Dr. Kevin Sadati, an AACS cosmetic surgeon with offices in Orange County, California says he often prefers an incision under the breast since it has a better access to the muscle and has less chance of changed nipple sensation. The incisions heal very well and it tends to be a fast recovery.
Silicone implants are pre-filled and may require a larger incision area, completely eliminating the bellybutton incision area from your list of choices.
The downside for saline implants is that they can rupture, usually as a result of trauma to the chest area. The good news is that, while the change in breast size is noticeable immediately, the contents are harmlessly absorbed into the body within hours. You’ll have to have surgery to replace the implant, of course, but if you’d been thinking about changing your size, this is a good time to do it!
While silicone does not burst as easily, the downside is the potential for a “silent rupture,” meaning you don’t know that it’s happened. As a result, the FDA recommends that women who receive silicone breast implants receive MRI scans every two years, beginning three years after the initial surgery. What’s more, the minimum age for silicone implants is 22.
As for the ‘natural’ feel of saline, Dr. Sadati says that can be mitigated by placement. “Some say the saline implants can have more of a rippling effect, and don’t feel as natural, but if the implants are placed behind the muscle, I don’t think there’s much difference,” he says.
Other potential complications from breast implants can range from asymmetry to capsular contracture (hardening of the breast) and nipple or breast sensation changes. The FDA advises patients to expect additional surgeries for the implants because they typically will not last a lifetime.
BEHIND THE CURVE
Beyond the breasts, the desire for curves drops to a focus on the backside. Though not as common as breast augmentation, patients also often seek some enhancement to the buttocks, either because they have been unable to develop proportionate gluteal muscles, or lack buttock fat, or simply wish to have it more pronounced.
Common buttock augmentation options include fat injections and silicone implants. Dr. Kevin Sadati a cosmetic surgeon based in Newport Beach, California says he only uses fat injections with PRP in the buttocks and Dr. Sadati agrees, saying he, and his patients, tend to prefer fat injections, which may provide a more natural feel.
“You can use implants in the buttocks, but in my opinion, fat works better,” he says. “I think a lot of patients simply don’t like the idea of sitting on silicone implants.”
The upside to silicone is that it’s a one-time procedure. With fat, you could require two or three injection sessions. “Patients need to be aware of the fact that they could lose a large percentage of the fat that’s put in,” notes Dr. Sadati. “But after you gradually get to the level you want, it will be permanent.”
One important issue to consider with fat injections for buttock augmentation is whether the patient has enough fat elsewhere in their body to transfer to the buttocks.
Use of the body’s own fat (aka, autologous fat) is also considered a permanent option for face, body, and even breast volumizing, providing a uniquely natural definition. For the fat transfer procedure, fat is first liposuctioned from another part of the body, such as the thighs. While some fat remains for the long-term, a large percentage can be absorbed by the body, resulting in the need for the additional injections. (Note: Additional injections don’t mean additional liposuctions. Doctors often freeze leftover fat for future use.)
Expectations
While patients are typically pleased with the results from augmentation and the procedures are generally safe, no procedures are without the risk of some type of complication, such as infection or a rupturing implant, and the popular cable TV programs that otherwise are fairly detailed in their depictions of cosmetic surgeries often don’t show that.
“The programs often only show the happy patients and the good results, but that can lead to a misconception that everything always works out well and there is no risk of complication,” Dr. Sadati says. “Of course, real life is not like that that. No surgeon can tell you they have 100 percent satisfaction.”
Patients can stay ahead of the game by making sure their physicians are board certified, and educating themselves on procedures through sites such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (www.cosmeticsurgery.org)
It’s also critical to take advantage of the consultation to communicate as much information as possible to the physician. “The consultation is extremely important,” Dr. Sadati says. “For breast augmentation, for example, I have patients bring in pictures to give me an idea of what they want to look like. I never guarantee that I can match the picture, but it gives me a good idea of the shape of breast in their final result.”
