Adjustable Implants Offer Bust Bonuses

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After a breast augmentation procedure, many women find themselves wishing they had opted for smaller or bigger implants. Now, slightly tweaking the size of your breasts after surgery is made possible with adjustable breast implants.

Adjustable implants allow women to increase or decrease the size of their breasts up to 20 percent within the first six months after their breast augmentation procedure, offering them the opportunity to get the exact results they desire.

Plastic Surgeons Make Adjustments

Currently, there are two types of adjustable implants available on the market: One device is made up entirely of saline and the other has a silicone shell and a saline core.

Several months after a breast augmentation surgery, patients can “test drive” the size of their new chest and if not completely satisfied, can go to their surgeon and request that their breasts be toned down or pumped up.

A plastic surgeon will then insert a syringe into a port hidden behind the implant and either draw out or inject saline, depending on the size the patient is after. The port is permanently removed after six months through a procedure performed under local anesthesia.

“It's a fantastic way to control your breast size postoperatively, because people do change their minds,” says San Antonio plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Jeneby.

How Popular Are These Implants

While adjustable implant devices have been available for use for many years, relatively few patients choose this option and some plastic surgeons don't offer it because they only provide a limited amount of adjustment.

“Implants are designed for a specific, narrow range of filling volumes,” says Dr. Ronald Friedman, plastic surgeon in Plano Texas. “If implant volume is reduced to below the manufacture's recommended volume, the risk of deflation increases. If implant volume is significantly increased, the implant will become unnaturally firm.”

Furthermore, some doctors say that the port attached to the back of the implant to adjust its size may pose potential complications to a patient including discomfort and infection.

Regardless of what type of implant a patient chooses, it is extremely important to open the lines of communication with a surgeon and discuss all the possible benefits and risks.

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


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