Two of the most common statements from patients during their initial breast augmentation consultation are “I want to be a C (or B or D) cup after surgery” or “My girlfriend looks great after her surgery – I want the same size implants she has”. It is at this point of the office visit that the discussion between Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Brian S. Glatt, MD, FACS and his patient really begins. Dr. Glatt provides every patient the necessary information to ensure the style and size of breast implants chosen will result in the post-operative look she envisions. Below is some helpful information.
Saline vs. silicone implants
The outer shell of both saline and silicone gel implants are made from the same semi-solid silicone membrane; the difference is what is inside the implant, silicone get or saline. Saline implants have a fill port in the shell which is used to inflate the implants through a tube place during surgery, while silicone gel implants are completely sealed. Silicone gel implants, therefore, come in predetermined sizes and require a slightly longer incision to insert. Since silicone gel is thicker and more cohesive, these implants more closely mimic the look and feel of natural breast tissue. Both saline and silicone filled breast implants are FDA approved for use in the United States, so the choice is a combination of personal preference and the type one’s anatomy may dictate to be the best..
About Bra Sizes
There are no sizing standards in the bra industry. A woman may purchase a bra from one manufacturer and wear a 36B while another manufacturer’s bra may require her to purchase a 34C. Since bra sizing is brand and style specific, it is not a reliable way to choose an implant size.
I Want What She Has
You will not look just like someone else by having the same size implants placed during your breast augmentation. Even if you are the same height, weight and body type, there can be differences in measurements of your chest wall which would produce a different result using the same size implant. Just because your friend looks fabulous with 300 cc breast implants, you may require 200 cc or 400 cc to achieve the same result.
Implant Shapes
Aside from the size (total fill volume) of each implant, which is measured in cc’s (cubic centimeters), a decision must be made between available implant shapes – round or anatomic. Within each of these categories is also a choice of low, moderate (moderate) or high profile implants, which refer to the projection of the implant. Anatomic shaped implants are filled with a more highly cohesive silicone gel and do not produce any rippling at all. They also tend to produce the most natural results that can be achieved.
A Picture Is Worth Thousand Words
As the adage implies, it is often easier to convey an idea with images, rather than speech. For this reason, Dr. Glatt asks his patients to bring pictures of your desired results as well as results you dislike in order to assist in determining what size and shape breasts a patient envisions as her ideal outcome. These can be photos from our web site or other internet sites, but before and after photos of real breast augmentation patients are best. These pictures need not be an exact replica of what is desired, but more of a representation. A patient may like the size from one photo, and cleavage from another. Conversely, a patient may present a photo to show what they do not want to look like post-operatively.
I Wish I Could See What I Will Look Like
At Premier Plastic Surgery Center of New Jersey we can make that wish come true! After taking a few photos, using the VECTRA 3-D Imaging System we can create a 3-D image of your proposed surgical results. You can actually “try” implants of different sizes or shapes and view the result on a 3D image of your own body! This technology has revolutionized how women determine their desired breast augmentation results.
To discuss your breast augmentation goals with Dr. Glatt please call our Morristown office at 973-889-9300 to schedule a consultation.