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Learn about Allergan Textured Breast Implants
The FDA has recently asked Allergan to recall textured breast implants since they feel that there may be a link between these types of implants and a very rare form of cancer called BIA-ALCL, a type of lymphoma that may develop in the scar tissue around the implant. Over 12 million women around the world have Allergan textured implants, and we here at AesthetiCare have used these implants almost exclusively during the past 25 years and thus have a tremendous amount of experience with this product. While warnings of this nature should be taken very seriously, it is essential to know that the risk of developing BIA-ALCL is very low. Please visit us for a free consultation to discuss your options with our experienced Allergan breast implant surgeons to learn more about this issue. We welcome all new and existing patients to come in for a complimentary consultation about your options and resources. Please note that Allergan is offering no charge smooth saline and silicone replacement implants for those patients wishing to exchange their textured Allergan breast implants for smooth implants.

Anatomical Breast Augmentation

Anatomical breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure to increase the size and shape of a woman’s breasts using special anatomically correct (teardrop) shaped implants.

What Is Anatomical Breast Augmentation?

If you have breasts that have atrophied after pregnancy or are minimally droopy, but you do not want a breast lift, an anatomically correct breast implant may be what you need. This teardrop-shaped implant can provide upper breast fullness while at the same time allowing more lower breast projection. This implant can be placed either under or on top of the breast muscle, depending on how much natural breast tissue is available.

Anatomical breast implants provide more natural-looking breasts compared to round implants and are especially suited to taller women. A consultation and examination with an AesthetiCare surgeon in Orange County, San Diego, and Riverside can determine if you are a candidate for this special implant.

What Are Anatomical Breast Implants?

An anatomical breast implant is a silicone shell filled with saline (saltwater) solution or silicone gel. The implant can be placed either under the breast tissue or beneath the breast muscle. Incisions are usually made around the areola (the dark skin around the nipple) so that proper implant placement can be better controlled. The implants are then inserted, centered, vertically aligned and the incisions closed. An ace bandage or support bra will be placed around the breasts to hold them in the correct position.

What Is the Recovery Like After Anatomical Breast Augmentation?

You will be sore for a few days after your surgery. The degree of discomfort depends on whether the implants are placed under the breast tissue or under the breast muscle. Any discomfort can be controlled by pain medication prescribed by your surgeon.

Swelling and bruising of the breasts is normal and will begin to subside in a week or so. The incisions are placed to keep the scars as inconspicuous as possible and will become barely noticeable after several months. You may have a decrease in sensitivity around your nipples or some numbness near the incision after surgery. These symptoms usually disappear with time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anatomical Breast Augmentation

What is the difference between round and anatomical implants?

Breast implants are available in various shapes and sizes to help achieve the desired results. The two most common kinds of implants used are round or anatomical (teardrop-shaped) implants.

Round implants are spherical and provide the same amount of fullness to the upper and lower breast. These implants are perfect if you are looking for a more augmented “Victoria’s Secret” model look. They provide upper and lower-pole fullness and can highlight your cleavage.

Alternatively, anatomical breast implants are used to create more natural-looking results. The implants are flatter at the top than they are at the bottom, providing women with the slope of natural breast tissue. While opinions on the “ideal” breast shape change just as quickly as fashion trends, many women currently interested in breast enhancement desire natural-looking, balanced, and fuller breasts. Anatomical breast implants allow for all three of these.

Will my anatomical implants rotate in my breast, and, if so, will that distort my breast appearance?

Most round implants have a smooth surface that allows them to rotate inside the breast pocket and act like natural tissue. This rotation is fine for round implants since they provide the same fullness at all sides of the implant; however, it is not ideal for anatomical implants.

Since anatomical implants have a “top” and a “bottom,” they must not rotate in the breast pocket, or else you will be left with a misshapen breast. To ensure rotation does not occur, most anatomical implants have a textured surface that allows them to adhere to the natural tissue. This connection maintains the shape and position of the implant in the breast pocket.

Can anatomical breast implants harden?

Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications after breast augmentation. This occurs when the scar tissue surrounding the implant hardens and tightens, squeezing the implant and causing aesthetic distortion and pain.

While capsular contracture can occur with any implant — including anatomical implants — studies have shown that the likelihood of this is less with textured gel implants. Since most anatomical implants are silicone implants with a textured surface, there may be a reduced chance of capsular contracture.

Like all silicone breast implants, anatomical breast implants require an MRI screening every two years to ensure their integrity.

How long will my anatomical breast implants last?

Breast implants (both round and anatomical) are long lasting; however, they are not intended to last a lifetime. It is estimated that most breast implants maintain their integrity for roughly 10 to 20 years; some implants last longer, while others need to be replaced much sooner.

Why should I choose AesthetiCare for my anatomical breast augmentation?

Dr. Moser and his team at AesthetiCare have years of experience performing anatomical breast augmentation as well as other breast enhancement surgeries, including breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, breast revision surgery, and body contouring procedures. Dr. Moser is a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Society of Cosmetic Breast Surgery, and a diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

With offices in San Juan Capistrano, Corona, Newport Beach, and Encinitas, you won’t have to travel far to get the top-of-the-line quality care you need for your cosmetic surgery.

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