The subject of who will make the definitive decision in implant types for a breast augmentation is frequently still debated among plastic surgeons and their patients. For many years, implants were chosen either by the wishes of the patient, or the preferences of the plastic surgeon. Complication rates were very high. Patients were very often over-sized, and the subsequent complications were often not correctable. So should you, the patient be involved in selecting your own implant? Well, yes and no.
If you are considering undergoing a breast augmentation, the first thing you should do is to learn about all of the FDA approved breast implants available and even the implants that are still in clinical trial. Next, locate a board certified plastic surgeon that chooses breast implants based on bio-dimensional principles. It’s not all about cup size anymore. Just as an architect would never consider building a house without a set of plans, a breast augmentation surgeon needs to carefully plan your surgery. Key measurements must be obtained that will help your surgeon, and you, select from a small range of implants and styles that will work best for your tissues, shape, size, and age. Remember, there is no one right implant for each patient; there are several round and shaped implants that each have their place in the right patient.
Finally, I offer my patients the opportunity to create and view a 3D simulation of their possible outcome. These images, taken by the Canfield Vectra™ 3D system, can be very accurate and extremely helpful to women who want to see what they might look like after surgery. I then will suggest a small range of implants that will all produce optimal, long lasting outcomes. Ultimately, the final implant selection will be made together. My goal is to educate my patients so that they will make well-educated decisions that they can live with for years to come.
