breast implants are medical devices designed to modify the shape and volume of the breasts. They are used as part of breast augmentation or breast lift surgery.

• Filling:
  • Saline solution
  • Liquid Silicone Gel
  • Solid or Cohesive Silicone Gel
• Aspects:
  • Round Breast Implants
  • Anatomical Breast Implants
  • Profiles and sizes
• Insertion:
  • Dual Plane
  • Sub-glandular
  • Sub-muscular
• Warranties

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At Clinic BeauCare, our surgeons utilize advanced implants designed to replicate the natural contours of the breasts. Following breast augmentation, these implants provide a long-term solution for women seeking enhancement after pregnancy, weight loss, or due to aging.

Breast shape primarily depends on skin elasticity and the balance of fatty and glandular tissue. Implants can effectively restore this shape, imparting a firmer, more youthful appearance.

Typically, breast implants consist of a silicone elastomer shell filled with cohesive silicone gel, known for its solid consistency and enhanced safety.

Choosing breast implants is a significant decision that warrants careful consideration. It’s advisable to educate oneself about the various implant types, their benefits and potential drawbacks, as well as the associated costs.

Filling breast implants

As a plastic surgeon, it’s important to emphasize that at BeauCare, we exclusively use breast implants made from high-quality medical silicone for which extensive scientific research has shown to be safe and reliable, with no adverse health effects.

However, it remains crucial to discuss the range of filling options with your plastic surgeon to select the most suitable one based on your individual needs and expectations. Each patient is unique, and considerations such as breast shape, size, skin type, and existing tissue play a pivotal role in this decision.

Generally, options include saline, liquid silicone gel, or cohesive silicone gel fillings. Some implants previously filled with substances like sugar solutions or organic materials have been withdrawn from the market due to potential health concerns related to changes in their composition.

Salt solution

This option provides long-term stability. If leakage occurs, the liquid is easily absorbed by the body. However, the texture may feel less natural, and there’s an increased risk of capsule formation.

An additional benefit is that these implants are filled after placement in the body, necessitating a smaller incision for insertion.

Liquid Silicone Gel

CAN BREAST IMPLANTS LEAK?

At Clinic Beaucare, we always use silicone implants with a cohesive gel base. These breast implants cannot leak, even if the implant wall tears.

This round implant adopts a teardrop shape when upright due to the movement of silicone gel downwards.

It provides a natural and flexible feel. However, in the event of a rupture, the gel inside the implant is released into the body and can be difficult to eliminate. Despite this, the non-carcinogenic nature of silicone gel is well tolerated by the body and poses no inherent danger.

Solid or Cohesive Silicone Gel

This solid filling option is gaining popularity because it does not leak even if the breast implant ruptures.

It offers a slightly firmer texture compared to liquid silicone gel and is considered a superior, longer-lasting choice compared to other alternatives.

Shapes and surfaces of breast implants

All these options are fully approved for medical use, but selecting the shape and surface of your breast implants requires guidance from a surgeon.

Breast implants can have either a smooth or textured surface. Smooth implants feature a soft surface, whereas textured implants have a rough texture. The decision between smooth and textured surfaces is influenced by factors such as personal preference, recommendations from your surgeon, and the unique characteristics of your body.

In practice, there are two primary shapes of breast implants: round and anatomical (also known as teardrop-shaped).

Round Breast Implants

These implants are frequently chosen by our patients because they enhance the upper part of the breast. When positioned submuscularly, they create a teardrop shape when upright, which enhances fullness in the breasts.

Anatomic Breast Implants

These teardrop-shaped implants naturally augment the upper part of the breast, especially in larger augmentations. However, they necessitate a larger incision for placement and may occasionally rotate, causing potential distortion of the breast shape.

Breast implant size

Alongside selecting the filling and shape of the breast implant, you will also collaborate with your plastic surgeon to determine the size of the breast prosthesis.

Achieving the most natural outcome involves ensuring your new breasts harmonize proportionally with your overall body shape. It’s essential to consider not only cup size but also the proportions of your body.

More information on choosing the right size for your breast implants

Breast implant insertion also influences breast appearance

The positioning of breast implants during cosmetic surgery plays a crucial role in the final result of the procedure, or the future appearance of your breasts.

“Dual Plane” Breast Augmentation

The “Dual Plane” method is the most advanced technique today.

The upper part of the breast prosthesis is placed under the muscle. Widely adopted for larger breast enhancements, it ensures a more natural outcome while reducing the likelihood of complications.

Insertion of breast implants under the glandular tissue (sub-glandular)

This method is possible and gives a good result if sufficient glandular tissue is present. Patients with minimal glandular tissue may experience visibility of the upper edge of the implant. In cases of liquid-filled implants, ripples may also be noticeable, with a slightly increased risk of capsular contracture.

However, when ample glandular tissue is present, placing the breast implant between the gland and the pectoral muscle allows for natural movement with the breast itself. Recovery following breast augmentation is typically swift under these circumstances.

Insertion of breast implants behind the pectoralis muscle (sub-muscular)

Positioning the breast implant behind the pectoral muscle adds an additional layer of muscle coverage. This significantly reduces the risk of implant visibility along the upper edge. This layer of muscle presses on the top of the breast implant, so a round prosthesis will take on more of a teardrop shape. Submuscular placement also lowers the risk of capsular contracture.

However, recovery time is typically longer compared to placing the implant behind the breast tissue (retroglandular insertion).

Incisions and scars for insertion of breast implants

Breast implants can be inserted through an incision around the areola, in the breast fold, or in the armpit.

An areola incision is discreet but more limiting in terms of implant size and has a slightly higher risk of infection. The most common approach is through the breast fold, which accommodates larger implants and leaves a subtle scar hidden beneath the breast. An armpit incision avoids scarring on the breast itself but may lead to a higher likelihood of implant displacement.

Results after surgery

Breast augmentation can profoundly impact patients’ lives, enhancing not only physical appearance but also boosting self-confidence and self-esteem.

However, it’s important to understand that the initial swelling will take some time to subside, and both the breast tissue and pectoral muscle need time to adapt to their new shape. Typically, you can expect to see a fairly accurate representation of the final result about one month after surgery.

Each patient responds differently to this procedure. Some may experience altered nipple sensitivity for several weeks, which generally returns to normal gradually.

Scars may appear reddish for the first few months, but they will fade over time to blend with your natural skin tone, becoming almost invisible.

Read our patients’ testimonials

Breast implants with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty

At Clinic BeauCare, our plastic surgeons exclusively partner with manufacturers who provide a 10-year warranty on all their breast implant models.

They understand better than anyone that breast implants should not be considered permanent due to the daily stresses they endure.

After 10 years, it may be advisable to consider a surgical procedure to replace your breast implants.

In the meantime, we recommend regular check-ups with your gynecologist or plastic surgeon to monitor for any potential issues and ensure ongoing health and satisfaction with your implants.

Why we do not perform breast augmentation by lipofilling

Breast lipofilling often requires multiple procedures to achieve the desired result, making it proportionately more expensive. Additionally, the outcome is not guaranteed, so the total cost cannot be fixed in advance.

There are potential complications as well, such as the formation of benign calcifications that are visible on mammograms and can sometimes be mistaken for tumors.

Due to these factors, at Clinic BeauCare, we prioritize the use of breast implants or prostheses for breast augmentation.

Learn more about natural breast augmentation

Breast: Prices in Euros

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