Breast Augmentation Blog from Breast Implants USA

Smooth vs. Textured Implants: What’s the Difference?

Once you have made the decision to undergo breast augmentation, there are many implant options to consider. During your breast augmentation consultation, your surgeon will discuss all of your options from size to implant type, including implant texture. In some cases, depending on the shape of the implant you choose, you may not have a texture option but your surgeon should tell you what texture you are getting.

There are two breast implant surface options: smooth and textured. Smooth breast implants feel like the outside of a balloon. Textured implants feel somewhat like sandpaper. Smooth breast implants are used in the large majority of breast augmentation procedures. Smooth implants move freely within the breast pocket. Smooth implants have thinner shells making them softer than textured implants and may be less likely to ripple than textured implants. Some of the other benefits of smooth implants include lower cost and increased implant longevity.

Textured implants were designed to limit the risk of capsular contracture, an implant complication involving scar tissue growing around the implant. This claim has not been conclusively proven in study. There are however additional uses for textured implants. If a teardrop implant moves or flips over in the breast pocket, the breast can appear deformed.  Textured implants create cohesion between the implant and surrounding tissue reducing the risk of the implant moving.

Just as there are risks and benefits of saline and silicone implants, smooth and textured implants have pros and cons. Textured breast implants have been associated with a higher rate of leaking and breast rippling than smooth implants; however, textured implants have also been shown to decrease the risk of displacement. Your Plastic Surgeon will help you determine which type of implant is right for you.

Need help finding a board certified plastic surgeon in your area? Breast Implants USA features some of the country’s best breast augmentation surgeons. Find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area today!

Posted Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 and filed under Breast Augmentation Guide.

Breast Implant Sizing Options

When considering a Breast Augmentation there are many factors to take into account. The most important of which is the plastic surgeon who will be performing the procedure. Once you find the right plastic surgeon, your work is half done. They will help assist you make the best decisions for you every step along the way. One of the decisions is breast implant sizing. Often patients have an idealized letter size in their head, “I want to be a D!” There is much more to take into consideration, however. Patients come in all shapes and sizes and what may work for one, won’t necessarily work for another. A “C” on Mary may be equivalent to a “D” on Sandy or a “B” on Cary. So, it’s important to go into a consultation with both an idea of the results you desire as well as an open mind. Your plastic surgeon will help you feel, see, and understand what various implants may feel and look like on you and he or she will likely be able to make a qualified recommendation on what they feel will give you the results you want.

Got questions? We’re here to help! Head on over to our Ask An Expert page to submit your question! If you are ready for an in person consultation, use our handy guide to map out the qualified plastic surgeon nearest you! Good luck!

Posted Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 and filed under Implant Sizing.

Breast Implant Options – Understanding Low, Moderate, or High Profile Breast Implants

ImplantProfilesVerticalOne of the less talked about breast implant options is the profile. There are three implant profile types: low, moderate and high. The profile of the implant you choose will impact the appearance of your implants. The profile is what determines how far the implant protrudes from your chest wall. Selecting a profile can be complicated as it not only based on your desired look but also the size of your current breasts and your overall body shape. Your board certified plastic surgeon will help you determine which profile is right for you.

Low Profile Implants: Low profile implants project the least amount. Low profile implants are generally considered best for women with wider frames.

Moderate Profile Implants: Moderate profile implants are the standard implant that projects a predetermined amount per measurement of base diameter.

Moderate Plus Profile Implants: Mentor Corp., one of the two companies that manufacture FDA-approved breast implant products, offers the moderate plus profile. The moderate plus profile offers more forward projection than the moderate profile, but less projection than high profile implants.

High Profile Implants: High profile implants offer the most forward projection out of all of the profile types. High profile breast implants are typically recommended to women who have narrow chests. And additional benefit, high profile implants are less prone to visible rippling.

Advances in breast implant products allow plastic surgeons to choose the implant size and projection that will best suit the patient’s body type and provide the most natural looking result. If you are interested in breast augmentation, contact a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. They will help you determine which profile is right for you as well as explain the other implant options available.

Need help finding a board certified plastic surgeon? Breast Implants USA offers an easy to use surgeon finder complete with surgeon profiles allowing you to ‘interview’ multiple surgeons in one place. Our surgeon profiles give users an in depth look at the surgeons credentials, patient testimonials, before and after photos and so much more.

Posted Monday, May 14th, 2012 and filed under Breast Augmentation Questions, Implant Sizing.

Smooth Breast Implants vs Textured Breast Implants

Once you have made the decision to undergo breast augmentation, there are many implant options to be considered. During your breast augmentation consultation, your surgeon will discuss all of your options including implant texture. In some cases, depending on the shape of the implant you choose, you may not have a texture option but your surgeon should tell you what texture you are getting.

There are two breast implant surfaces available: smooth and textured. Smooth breast implants feel like the outside of a balloon. Textured implants feel somewhat like sandpaper. Below we will discuss why one surface may be better for your individual situation than the other.

Smooth Breast Implants: Smooth breast implants are used in the large majority of breast augmentation procedures. Smooth implants move freely within the breast pocket. Smooth implants have thinner shells making them softer than textured implants and may be less likely to ripple than textured implants. Some of the other benefits of smooth implants include lower cost and increased implant longevity.

Textured Breast Implants: Textured implants were designed to limit the risk of capsular contracture, an implant complication involving scar tissue growing around the implant. This claim has not been conclusively proven in study. There are however additional uses for textured implants. If a teardrop implant moves or flips over in the breast pocket, the breast can appear deformed.  Textured implants create cohesion between the implant and surrounding tissue reducing the risk of the implant moving.

Just as there are risks and benefits of saline and silicone implants, smooth and textured implants have pros and cons. Textured breast implants have been associated with a higher rate of leaking and breast rippling than smooth implants; however, textured implants have also been shown to decrease the risk of displacement. Your board certified plastic surgeon will help you determine which type of implant is right for you.

Need help finding a board certified plastic surgeon in your area? Breast Implants USA features some of the country’s best breast augmentation surgeons. Click here to begin your search for a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.

Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation Guide

Posted Friday, May 11th, 2012 and filed under Breast Augmentation Questions, Education.

Implant Placement – Where You Place it Matters

There are many variables to breast augmentation a woman must consider. Some of the implant options available are more obvious like implant type and incision placement. Other options patients are unaware of until their consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. One of the most commonly overlooked options is the placement of the implant itself.

There are two main options for placement of your silicone or saline implants; Subglandular, and Submuscular. Your plastic surgeon will help you determine which placement is right for you based on your desired results and your body structure.

Subglandular: In general, implants placed above the muscle are easier to place. Some surgeons report their patients who choose subglandular implants recover with less pain and in a shorter amount of time. Patients who select subglandular implants have many options of incision placement including Transaxillary (underarm), inframammary (fold) incisions, areola (nipple) incisions, and T.U.B.A. (navel). Many women who participate in athletic competition such or regularly lift weights, opt for subglandular implants as submuscular implants can look misshaped with the muscles are flexed.

Disadvantages- Women with subglandular breast implants are more likely to see ripples in the breast. Capsular contracture rates are also higher in women with subglandular implants. Implants placed above the muscles are easier to see and feel especially in women with very little or no breast tissue. Breast implants placed above the muscles make imaging during mammography more difficult and in turn hinder early detection of breast cancers.

Submuscular: Submuscular implants are placed behind the pectoral muscle through the opening at the base of the muscle. In most cases, the pectoral muscles covers two thirds of the implant. Women who select submuscular implants have three incision options; transaxillary (under the armpit), through the areoal, or infrmammamary (under the fold of the breast). Submuscular implants are less likely to show rippling and have a lower risk of capsular contracture. Studies have shown that implants placed behind the muscles do not interfere with mammograms.

Disadvantages- Because the pectoral muscles have to be manipulated to place the breast implant, submuscular breast augmentation tends to involve a longer surgery, increased post-operative discomfort, and an extended recovery time compared to subglandular breast implant placement. It is also more difficult to create cleavage using submuscular implants. Women who lift weights and have strong pectoral muscles may have a distorted appearance. After breast implants are placed, they will sit higher than usual until the muscles have had an opportunity to relax at which time the implants will rest more naturally.

During your consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, you will discuss your desired results and your body structure to determine which implant placement will produce the best results for you. Your board certified plastic surgeon will help you determine which implant placement is right for you. Need help finding a board certified plastic surgeon in your area? Breast Implant USA offers an easy to use surgeon finder to help you locate a breast specials certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Click here to find a breast augmentation surgeon near you!

Posted Thursday, May 10th, 2012 and filed under Breast Augmentation Guide, Plastic Surgeons.

The Incision Decision – What Option is Right for You?

incisiontypesbreastaugmentWhen discussing breast augmentation there are no doubt a number of options you will have to consider. The location of your incision is one of the many options you will discuss with your board certified plastic surgeon. Each incision location option has benefits and down falls. There is not one location that is widely considered best for everyone. Together you and your surgeon will determine which of the four incision locations will be best to meet your individual needs.

1) Inframammary Incision: These incisions are placed underneath the breast slightly above where the breast meets the rib cage. Surgeons like this incision location as it allows them easy access to create the implant pocket above or under the muscle. This direct access allows surgeons to use very small incisions with saline implants being inserted in incisions as small as 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Silicone implants will need a slightly larger incision.

Benefit: Easy access to the breasts for the surgeon, Very small incision

Downfall: Some visible scarring

2) Transumbilical Incision or TUBA: A Transumbilical incision is a C or J shaped incision placed in the folds of the belly button. Your surgeon will then insert a camera so that he or she can see the surgery on a screen in the operating room. Very small instruments will then be inserted to create a path to the breasts and tissue expanders inserted to create the implant pocket. Using TUBA implants can be placed over or under the muscle. Patients who opt for TUBA have a reduce risk of infection and are not at risk for losing sensation around the breasts. Only Saline implants can be used if TUBA is selected for the incision as silicone implants will not fit through the very small incision made.

Benefit: Often referred to as scarless breast augmentation as the incision is very well hidden. Low risk of infection

Downfall: Only Saline implants can be used. Larger margin for error due to the distance the incision is from the implant location

3) Transaxillary Incision (Armpit): These incisions are created in the armpits. The incision is generally 1 to 2 inches long. A short path is then created to the breasts where the implants will be placed. Many doctors believe this is the best incision if implants are being placed under the muscle. This incision is one of the most popular in part due to the ease in which surgeons are able to place implants under the muscle.

Benefits: Small Incisions. Allows surgeons to easily place implants under the muscle

4) Periareolar Incisions: This incision is created around the areola or the darker tissue that surrounds the nipple. This incision is common if other cosmetic breast procedures such as breast lift or areola reduction, are being performed in conjunction with breast augmentation. There is a risk of losing sensation in the nipple but most patients find this is temporary. There is also a greater risk of staff infection as the bacteria is found in milk ducts and these ducts are often cut during the procedure. Women who choose periareolar incisions may have trouble breast feeding and should consult their doctor should they choose to do so.

Benefit: Great incision if multiple breast procedures are being performed.

Downfall: Higher risk of infection. Women may have trouble breastfeeding.

Your board certified plastic surgeon is the best person to answer any questions you have about which incision is right for you. During your consultation your surgeon will help you determine which incision is right for you and why. Need help finding a board certified breast augmentation specialist? Breast Implants USA offers an easy to use surgeon locator. Simply select your state from the list then select the region within the state that is closest to you. You will then be given a list of surgeon profiles of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in your area.

Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation Guide

Posted Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 and filed under Breast Augmentation Questions.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Breast Augmentation recovery varies from patient to patient and unforeseen complications are always a possibility in any surgery which may require an overnight stay. In the average scenario, however, patients generally will stay at the facility being monitored for a few hours as the anesthesia wears off and then are able to go home for the remainder of their recovery. You must have someone to drive you after the procedure, which is something you will need to plan ahead for.

Some facilities offer unique, special Recovery Suites for patients who would prefer to recover in the suites versus at their homes. Not all facilities offer this, so if this is a priority for you, you will want to make these arrangements prior to your procedure as well.

During your recovery period, you will have regular check-ups with your Plastic Surgeon to ensure that you are healing properly. As always, talk to your Plastic Surgeon to get a better idea of what you specifically may expect and remember that if at any time  during your recovery period you have pain, questions or feel unsure of if you should call your Plastic Surgeon, always air on the side of precaution.

Posted Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 and filed under Breast Augmentation Questions.

The Ins and Outs of the Cost of Breast Augmentation

If you have been considering breast augmentation, you may have questions regarding the cost of the procedure. There are a number of factors that determine the cost of breast augmentation. While a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is going to be the best place to get a real cost estimate, Breast Implants USA has valuable information as to what goes into the cost of the procedure and why the cost may vary dramatically surgeon to surgeon.

There are a variety of implant and surgical options available which in large part makes it difficult to give a simple answer to “How much does breast augmentation cost?” There are a variety of factors that must be considered in the cost of breast augmentation. The five most common factors include:

1) The part of the country your procedure is being performed

2) Where your surgery is being performed (either in office or in a hospital)

3) The type of implant procedure

4) The type of anesthesia

5) The skill level of your surgeon

Patients should also remember that the cost of the implants themselves is included in the cost of the procedure. Many implants have life time warranties and other features such as additional financial assistance should an implant rupture. These features should be discussed with your plastic surgeon.

In general, patients can expect to pay between $4,000 and $10,000 for their implant procedure. The implants themselves range in cost between $1,000 and $1,500. Depending on the type of anesthesia you and your surgeon select, the fee can range between $600 and $1,000. Facility fees typically range from $800 to $1,200 with the  remaining cost of the procedure accounts for the surgeon’s fees.

Click here to learn more about Board Certified Plastic Surgeons

This last fee, the surgeon fee, greatly depends on the skill and education of the surgeon. Board certified plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with years of experience helping countless women achieve their body goals generally command higher prices. The benefit to patients is the assurance that their surgeon has extensive experience, passed rigorous testing and is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. It is important to remember that in many cases, cheaper isn’t always better and breast augmentation is no exception.

Breast Implants USA understand that the cost of the procedure is a concern for many  women who desire breast implants. Many skilled breast augmentation specialists offer breast augmentation financing.  There are a variety of medical financing companies out there all offering a variety of financing options including low interest rates and low monthly payments.

If you would like to learn more about your breast augmentation financing options Breast Implants USA can help. Begin by filling out our financing information request form. Filling out this information request in no way commits you to financing your procedure. After filling out the form, a breast augmentation financing specialist will contact you to discuss your financing options.

Don’t wait any longer. Let us help you achieve the body of your dreams! Enter to win a $500 Visa card to help you pay for your cosmetic procedure.

Posted Monday, May 7th, 2012 and filed under Financing.

Finding a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Your Area is Easier Than Ever at Breast Implants USA

At Breast Implants USA our goal has always been to provide women interested in breast augmentation with the most up-to-date, easy to find breast augmentation information. There are so many options one must weigh when considering breast augmentation, the information available can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here at Breast Implants USA, we have streamlined the information regarding incision placement, types of implants available, implant placement, recovery, financing and more.

Finding the right Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to perform your breast augmentation surgery is important. There are just as many things to consider when choosing your surgeon as there are when considering breast augmentation surgery. Breast Implants USA aims to make the search for a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon a little easier.

In the top left hand corner of the page you will see a tab to “Find a Surgeon”. After clicking Find a Surgeon and choosing your state and region from the results, a list of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in your area will appear. Select a surgeon from the list and view his profile. In his or her profile you’ll get a look into the philosophy that drives their passion for plastic surgery, be able to view before and after photos of real patients, view surgeon credentials and much more!

Each Board Certified Plastic Surgeon’s profile allows you to contact the surgeon to set up a consultation or just ask questions. The Plastic Surgeons of Breast Implants USA are all certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. By choosing a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, you are choosing a surgeon committed to excellence not only in the art of cosmetic surgery but also in patient care.

For more information on what it means to be Board Certified, visit our FAQ Page.

Posted Thursday, May 3rd, 2012 and filed under Board Certification, Plastic Surgeons.

Moving from Saline to Silicone – Why some women are considering the upgrade

The numbers are in, between 2007 and 2008 the percentage of  women choosing silicone implants over saline implants has increased by 1/3.  Full FDA approval was not available for Silicone implants until 2006. The women that underwent breast augmentation pre-FDA approval of Silicone, were left with no choices other than Saline. Luckily, those women aren’t stuck and the upgrade is fairly easy.

As noted at americanhealthandbeauty.com, the transition to silicone after having saline is made easier since the pocket for the implant already exists. In most cases, the implant swap can be completed in less than an hour and patients are able to return to work the next day. As with any procedure, individual results vary and consultation with your cosmetic surgeon are necessary to determine the best plan for your implant upgrade.

Saline implants were the only option for women 5 years ago. While some were pleased with their results, others were left with a “rippled” look and dissatisfied with the “water balloon” feel. The Silicone implant gives these women an option of keep their implants but improve the effect. The new Silicone implants are described as being more realistic, feeling more like natural breast tissue.

The concerns of pre-1990 silicone implants was the safety of the implant and the possibility of silicone leaking into the body. The new silicone implants have the consistency of a jelly bean and are much less likely to rupture and were designed not to “leak”. The warranty of saline implants should cover the upgrade to the new silicone implants should your old saline implant rupture. Even without the warranty, the cost of the upgrade may be less than you imagine.

If you are unhappy with your saline implants, it may  be worth a consultation with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your individual options. Let Breast Implants USA help you find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with experience in breast implant upgrades.

Posted Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 and filed under Education, Safety, Saline Implants, Silicone Implants.

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