Breast surgery has been a cornerstone of my practice for almost thirty years. I have considerable experience with the breast augmentation procedure, and one of the things that I have noticed with potential patients is that they don’t always understand the intricacies that go into choosing the right implant. They tend to get hung up on size. Furthermore, patients tend to think of silicone gel implants as a single entity while the reality is that there is a wide variety that differs in terms of:
- Elasticity
- Softness
- Ability to retain its shape and fill the upper portion of the breast
- Projection
Determining which silicone implant is right for you is going to depend on your unique anatomy, desired outcome, and lifestyle. It is an art form which is why it is so crucial to schedule an in-person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in breast surgery.
Breast Augmentation Consultation
During your breast surgery consultation at my Long Island office, I am first and foremost there to listen to your concerns. I want to understand what really bothers you about your body, and what you are hoping to achieve. Oftentimes, a patient comes in thinking that she needs one procedure that she has perhaps read about online when really, what is causing her concerns is something entirely different. Next, I will perform a thorough physical exam to assess the tone and elasticity of the skin on your breasts as well as how much native breast tissue you have, and whether it is located above or below the inframammary fold or crease beneath your breasts. All of this information is what allows me to customize the implant to your exact needs.
Natrelle Inspira® Breast Implants
There are a number of different implant manufacturers. Over the years, I have tried them all, and my implant of choice these days is Allergan’s Natrelle Inspira®. Round in shape, and smooth in texture, it comes in 3 different choices:
- Natrelle Inspira® Responsive
- Natrelle Inspira® Soft Touch
- Natrelle Inspira® Cohesive
The latter two are sometimes referred to as “gummy” gel implants. Gummy is just an arbitrary notation for implants that are more form stable (hold their shape). The “gummier” the implant, the firmer the consistency of the gel so the more it will hold its shape but at the cost of softness.
Type of Silicone Implant Driven by Anatomy
The Natrelle Inspira® line gives me the option of a super soft implant that feels very natural but maybe doesn’t have as much upper pole fullness, one that is very firm so it will deliver that fullness in the upper 1/3 of the breast that is so desirable for many of my patients, as well as one that’s in between. The right one for you is really going to be driven by your anatomy. For example, if I have a woman with small, tight breasts, I like to use the soft implant because the tightness in her tissue will create the upper pole support that we both want while still delivering a very natural look and feel. However, if a patient has very compromised breast tissue that is thin and weak, I am going to choose a firmer implant that will hold its shape on its own. This will help ensure that there is no rippling.
One Implant Not Better than the Other
All three of the Inspira® options are great. One is not better than the other. Choosing the right implant is always about how that implant will work in your breast based on your priorities. Some women could benefit from any of the 3 choices. This is where having the 3-D Vectra is such a game-changer as it allows me to show you how each implant will look on your body so that you can choose which one you like best. The wide variety of silicone gel implant options really helps me deliver the best aesthetic result for my patients that will also be long-lasting.
To find out more about breast augmentation or any surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Mark Epstein in Hauppauge, Long Island, contact us today or call 631-689-1100 to schedule a consultation.
