Breast Implants Denver

Breast Implant Surgery,Denver Breast Implants Surgeon

Breast implants of one sort or another, in contrast to injected materials, have been successfully used in breast enhancing surgeries since approximately the 1950's. However, since 1963, when silicone gel prostheses (implants) were introduced, there have been numerous developments, changes and advances in breast implant technology.

Breast implants of one sort or another, in contrast to injected materials, have been successfully used in breast enhancing surgeries since approximately the 1950's. However, since 1963, when silicone gel prostheses (implants) were introduced, there have been numerous developments, changes and advances in breast implant technology.

All current breast implants consist of 2 parts: 1- an outer covering or  “shell” which is made of solid silicone, and 2- a substance that fills the shell. The shell can be either smooth or have a rough surface, referred to as a “textured surface”. The texturing process has been claimed to reduce the incidence of “encapsulation” or forming tight, unyielding scar tissue around the implant, which makes the breast feel hard. The data is still inconclusive and our plastic surgeons prefer smooth implants.

The substance that fills the implant is either saline (sterile salt-water) or a gel of silicone. In the United States, the saline-filled implants are initially empty and are filled by the surgeon during the operation. The silicone gel-filled implants come already filled from the factory. The silicone that fills implants these days is a bit like jello-mold in that it tends to stick together, a characteristic described as being “cohesive”. One of the manufacturers refers to its silicone gel material as MemoryGel®. The gel filler is virtually the same from both major manufacturers (Allergan Corporation and Mentor Corporation) of breast implants.

Sizing
The ultimate cup size achieved is, of course, among the most important and challenging aspects of breast augmentation. There is no way to provide each patient with an exact visualization as to what they will look like when the surgery is completed. There are a number of means of trying to arrive at a general idea of ultimate cup size and appearance. These are reviewed with our patients at consultation, follow-up consultation, and finally on the day of surgery. We encourage the use of photos from magazines and websites to portray what each patient likes, dislikes, and ultimately desires for their own final result. Needless to say, this is an area in which prospective patients need to understand the limits of cosmetic plastic surgery and the uniqueness of each person’s tissues, shapes, and genetics. Selecting which implant volume will accomplish the desired result is something that takes place in the operating room.
There is also the question of implant shape. In general, Dr. Grossman and Dr. Capraro believe that the “round” implant shape, rather than the “teardrop or anatomic” implant produces the most natural result. Both the smooth and textured implants are available in a variety of sizes or volumes. As the implant volume gets bigger, the circumference of the implant is greater as well. Which size implant is used depends on a number of things such as patient height, weight, and chest dimensions; amount of breast tissue already present; elasticity of the skin; desired final size; and so on. The same size implant in two different women will produce two different breast sizes. The sizing process is not an exact science. Drs. Grossman and Capraro can't just pick a particular implant "off the shelf" to accomplish a specific size. It’s not as if there is a specific A, B, C, and D cup sized implant. Sizing is an approximation. But Dr. Grossman has been performing breast augmentation in Denver and Beverly Hills for more than 30 years and has performed literally thousands of breast implant surgeries. Dr. Capraro has also had significant experience in this surgery. As such, they have developed a very flexible approach to this surgery in which they actually are creating a “custom-made” breast enlargement for you. 
Each implant type – saline vs. silicone gel – has its own benefits and shortcomings. Among the benefits of saline inflatable implants is the ability to fill one side more than the other to help correct some natural breast asymmetry that everyone has. In addition, it has been suggested that encapsulation occurs somewhat less frequently with saline implants than with silicone-filled. However, recent data seems to refute this assertion, and it appears that both implant types have about the same incidence of encapsulation. On the other hand, saline implants have a greater degree of “rippliness” and do not feel quite as natural as silicone gel-filled implants.

All implants will eventually break. It’s just a matter of time. They don’t break because you abuse them. They are very durable. But over time, through wear-and-tear, a weakness develops in the shell and the implant breaks. The probable lifespan of an implant is between 10 and 20 years. All patients should understand that they are likely to have to replace their implants at some time or other.
Overall, Drs. Grossman and Capraro prefer silicone gel-filled implants because they:

• Feel more natural
• Are more durable
• Don’t go flat when they break

If you have other questions concerning implants, please refer to Breast Augmentation FAQ’s.