Choosing Breast Implants
Choose the topic:
• Measurements
• The size of implant
• The shape of implant
• Anatomical vs round
Making the right choice on breast implants is really important as it will change your appearance for many years. Many types of breast implants exist that vary in shape, size and form. In this article we would like to acquaint you with the basic parameters of breast implants with an emphasis on round and anatomical implants.
Measurements and implant selection
The first step in choosing proper implants is measuring your chest. There are several parameters that a doctor evaluates before breast augmentation surgery. These include the shape of your chest, breast width and height, breast droopiness, breast tissue, areola (the darkened area around the nipple) position. Additionally, droopiness and dissimilarity of breasts are also assessed in this examination. Another parameter that is important is called position of the inframammary fold (IFM). IFM is the area where the breast and the chest meet. All these measurements are important in achieving the most aesthetic and natural look of breast implants. This helps to determine the best position of the implant. However, there are some other parameters to decide on including volume, profile and shape of the implant.
The size and volume of the implant
The size of a breast implant is usually characterized by the volume of it and its measurements in cubic centimetres (cm³ or cc). It is one of the most significant parameters determining the degree of changes in your appearance. It is important to choose the size of the implant that your own natural breasts are able to withstand. Oversized implants are associated with a number of long-term complications such as stretch marks, reduction in fat and muscle tissue and breast implant displacement that leads to reoperation. The width of your chest and each of the breasts are important as well as the amount of breast tissue you have naturally. There is always a risk that your expectations might differ from what you will get in reality. That’s why we would recommend you to research before and after photos in a web site of the clinic you have chosen. Additionally, some of the clinics offer 3D consultation platforms where you can send your photos and see an approximate result of breast augmentation.
The profile and shape of the implant
A profile of the breast implant determines how much it will protrude from your chest wall. You can choose low, moderate or high profile implants. High profile implants, although often desired, do not always guarantee the best result. Your body shape, chest width, breast size and your expectations are all important in choosing the right profile. Your surgeon is the one who will recommend you the option that suits you best.
The shape of the breast implants is another factor that you should take into consideration before the surgery. There are two alternatives – round and anatomical breast implants. Round implants are the traditional ones and have been used for more than 50 years. However, the natural shape of a woman’s breast is not round. That’s why teardrop shaped implants (also called anatomical implants) were created. The upper pole of these implants is flatter and the lower one is fuller.
Anatomical versus round breast implants
As mentioned above, anatomical breast implants were designed to achieve the natural look of a woman’s breasts. This is possible due to the unique form of these implants. Anatomical implants have a sloping upper pole and projecting lower pole which gives a lift to the nipple, whereas round implants boost the whole area of the breast giving a ‘push-up’ effect. However, anatomical implant superiority over round implants is still disputable. Recent studies revealed that in some cases aesthetic outcome between anatomical and round breast implants does not differ. Swedish researchers compared the results of breast reconstruction with anatomical and round implants after the removal of both breasts. The results revealed that the complication rates, breast symmetry, aesthetic outcome and patient satisfaction was similar between the groups with round and anatomical implants. Moreover, experts who tried to recognize whether the breasts were reconstructed with anatomical or round implants did not guess the right shape in about 50% of the cases. These results illustrate that if proper volume and profile is selected, round implants also provide a very natural look.
According to another clinical study conducted by Mexican researchers, anatomical or teardrop breast implants are more beneficial than round ones in patients with significant differences in chest height and width and with obvious asymmetry of breasts. Furthermore, researchers note advantages of anatomical implants for patients with very prominent chest and for those who do not have enough breast tissue to cover the implant. Also, these implants are a proper choice for slim women and for those with severe breast droopiness as a result of pregnancy or weight loss.
The unique form is an undeniable advantage of anatomical breast implants but it has its limitations. First of all, anatomical implants are more expensive than round ones. Moreover, in case of implant rotation, anatomical implants would change the shape of the breast because of their asymmetric shape. However, the risk of anatomical implant displacement is very low because they have a textured shield that stick to the surrounding tissues. On the other hand, anatomical implants are firmer to the touch because of this shield.
Naturally, such amount of information might be confusing. However, you should not worry because our experienced and knowledgeable surgeons will definitely select implants that suit you and your desires best.
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