Breast Implants in Phoenix, Arizona

There are many different types of breast implants available for Arizona women considering breast augmentation. Phoenix and Scottsdale women may now choose between saline and silicone gel-filled implants. Some implants have smooth surfaces while others are textured. Additionally, there are different widths and projections available (low profile, moderate profile, moderate-plus profile, high profile), and some implants are round while others are shaped "anatomically." Below are answers to a few of the most common questions I hear from women considering breast augmentation in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Should I choose saline or silicone implants?

Silicone implants have been available continuously since the 1960's; however, their use was limited in the early 1990's due to fears that they caused autoimmune diseases. At that time, there was minimal data to prove or disprove these claims. As a result, a vast number of scientific studies were performed to answer the question: "Do silicone implants increase the risk of autoimmune diseases or cancer?" The answer has been a resounding NO! Silicone implants do NOT increase the risk of contracting these diseases.

Although it took the legal system and the FDA many years to catch up to science, silicone implants are now available to women having a first time breast augmentation. Phoenix and Scottsdale women have always had access to silicone implants if they needed an augmentation and breast lift at the same time, breast reconstruction, or revision of a saline implant breast augmentation due to excess wrinkling of the skin or multiple deflations. You would think that if the implants were truly dangerous, nobody would have had access to them. Clearly, silicone implants do not, and never did, pose a risk of autoimmune disease or breast cancer.

The decision to use silicone or saline implants is a personal one, but the decision should be based on cost and personal preference – not due to a fear of silicone. The new, third generation silicone implants are made of "cohesive silicone gel," which is not liquid silicone. Modern cohesive silicone gel implants are solid, like a soft gummy bear, and if they are cut in half the gel holds its shape and does not "go anywhere." Compared to saline implants, these cohesive silicone gel implants feel more like natural breast tissue, are less likely to produce visible rippling or wrinkling, and do not "deflate" like a saline implant if wear and tear produces a small hole in the outer covering of the implant over time.

In my opinion, cohesive silicone gel implants are a superior material for Arizona breast implant patients. If asked by a friend or family member whether I would recommend saline or silicone, I would strongly recommend silicone for the best, most natural result. It is important to note that silicone implants, because they are a higher quality material, are more expensive than saline implants. This must be factored into the decision-making process. Fortunately, women now have a choice in implant materials, and I am able to achieve an excellent result regardless of whether I use saline or silicone.

Which is better, a textured or smooth implant shell?

The outer covering of both saline and silicone breast implants is made of a silicone polymer "shell." The word "shell" can be confusing, because it is not hard like a seashell. The covering is soft and the word "shell" simply refers to the outer "bag" of the implant that holds the cohesive gel or the saline solution.

Some implants have a smooth shell, while others have a rough shell which is referred to as a "textured" shell. The proposed advantage of a textured shell is a theoretical decrease in the risk of capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is a condition in which the normal, paper thin "capsule" of tissue which the body forms around a breast implant tightens, causing the implant to feel firmer than it should. Some studies have shown that having a textured implant reduces the risk of this problem. However, recent studies have cast some doubt on this theory and the true advantage of textured implants with regard to capsular contracture is unclear.

The disadvantage of textured implants is that the shell is thicker, thus making the implant shell easier to see and feel through the skin. Additionally, textured saline implants are associated with a higher deflation rate.

Because of these issues, I feel that smooth implants provide the most advantages (they look and feel better, and usually last longer), and have the fewest disadvantages. I reduce the risk of capsular contracture by placing implants under the chest muscle, and by starting my Scottsdale and Phoenix breast augmentation patients on a routine of daily breast massage exercises a few days after surgery.

Low, moderate, moderate-plus and high profile implants; which is right for me?

The "profile" of an implant refers to the width and projection of an implant. In other words, for a given implant volume, a wider implant will have a lower profile (it will stick out less), while a narrower implant will have a higher profile (it will stick out more). Thus, for each size of implant, there's a wider, flatter version (low profile), a narrower, more projected version (high profile), and implants in the "in-between" range (moderate and moderate-plus profiles).

Implant size and profile should always be considered on an individual basis for each patient. The decision should be based on the patient's chest diameter, the width of the patient's breasts, and her goal size. For each patient, there is a range of implants that will look natural. If too wide or too narrow an implant is used, or if too large or too small an implant is used, an unnatural result can occur.

My goal as an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon is to provide professional guidance to women considering breast augmentation near Phoenix, Arizona. The objective is always to produce a natural and aesthetic final result, and within this range some patients prefer to remain relatively small breasted, while others prefer to be larger breasted.

In most patients I find that the moderate-plus and high profile implants produce the best result as the low and moderate profile implants are frequently too wide and flat. Moderate-plus profile implants work well in most body types, however I often utilize high profile implants in 1) patients with tight breast tissues that need extra central breast projection, 2) patients who have narrow chests, or 3) patients that want larger implants.

Are anatomically-shaped implants better than round?

Some implants are round in shape. Others are designed to be fuller on the bottom and less full on top-roughly a "teardrop" shape-to emulate the look of a natural breast. These are called "anatomic" implants.

I have used both types of implants, and in my opinion, there are two reasons to use round implants. First of all, anatomic implants can turn or flip in the breast pocket so that the area of implant fullness is on the side or top instead of the bottom. Although this problem is rare, it can require a return to the operating room to correct the implant orientation.

The main reason I do not use anatomic implants is that I feel they look less natural. Although the theory behind the anatomic shape sounds good, in reality, when I have tried both types in the operating room, I invariably believe that the round implant provides a nicer, more aesthetic appearance.

How can I be sure I will look natural after surgery?

Before I enter the operating room, I always have a specific implant selected for each Arizona patient. Sometimes, patients require a different size implant on each side if they have pre-existing asymmetry.

With every breast augmentation I perform, I always use implant "sizers" during surgery. These "sizers" are temporary implants that let me see exactly what the final implants will look like. My preoperative plan regarding a specific implant size and shape is usually correct. However, by using the sizers and checking my patients from multiple positions and angles, I maximize my ability to achieve the best size and symmetry possible.

This meticulous practice adds extra operating time, and because of this, some surgeons skip this step. My feeling is that my patients will not remember if they were in the operating room for an extra 20 minutes, but they will be looking at the final results for the rest of their lives. I believe strongly that the extra time and effort spent to achieve the best shape and symmetry is well worth it.

Click here to save $50 on your consultation fee, or call 602-702-5380 to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Cohen at the Scottsdale Center for Plastic Surgery. He will be happy to answer any questions you may have about breast implants. Arizona patients as well as those patients coming from other states and countries trust Dr. Cohen, who offers surgery at the Scottsdale Center for Plastic Surgery, conveniently located near Phoenix and Tempe.