Contact our La Jolla, San Diego practice to discover how breast augmentation with implants can enhance your figure
Serving La Jolla, San Diego — Understanding Breast Augmentation with Implants
Many of our patients in La Jolla and San Diego are interested in breast augmentation with implants, but they have questions regarding the safety or efficacy of the procedure. Dr. Charles Umansky, Dr. William Umansky, and Dr. Jeffrey Umansky believe that patient education is an important part of any surgery, and strive to provide as much information as possible throughout the treatment process. Women interested in breast augmentation often feel overwhelmed by the many different decisions they must make regarding the size, shape, type, and placement of their implants. To help patients considering breast enhancement surgery, we have compiled a selection of frequently asked questions and answers from our talented doctors.
If you have additional questions, contact our center in La Jolla, San Diego to discuss breast augmentation and implants with a member of our team.
- What are breast implants?
- What is the difference between saline and silicone implants?
- Are silicone breast implants safe?
- Are there different types of breast implants?
- How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation surgery?
- What are the risks associated with breast augmentation?
Q: What are breast implants?
A: Breast implants are medical devices filled with either saline solution or silicone gel that are surgically placed in the chest tissue to enhance the size and/or shape of the breasts.
Q: What is the difference between saline and silicone implants?
A: Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline (saltwater) solution; silicone breast implants are filled with a form of silicone gel. Silicone is derived from the combination of a naturally-occurring element known as “silicon” (the second most plentiful element on earth) with oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Both saline and silicone breast implants can be either smooth or textured, round or contoured, and high profile or standard profile.
Other differences between saline and silicone include the way the implants react after a rupture or leak, as well as the reaction of the breast and scar tissue surrounding them. In the case of saline, a rupture produces a noticeable deflation of the implant. Silicone breast implants tend to have a silent rupture, which means the leak is not readily apparent. Also, silicone implants have a somewhat greater risk of causing capsular contracture (the uncomfortable distortion of the breast implant due to hardened scar tissue).
Please contact Umansky Medical Center for Plastic Surgery to speak with a member of our staff about the benefits and risks associated with both saline and silicone breast implants.
Q: Are silicone breast implants safe?
A: In November 2006, the FDA re-approved the silicone breast implants manufactured by Mentor® and Inamed®. Silicone implants were originally removed from the general market due to concern over the danger presented by their potential for “silent rupture” and other health risks. However, after more than a decade of research, the FDA has once again authorized the use of silicone-filled implants in patients age 22 and older. They have also been approved for use in breast reconstruction patients age 18 and older.
Recognized for their excellence in performing breast augmentation procedures, our surgeons were among a select few doctors chosen to participate in clinical studies to test the silicone implants made by both companies. We are proud to offer Inamed® and Mentor® silicone implants for breast augmentation surgery.
If you would like more information about the safety of silicone, please contact our practice in La Jolla, San Diego for a breast implants consultation.
Q: Are there different types of breast implants?
A: Breast implants come in many different shapes and textures. Silicone and saline implants can be either contoured or round, smooth or textured. Contoured implants, also known as teardrop implants, were designed to better replicate the curve of natural breasts. They are fuller along the bottom and tapered toward the top. Because they are known to rotate within the breast tissue pocket, distorting the breast, teardrop implants have a textured surface. Teardrop implants also have a greater tendency to ripple, and are rarely used by our doctors.
Textured surfaces are intended to create cohesion between the implant and the surrounding tissue. This was thought to prevent capsular contracture, but this has not been conclusively proven. Although round implants can also be textured, approximately 90 percent of breast augmentation patients choose smooth round implants.
Finally, our surgeons have extensive experience with a complete range of low, moderate, plus, and high profile breast implants. Whether you would like a more pronounced bust line or a subtle enhancement, the team at Umansky Medical Center in La Jolla will customize the breast augmentation procedure to your needs.
The most important aspect of selecting your breast implants is determining the look you hope to achieve after surgery. Only by discussing all your options with our doctors, and understanding the pros and cons, can you make the best possible decision.
Q: How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation surgery?
A: Recovery after breast augmentation surgery varies from patient to patient. The first few days after the procedure are the most uncomfortable, but pain can be minimized with medication. Most patients can drive a car within three to five days, and can return to work within a week. To maximize their results and prevent complications, it is essential that patients follow all post-op instructions from our surgeons and avoid strenuous activities.
Q: What are the risks associated with breast augmentation surgery?
A: As with any type of surgery, breast augmentation with implants does have certain risks. The potential complications associated with breast augmentation and breast implants are capsular contracture, rippling, rupture, infection, changes in breast sensation, and implant displacement.
While there are risks, they can be greatly diminished when the surgery is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. Contact Umansky Medical Center in La Jolla, San Diego to discuss breast augmentation complications with Dr. Charles, William, or Jeffrey Umansky.