A Breast Augmentation or "Breast Enlargement" has the potential to dramatically improve the appearance, shape and size of the breasts. Over the next few weeks we'll be going over many aspects of Breast Augmentation surgery. To start, let's look at implants.
An important decision when proceeding with a Breast Augmentation is choosing the right implant. Breast implants have many characteristics and each option contributes to the final result of your procedure. Your surgeon will help you choose the best implant and placement that best suits your body and goals. In our recent article on 3D imaging in Breast Augmentation consultations, we discussed one tool plastic surgeons use to help demonstrate the potential results a breast implant can offer. Another method to test out a breast implant is to simply "try one on" with a bra and t-shirt during your consultation.
Implants are characterized by 6 features. The first feature, which we'll be discussing today is Surface Texture.
Surface Texture
The outer shell of a breast implant, often referred to as a shell, envelope or lumen, can be smooth surfaced or textured. The outer shell of a breast implant is composed of a silicone-rubber material. It's important to note that both saline-filled and silicone-filled implants have outer shells composed of silicone-rubber. When someone refers to an implant as a "silicone" implant, they are almost always referring to the filler, not the outer shell, envelope or lumen.
During a breast augmentation, a breast implant is placed into a "pocket" created over or under the pectoral muscle by the plastic surgeon during the procedure.When deciding between smooth and textured implants there are advantages and disadvantages to each option.
Smooth Breast Implants
Smooth breast implants are just that - smooth. Smooth breast implants only come in a round shape and sport a thinner shell than textured implants. The smooth surface allows the implant to settle comfortably and move in the pocket created by the surgeon during the procedure, offering a more natural look. Smooth implants come in various profiles (low, moderate and high) and are less prone to rippling or wrinkling, a complication sometimes associated with breast augmentations where the tissue surrounding the implant pulls or pushes on the implant forming creases, folds or wrinkles in the implant. This causes noticeable lines or impressions that are visible on the surface of the breasts.
Textured Breast Implants
Textured breast implants come in both round and tear-drop or "anatomical" shapes. The textured surface is designed to reduce movement and help lower the risk of capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is an unwanted tightening of the fibrous tissue, known as the capsule, that forms around the implant during healing. The reduction in movement prevents teardrop shaped implants from turning upside down and allows the plastic surgeon a little more control when planning the final shape of the breast.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages to smooth breast implants are a higher risk of capsular contracture. The tightening associated with capsular contracture can squeeze the implant, which changes the firmness and appearance of the breast. In some cases an unwanted stretching of the pocket is caused by the weight of the implant. A stretching of the pocket reduces fullness in the upper portion of the breast, leading to a sagging appearance.
The main disadvantage to textured implants is a potentially higher occurrence of wrinkling or rippling. The tissue surrounding the implant and the scar tissue that forms the "capsule" can pull on the textured surface more easily than it can with a smooth implant. Some patients also report discomfort with textured implants. Depending on placement, textured implants can have a more visible appearance which can lead to a less natural look.
To learn more about implant options and to determine whether a breast augmentation or "breast enlargement" is right for you, you should consult with a qualified plastic surgeon in your area.