ntil recently, most patients never discussed breast implant shapes or profiles with their plastic surgeons. If you chose a certain size breast implant, you would receive a predetermined amount of forward projection from that size implant. Now, you can choose size and, if you like, have that size stick out more or less than the base diameter would usually dictate. The first choice to make is the shape; the second choice is the profile. Shape refers to the actual shape of the implant, round or anatomical. Profile refers to the distance the implant projects off the chest wall. The third Choice is the surface of the implant
Shapes
Because women’s breasts take many sizes and shapes, and because goals for breast enhancement breast implant vary from patient to patient, there are different shapes available. For some women, the round provides the best results; for others, a better choice is an implant shaped like a teardrop. The appearance of breasts is highly affected by shapes.
Considerations include:
- The patient’s body type
- The amount of breast tissue the patient has.
- Breast implant placement
- Surgical incision choice
- Round
Of the two implant shapes, the round breast implant is the most common type used for breast augmentation. A round implant is shaped like a flattened sphere. Certain types of round implants can enhance the forward projection of the breasts, which would otherwise require larger implants with wider bases. For women who desire fullness in the upper poles of their breasts, the round is a good choice.
Many women choose round because they tend to provide the greatest amount of lift, fullness, and cleavage. Some women, however, feel that the results produced with round implants appear artificial, so they seek out more natural-looking alternatives. A round breast can have a smooth or textured surface. Due to a round symmetrical shape, it does not pose the risk of rotation. The cost of a round breast implant is generally less than a teardrop (contoured).
Tear Drop
As the name indicates, a teardrop, also known as a contoured breast implant, is shaped like a teardrop. Breasts attain a more gently sloping contour with teardrops. Although the upper poles of breasts that have teardrop implants are not as full as those of breasts that have round, teardrop-shaped implants often provide greater projection by volume. Of the two breast implant shapes, a teardrop is more expensive than a round breast implant, a consideration for those concerned with breast augmentation cost. A teardrop requires a textured surface to prevent rotation because, with teardrops breasts can become distorted if the implant rotates. This is not a concern with round breast implants.
Surfaces
After you have made the choice to have breast implant surgery, you must decide between two breast implant texture options: smooth and textured. On this page, we describe the differences between the two types to provide you with a better understanding so you can make an informed decision.
There is great debate amongst surgeons which is better. Some studies have shown fewer complications – specifically capsular contraction – with textured implants, but others have shown the opposite. The shells of both saline and silicone gel breast implants are made of silicone elastomer (rubber), and the surface area is either smooth or textured. The main purpose of textured implants is to promote tissue adherence to the irregular surface and hold them into place. Therefore, a textured surface is used with contoured implants because they have a top and bottom, and rotation or movement distorts the breast shape. On the other hand, most round implants have a smooth surface because the breast shape is not affected if the implant rotates in the breast pocket.
Smooth
Smooth implants are used in roughly 90 percent of breast augmentation surgeries today. A smooth breast implant is able to move freely in the breast pocket in which it is placed. Many women eel that smooth implants have a more natural feel and appearance than textured implants. Smooth implants usually have thinner shells than textured implants, which makes them the softer choice of the two. Additional benefits of a smooth breast implant include implant longevity, lower patient cost, and reduced risk of rippling.
Textured
It was originally thought that the textured surface of an implant could reduce the possibility of capsular contracture, a potential complication of breast implants. However, because evidence is not clear and there is no consensus as to whether a textured breast implant actually reduces the possibility of capsular contracture, many doctors prefer to use smooth, round implants. Smooth implants are often placed under muscle tissue in order to help avoid possible capsular contracture.
Textured breast implants have an irregular surface that is intended to hold the implant in place. The scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant conforms to the textured surface and “grabs” the implant to prevent it from being displaced or turning in the pocket, which could result in distortion of the breast shape. A textured surface is used with contoured implants to prevent movement because the teardrop shape is distorted if any rotation occurs. Textured implants were designed to lessen the risk of capsular contracture, which is an excessive contraction of the scar capsule that surrounds the implant, by preventing scar tissue from forming around the implant in a uniform manner. However, studies have proven inconclusive and no firm evidence exists to support the theory that textured implants reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
If a patient requires implant removal due to capsular contracture or another complication, it may be more difficult for the surgeon to remove the implant because of the adherence of tissue to the textured surface. The shells of textured breast implants are slightly thicker than smooth implants.Textured implants are more firm and carry an increased risk of rippling that is visible or can be felt through the skin, especially for women with smaller breasts. There is also a small increase in the chance that the implant shell will rupture.
Profiles
When breast augmentation patients meet with their Thailand surgeons to discuss the many implant options that are available to them, they not only need to decide on a specific sized implant, but determine the amount of forward projection that is appropriate for the patient as well. In the past, implants came with a standard projection, or profile, based on the size of the implant that women choose. Today, surgeons and patients can work together to select an implant that is not only the right size, but also provides the desired projection and cleavage.The most important criterion for profile selection is the base diameter of the breast.
This is easily measured by the surgeon with a calipers or measuring tape. The implant diameter must be less than the breast base, or it will be “squeezed” circumstantially. This will force it to scallop, or ripple around the outer edge, creating a range of other problems. Among these is visible rippling; It has been observed of much less rippling since the high profile implants became available, because the base diameter can be matched more precisely.
