When you are researching breast implant options, the choices can seem overwhelming. Currently, there are three companies that manufacture breast implants that are FDA-approved for use in the United States – Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra. Among these three implant manufacturers, there are over 600 shapes, styles, and projections from which to choose. The choices can be simplified by breaking down the implants by fill material, shape, texture, and projection.
Your San Diego breast augmentation options:
Implant Fill Material:
This part is pretty easy. Implants are filled with either silicone gel or saline. The silicone gel is available in different consistencies ranging from soft to relatively firm. The term “gummy bear implant” has become frequently used and refers to a silicone gel implant that has a relatively firm gel consistency and tends to hold its shape better. Saline is a salt water solution that is compatible with your body chemistry – it’s what they use when you get an IV. Breast implant filler material is a personal choice, so be sure and discuss silicone gel vs. saline with your plastic surgeon. Most will agree that silicone gel feels and acts a bit more like natural breast tissue than saline.
Implant Shape:
This one is fairly straightforward as well. Implants come in two shapes – round or tear-drop shaped. Round implants are most commonly used for cosmetic breast augmentation procedures with the shaped implants being used far less frequently for cosmetic surgery. The shaped implants are more often used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer or prophylactic mastectomy. It has been our preference to use smooth round breast implants for our cosmetic procedures to avoid known issues associated with textured implants.
Implant Texture:
Again – two choices, so pretty easy thus far. The outer shell of breast implants comes in two textures – smooth and textured. This is true regardless of whether the implant is filled with silicone gel or saline. At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, we only use smooth round implants.
Implant Projection:
This is where things get interesting. Implants come in a wide variety of projections – which means how far it pushes out from back to front. Each of the four major implant manufacturers has unique names for their implant projections so it is similar to interpreting four different languages that all mean the same thing. To keep it simple, implants come in low profile, moderate profile, and high-profile implants. Low-profile implants are good for someone who already has a decent amount of breast tissue and just wants to look a little fuller or have some more breast volume up top. The moderate and moderate plus profile implants push out a bit more and are the most common implants we use at Restore SD Plastic Surgery for our cosmetic breast augmentation procedures. High-profile implants are quite robust with their projection and are best suited to women who have little to no breast tissue to start with or for a woman who wants to achieve the “implant look”.
When it comes to deciding on the projection of your implants, it is important to work with your surgeon and communicate what your aesthetic goals truly are. At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, we use the Vectra 3D imaging system to help size your implants. This cutting-edge software allows you to virtually “try on” different implant sizes and projections to see what is best suited to your individual frame. We can upload the different options for you to review in the comfort of your home and spend the time necessary to arrive at a solution that is right for you. Don’t waste your time looking over before and after galleries that show results on someone else’s body – utilize our Vectra 3D technology to see accurately simulated results on your own body!
How Can I Pay For My Breast Implant Surgery?
We are pleased to offer a 12-month no-interest financing option for those who qualify and have flexible financing options from both Care Credit and Alphaeon.
How Can I Learn More About Breast Implant Options?
Educating yourself about your options when it comes to breast implant choices is important. We invite you to watch our educational series of breast augmentation videos in our video education gallery, visit our breast augmentation procedure page, and read our other breast enhancement blogs.
Why Should I Choose Restore SD Plastic Surgery for My Breast Implant Surgery?
When you partner with Restore SD Plastic Surgery, we will work with you to customize your entire experience in order to give you the best breast augmentation possible. Your initial consultation visit will include an evaluation with the Vectra 3D imaging system and a detailed discussion with board certified plastic surgeon San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus regarding your individual goals, implant size, fill material, as well as the placement of the incision and location of the implant pocket. Our office is set up to allow you to see, feel, and even squeeze the different implants to get a sense of the different profiles, projections, and gel thicknesses that are available. Using a combination of the Vectra 3D imaging software, having “hands on” with the implant samples, and individualizing your procedure, you don’t need to look any further than Restore SD Plastic Surgery for your breast augmentation needs.
At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, we are committed to patient safety and only operate in fully accredited surgical facilities. Our board-certified plastic surgeons each have over 15 years of experience with breast augmentation surgery and are dedicated to providing you with a first-class concierge experience from start to finish. Our award-winning office is located just off I-5 in the UTC area of La Jolla and offers ample free parking as well as a tranquil and discreet location for your appointment. Call us today at 858-224-2281 or contact us online to set up your breast implant surgery consultation.
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