Choosing the Right Breast Implant for You
A common question I frequently get asked by patients is, “ Which implant is ideal for me? “ The answer, at a fundamental level, depends on a number of factors, including how much breast tissue you have, your chest dimensions, the “ quality” or laxity of your breast tissue, and lastly, the result which you’re perceiving as “ ideal “.
Breast implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes and implant composition. There is a teardrop shape or a round shape. The teardrop shape provides a more natural-looking breast with more fullness at the bottom of the breast. Teardrop-shaped implants have a textured outer layer, which prevents slippage or movement when inside the body to prevent a distorted breast shape. The round shape provides patients with a voluminous and perky breast, with fullness being more evenly distributed throughout the breast. Implants also vary in the projection, or how far they come out from your chest.
Implant composition also varies as either silicone or saline filled. Saline, or saltwater-filled implants allow the surgeon to make a smaller incision upon implantation because the implant is inserted empty, and then inflated once placed in the breast pocket. And if they so happen to leak or rupture, the body will absorb its contents. A downside to this type of implant is that they do not typically feel as natural as silicone and may ripple in patients with thinner breast tissue.
Implant composition also varies as either silicone or saline filled. Saline or saltwater-filled implants allow the surgeon to make a smaller incision upon implantation because the implant is inserted empty, and then inflated once placed in the breast pocket. And if they so happen to leak or rupture, the body will absorb its contents. A downside to this type of implant is that they do not typically feel as natural as silicone and may ripple in patients with thinner breast tissue.
Silicone implants, such as Sientra’s “gummy bear” implants are filled with a cohesive gel and has a nice natural feel. More women choose these based on feel alone. The downside to these is that a longer incision is required upon implantation.
With such an array of choices, customizing a breast augmentation that is unique to the dimensions of the patient while at the same time providing that look they’ve always wanted is easier than ever. There is even an option to transfer a patient’s own fat cells to their breasts to achieve more volume. This is known as a natural breast augmentation, or a fat transfer breast enhancement. However, this requires a substantial amount of excess fat in order to provide optimal results. For the best advice, make sure you discuss your options with Doctor Vallecillos to customize a breast surgery that is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years have you been a practicing plastic surgeon?
My first year out of residency was in 2005
Describe your philosophy and approach to cosmetic enhancement and treatment of patients
Philosophy: Superior advice predicated upon evidence-based medicine, innovative insight, and efficient execution.
Treatment goals: Create a natural-appearing, balanced aesthetic enhancement that complements the patient’s unique features.
What’s most important to you when treating patients?
Comfort and security: We strive to achieve the ultimate customer experience. In surgery, much like professional sports, talent typically prevails. Championships however, are won by the teams who subscribe to organizational excellence. Accordingly, with good surgical planning and sound judgment, the majority of routine surgeries follow fairly predictable outcomes. Hence, customer service makes the experience complete. That’s what ultimately differentiates you as a surgeon from the masses. And that is our goal: to exceed our clients expectations.
What does a consultation with you entail?
Initially, patient information is gathered including photographs, salient medical history, and aesthetic goals. Next, I perform a comprehensive consultation utilizing videos and interactive patient education software. Following the consultation, the patient reviews the surgical procedure, peri-operative plans, and financials with the surgical consultant.
What steps does your office take to augment comfort?
We offer several features to augment comfort: A VIP waiting area, complimentary beverage menu, and Wi-Fi connectivity, and complementary usage of iPads.