To implant or not to implant?
Years ago, breast implants were viewed as a way to get very dramatic and eye-popping results. For most women today, the goal of breast augmentation is to increase breast volume and improve asymmetry but to do so subtly for a very smooth and natural-looking result. Moreover, even though the reason for undergoing breast augmentation may vary, many studies suggest that the psychological outcomes for most patients do include improved self-esteem and body image. It's a major step for most women and a positive one.
However, the majority of patients know little about implants, and wonder where to start regarding the best breast implant shape? Rozina Ali is a highly qualified aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon. Her expertise lies in all aspects of breast reconstruction & aesthetics as well. As one of the best plastic surgeons in London, Rozina is expert and skilled in selecting appropriately sized and shaped implants depending on the natural breast tissue quality and the dimensions of the breast. At your pre-operative consultation with Dr Ali, you will benefit from all the assistance you need to help you make your decision. But in the meantime, in the following article, you will find a few things to consider before your consultation.
The right implant size
This is often one of the most difficult decisions, and for many reasons, has the most potential for disappointment. While Dr Rozina Ali can make recommendations about what implant size will get you a certain cup size, implants are measured differently than bra cups. Implants range from 80cc (approximately a 50-75% cup size) up to 700-800cc. Bra size is a variable foundation on which to base breast enhancement, simply because bra sizing is a hit and miss affair depending on the make and type of bra that you wear. A good rule of thumb is that for every cup size you wish to go up, consider approx 100-150ccs of implant depending on the girth of your chest.
Also, always keep your lifestyle in mind. While it’s possible to continue playing sports or exercising heavily with larger breast implants, it might not be as easy or as comfortable as it would be with smaller implants.
The right implant shape
Strictly regarding the implant’s shape, you have two options available. Round implants and shaped implants (also called teardrop implants or anatomical implants).
Round implants are symmetrical in shape and give the breast equal fullness around the nipple. They can be both textured or smooth and because it is round, rotation is not an issue, thus, theoretically, the revision rate is much lower. Shaped implants only come with a textured surface. These implants mimic the natural pyramidal shape of the breast, this is very useful in reconstruction after mastectomy or where there is a poor breast shape where the shape is completely dependent on the implant. A natural breast shape can still be achieved with a round implant as the implant is optimally filled, thus the silicone gathers at the bottom of the implant when upright, giving the implant a natural pear-shaped appearance if observed from the side profile.
As the technology has evolved, so did implants. Motiva Hybrid ergonomix implant is a recent concept in breast augmentation that takes breast augmentation to the next level in terms of quality and naturalness of results. Motiva implants are smaller than the other existing implants and compensate for the new breast volume with fat grafting using your own fat harvested from a body area with excess fat tissue. The greater benefit that it provides is a more natural look with the variety of shapes and sizes of the implants.
Rozina is experienced in using all types of breast implants: round, shaped or ergonomix. Textured, smooth or polyurethane coated.
The right implant profile
More than simply selecting the best implant for your breasts and for your aesthetic preference is the ability to communicate what the post-op result would look like. Two methods are often used to find out what volume would suit your frame and how it would look with your natural breast tissue. One is for you to try on 'sizers' in a sizing bra. The other is using digital photographs and computer software that can create an estimated image. Dr Rozina is a pioneer in using Crisalix technology, one of the world's leading tech companies in the field of 3D aesthetic simulation.
Each implant type has its particularities, so it is important to select a board-certified plastic surgeon who will spend plenty of time with you during your initial consultation to consider your aesthetic goals and personal lifestyle, to let you see, feel and try on different implants, and then help you select the best implant type for you.