Breast Enlargement - Breast Implant FAQs

Q: What is the difference between smooth and textured implants?
A: Smooth implants used for breast enhancement in South Florida have a smooth silicone rubber exterior while textured implants have a rough surface usually composed of silicone rubber. Other materials, such as polyurethane foam have been used in the past to create a textured surface, but only silicone is available presently.

Q: What is the difference between round and tear drop implants?
A: Implants come in a variety of shapes including tear drop and round. Studies have shown that the shape of the implants does not significantly change the shape of the breast as a scar "capsule" develops around the implant and most implants assume an oval or round configuration after implantation.

Q: Do smooth implants move more freely and act more like a natural breast?
A: While textured implants may adhere to surrounding tissues, they still demonstrate excellent mobility. Studies demonstrate that when implants are placed under the breast itself, the textured implant may have less incidence of unnatural firmness than a smooth implant. However when the implants are placed under the muscle, the difference between smooth and textured implants is not so clear. Implants placed under the muscle tend to be softer than under the breast as the muscle internally "massages" the implant.

Q: How long does it take for the implants to soften and settle?
A: Implants usually soften and settle within 8-12 weeks following augmentation mammoplasty.

Q: How do you determine how many cc's to use to achieve the desired results?
A: Implant size indicates implant diameter. The saline "fill" determines breast size following augmentation mammoplasty. One usually desires an implant at or slightly smaller than breast diameter. Smaller implants will create unnatural spacing between the breasts. Larger implants will accentuate unnatural "cleavage" between the breasts. The fill of the implant will determine breast size after surgery. Saline implants have a filling range.

Q: Can I get an infection with implants?
A: Implant infection is unusual. If it occurs, it will usually appear within days or weeks after surgery as increasing pain, redness, swelling, fever, and drainage. However, there are extremely rare cases of infection developing years after surgery which may be related to blood borne bacteria arising from another source which colonizes the implant. Infection necessitates temporary implant removal and later replacement.

Q: Is breast feeding safe with implants?
A: Breast feeding following your Miami or Fort Lauderdale breast enhancement should not be affected by the procedure.

Q: Has the FDA approved silicone implants?
A: As of this writing (6/15/05), an FDA advisory panel has accepted a proposal from Mentor corporation to place their silicone implants on the market. The FDA body has yet to vote on acceptance, and a decision is expected within 90 days.

Q: Can the implants leak?
A: Implant leaks can occur at valve sites or from stress creases at the implant surface. This incidence is approximately 2%.

Q: Can implants make noises such as sloshing or gurgling?
A: Implant noise is a transient phenomenon occurring from air in the soft tissue after the breast augmentation surgery. This air is gradually absorbed by the body and the implant becomes silent!