Choosing the right breast prosthesis

How to choose the right size of the prosthesis?

The choice of the implant is something that is done in relation to the anatomical characteristics of each patient, then the way to determine it is based on the measures first assessing the thoracic perimeter, the distance from the sternal fork to each of the nipples and assess the thickness and quality of the tissues. Once this is done we can assess the width of the implant needed for the patient. Depending on her height we will also choose the height of the implant. Once we have these two measurements, the next thing to determine is the adequate projection and here the patient’s wishes also come into play, since the result of an augmentation is the amount of breast that the patient provides plus the one we are going to put in. The type of implants we use are implants that for each size make a total of four different projections, which allows us a wide margin of choice, regardless of the fact that with the width one can play 5 or 6 mm perfectly. In this way we determine the ideal size for each patient according to their desires but on the other hand we stick to the anatomical characteristics of each patient.

What types of prostheses are there and how do they differ?

All the prostheses that are used are silicone implants, they have a solid part which is the cover and an inner part which is the gel. We distinguish two basic types, the round type, in which the orientation is indifferent, and the anatomical type, which are the most commonly placed, which mimic the natural shape of a breast. In which the orientation is paramount to mimic the natural contour of the breast. Within the different implants there are different profiles, something that is difficult for people to understand. We speak of low profile or moderate profile in those that have less projection and high profile in implants with more projection, both in the case of round and anatomical prostheses. It is independent of the size of the implant. The important thing is to determine in each patient what projection is needed and that is why we always choose implants that allow a wide choice in the specific case of four different levels of projection in order to meet the preferences and needs of each patient.

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How many years do implants last?

In the past, when implants had a fluid silicone gel content, we recommended systematic replacement at the latest 10-12 years after implant placement. Currently we always place high cohesive silicone gel implants, this means that the content of the implant is practically solid although it retains a soft touch. This prevents the implant from coming out in the event of a pore or rupture. In this way we do not consider the systematic replacement of the implants as we recommended before, but that the patients have an annual ultrasound control that allows to verify the integrity of the implants and as long as they are well and the tissues surrounding the implants are well we do not consider the replacement. But it is very important that the content of the implants is cohesive silicone gel. It is also necessary to avoid excessive cohesiveness that gives an unnatural feel to the breast, it is enough that the implant is soft and at the same time the silicone is cohesive so that it does not come out.