For the right patient, anatomic implants can achieve a "natural and better" outcome than traditional round implants, says plastic surgeon Dr. Movassaghi
EUGENE, Ore., Jan. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — When the first anatomic breast implants were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012, the new products offered some women the ideal solution for natural-looking results from breast augmentation, says board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kiya Movassaghi.
"I strive to offer my patients customized outcomes, no matter their goals for breast enhancement," says Dr. Movassaghi, a leading Oregon plastic surgeon specializing in breast procedures. "Anatomic implants expand the options available, and can produce natural results for some women that were previously unattainable."
There are now three different anatomic breast implants approved by the FDA. Also commonly referred to as "gummy bear implants," each of the products share similar characteristics.
Examining the Benefits of Implant Shape
The anatomic implants have a sloping teardrop shape that mimics the appearance of a natural breast; there is fullness in the lower portion but not the upper. This teardrop shape allows for a truly natural-appearing result for women, especially for those who prefer a more subtle breast augmentation or for women who are more mature.
The anatomic profile may also be preferable for women who have little natural breast tissue or are thin. Shaped implants are often most suitable for women choosing to undergo breast reconstruction after mastectomy, when there may be very little remaining tissue to cover an implant. Traditional round silicone gel implants add fullness, but cannot shape the reconstructed breast as the anatomic products can.
Exploring the Advantages of Implant Composition
There are two notable manufacturing differences in anatomic implants: one is gel composition and the other is the surface of the shell. Both of these qualities offer the possibility of producing a proportional and natural-looking silhouette after breast enhancement.
The implants are filled with highly cohesive, form-stable silicone gel, which allows them to keep their natural shape no matter the position of the body. In standard round silicone gel implants, the gel can move within the shell, which can be visible under certain circumstances.
In addition, anatomic implants have a textured surface that helps the implant stay in place as positioned by the plastic surgeon, ensuring that the results will be maintained over time. The textured shells also reduce the possibility of capsular contraction, a reaction that can occur when the body forms abnormal scar tissue around the implant.
Dr. Movassaghi has advanced training in surgical techniques for anatomic implants and has in turn shared his expertise by training other plastic surgeons from the Pacific Northwest. While he believes that round implants are still a good choice for some patients depending on their age, body type, or preferred result, he feels that the benefits of shaped implants now offer all women more choice for breast augmentation.
Because each woman is different, a consultation with an experienced surgeon is the only way for women to determine if they are good candidates for anatomic implants, says Dr. Movassaghi.
About Movassaghi Plastic Surgery & Ziba Medical Spa: Dr. Kiya Movassaghi is a board certified plastic surgeon who focuses on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. He is a graduate of Harvard Medical School and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University's School of Medicine in Portland. Movassaghi Plastic Surgery & Ziba Medical Spa is located at 330 South Garden Way, Suite 100, Eugene, Oregon, 97401. They can be reached by phone at 541.686.8700; for more information, visit drmovassaghi.com.
Media Contact: Niloo Marashi, Movassaghi Plastic Surgery & Ziba Medical Spa, 541.686.8700.