Choosing the Right Implant Size breast implant surgery

Breast Implant Surgery

Few women are truly happy with their physical appearance. Shorter women wish they were as tall as fashion models. On the flip side, some statuesque women desire to be more petite. To temporarily rectify this, a woman might wear high heel shoes or shoes with no heels at all.

However, when it comes to breast size, the scenario becomes far more complicated. A padded bra will increase the appearance of breasts, but these changes are purely temporary. For women who truly wish to change the look and size of their breasts, breast augmentation is the only safe and permanent option available.

Breast implants

Breast augmentation is a surgical method for enlarging and bringing a more aesthetically pleasing shape to the breast. In Houston, breast implants are a popular plastic surgery option for women who have had a medical removal of breast tissue or have breasts flattened by the act of breastfeeding. For other prospective patients in Houston, breast implants are a way to surgically enhance what nature already endowed them with, even out the size of uneven breasts or simply surgically transform their breasts to resemble a much younger physique.

Before committing to breast augmentation surgery at the office of Dr. Paul Vitenas in Houston, the doctor recommends that prospective patients ask themselves the following questions:

• Do you wish to permanently enhance your breasts?
• Do you desire breasts that more shapely and fuller in volume?
• Are your breasts correctly proportioned to your body type?
• Are your left and right breast asymmetrical in size?
• Have you lost volume in your breasts from breastfeeding or age?
• Would shapely breasts and an enhanced figure increase your self-confidence?

What size breast implant is correct for me?

Choosing the correct size of the breast implant is an important step that a patient makes with the guidance of her plastic surgeon. While she may request much larger breasts because it might increase her “sex appeal” this doesn’t mean that it is a size appropriate for her chest size. Likewise, a larger woman may be the perfect candidate for larger sized implants, as it can visually balance out the rest of her body if she has a “pear-shaped” body type.

Before the initial consultation, patients should review the photos of their surgeon’s prior patients. You’ll be able to see tasteful but honest photos of different sizes, shapes, and types of breast implants. If you are unsure how to begin the conversation with a doctor, the saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words” was never truer.

Volume

The volume of saline solution or silicone gel found in breast implants is measured in cc’s. Ironically the number of cc’s within an implant does not directly indicate the cup size of the implant. Much of this has to do with the size and shape of the patient herself.

Once augmented, the size of the breasts will also depend upon the natural breast size of the patient before surgery. When deciding to have breast augmentation surgery, doctors advise their patients to choose their size and type of implant based on their physique. The volume numbers on the implant are generally for the use of the surgeon, rather than something that will indicate how natural these breasts will appear on the patient.

Saline or Silicone? What are my options?

During your pre-surgery consultation, the doctor will advise you as to which type of breast implant should work best for your physical size and lifestyle. The advantages and disadvantages of each variety of implants will also be discussed. As well, patients are encouraged to do their research and discuss any questions they have with their physician before scheduling a surgical date.

Saline

Saline-filled breast implants are manufactured using a silicone shell. After the unfilled implant is inserted into the body, it is filled with a sterile form of saltwater. Should your implant either leak or rupture, this saline solution is not harmful to the body.

This type of breast implant has been approved by the FDA for surgical implantation in adults over the age of eighteen. Because the implant is filled with a saline solution the implant causes the breast to be firm to the touch. The implants themselves are guaranteed for up to ten years. This does not mean that leaks or ruptures are not possible before the ten-year mark has been reached.

Silicone

Implants filled with silicone are popular for a myriad of reasons. Not the least of which is that they are approved by the FDA for patients over the age of 22. Each implant is implanted filled with silicone gel, giving the implant the consistency of a “gummy bear” before implantation.

Patients find that silicone implants feel and resemble natural breast tissue. They are additionally less likely to undergo a ripple effect when the body is in movement. Once implanted, silicone implants make the breasts softer than their saline-based counterpart. Unfortunately, if a rupture occurs, it is may go undetected by the wearer in the course of her daily routine.

Texture

Many women enjoy smooth implants because they feel like natural breasts. They are softer and move freely. While the firm texture implant is less likely to relocate itself during movement, the cover of the implant can be subject to bacteria. For this reason, leading plastic surgeons like Dr. Vitenas have chosen to discontinue the use of textured implants for the benefit of his patients.

Dr. Vitenas and his team work with all of his patients to provide personalized treatment plans. At the time of your office examination, Dr. Vitenas will discuss all of your options and work with you to make sure your breast implants meet your exp