Plastic Surgery Articles

Three Step Process for the Perfect Implants

October 18, 2006 -

Many women who choose to enlarge or enhance their breasts with implants are often surprised to learn how common revision surgery is among implant patients. Nearly one out of four of the 291,000 women who underwent breast augmentation in 2005 will have a revision surgery within five years, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

A re-operation is sometimes necessitated by implant complications such as ruptures, capsular contraction, or leakage. But in many cases, revision surgeries are often performed because the patient is not satisfied with the size or shape of her implants.

Plastic surgeons who have a high success rate of breast augmentation procedures with a low rate of revision surgery often utilize a three-step process that ensures each and every patient achieves the optimal aesthetic result.

Step One - Details, Details, Details

During the initial breast augmentation consultation, a comprehensive series of the patient’s breast and chest measurements are taken. These measurements will help define the best type and size of implant for the patient’s build. Any implant that would produce less-than-perfect results would be terminated as an option.

Step Two - Just Say No to Models

Many patients cut out pictures of magazine models and ask their plastic surgeon to mimic the photographed breasts. However, these pictures are unrealistic and many patients who idealize the models may feel unsatisfied with their own results. A competent plastic surgeon should have patients thoroughly review before and after photographs of real women who have undergone breast augmentation to select the type and size of breast implants they feel would closely match the results they desire.

Step Three - Test Run

During the breast augmentation procedure, a plastic surgeon may opt to test out the size and shape of the chosen implant to confirm it will perfectly fit the patient’s physique and help her achieve her cosmetic goals. Once the exact size, shape, and type has been determined, the test implant will be replaced with a permanent one.

The Bottom Line

Every breast augmentation patient should keep in mind that they will most likely need to undergo some type of revision surgery at some point in the future as a result of pregnancy, age, or other factors that may change the appearance of the implants. This occurs regardless of the surgeon or the type of implant used in the surgery.

Considering breast augmentation? Please contact us today to set up a consultation with a qualified and experienced board certified plastic surgeon near you.

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