1. How long do breast implants usually last?
The Institute of Medicine estimates that breast implants last an average of 16 years but some breast implant manufacturers claim conditional guarantee for their implants. Each breast implant is numbered and has a corresponding serial number for identification. The serial number is given after surgery as part of the information packet. These warrantees protect you in cases that an implant rupture occurs.
2. What are my breast implant options?
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are two types of breast implants which are the silicone-filled type and the saline-filled type. Both are basically shaped envelopes made of silicone that is filled with silicone gel or salt water (saline). Other breast implant options are currently being studied as to find a better or safer option for breast augmentation. This includes cohesive gel implants or gummy bear implants because of their consistency which is available around the world except in the United States. Better to have the surgery in the best boob job London provides, although keep in mind that these may still be under investigation.
3. What is the difference between textured and smooth mammary implants?
Surprisingly, the texture of the outer shell of breasts implants can either be smooth or textured. Smooth implants have a balloon-like surface while textured implants have a sandpaper-like surface. Smooth implants can move freely in their pocket and they usually have thinner shells than their texture counterparts. These tend to look and feel more natural and also less likely to ripple. Textured implants, on the other hand, are designed to lower the risk of capsular contracture. Unfortunately, some argue otherwise as this has not been proven. The anatomical or tear-shaped implant is a type of implant shape that is only available in textured surface. It is the kind of surface that helps keep these contoured implants in position. One thing to consider is that textured breast implants may take longer to drop into a natural position than smooth implants. Because of this, breasts then appear higher on the chest. Finally, differences in the implant surface characteristic will depend if they are filled with saline or silicone gel. Make sure that all options are discussed thoroughly by your surgeon.
4. What is the difference between contoured and round implants?
Although breast implants come in various shapes, these are actually boiled down to two types: round or contoured. Contoured implants are also called shaped, anatomical or tear drop implants which are designed to create a more natural-looking breast shape. These implants are flatter on top than the bottom so if the implant rotates, a revision surgery may be needed to fix it. Contoured implants are usually textured as to avoid this kind of rotation and revision. On the other hand, round implants are circular mounds that are flat on the back and round on the front. These do not change their shape when you move.
Choosing the shape of the implant will depend on a matter of taste. Models usually go for the rounded and sharper-edge implants. Some opt for the more natural looking option. Talk to your surgeon as to give you as much information possible.
5. What is the “Ideal” implant?
The “ideal” implant does not mean the perfect kind of implant rather it is a brand name for an implant that is supposed to have the best qualities of both saline and silicone-gel-filled implants. Because of this, it is then referred to as the hybrid implant. The shape looks like a saline implant on the outside but the edges are lowered so that it contours on the chest well. Keep in mind though that even the best breast surgeon London provides may not even consider this procedure as it is not available outside clinical trials yet.
