Decisions and Choices – Implants, Incisions and Sizing

You may have your aesthetic goals clearly in mind when beginning your research, but
there are many choices to make and different options to take to reach those goals.
Dr. Rios will guide you through those choices and the selection of those options that
will best match your aesthetic goals. While Dr. Rios will review this information with
you during your consultation, it’s helpful to have an understanding of the basics.

Which implant is best for me?

Dr. Rios uses both saline and silicone gel implants, and they each have their benefits and disadvantages that will be explained by Dr. Rios. Both types of implants are a polymer-based shell filled to an appropriate size based on your goals with either saline or silicone gel. Saline is a sterile solution of water and salt, while silicone is a synthetic viscous material. The choice of which filler to use will depend greatly on your aesthetic goals, life style, and anatomy. The Food and Drug Administration approves both fillers for use in implants; saline is approved for women 18 years old and up, while silicone is approved for 22 years old and up.

Saline-filled implants generally require smaller incisions for insertion because the shell is inserted empty and then filled to the desired size once correct placement has been achieved. The latest generation of silicone gel implants afford a natural, generally softer feel.

What are the incision options?

The insertion site for the implant varies based on the type of implant, aesthetic choice, life style and basic physiology. The most common sites for insertion used by Dr. Rios for both saline- and silicone-based implants are inframammary (the fold where the breast meets the torso), areolar (the outside edge of the nipple), and the axillary (the underarm). Each site has its advantages and Dr. Rios will be happy to review which options would be best for you during your consultation. The implants are usually placed under the muscle below your breast in order to conceal the implant and give it a more natural appearance, however placement above the muscle can also be done.

How can I know what size implant I need?

The final and most important decision is choosing the size of the implant. This is a very personal decision and we pride ourselves on helping our patients achieve the look they want. To that end, we use two methods that help the patient select the "right" size. First, we place the implants in a fitted shirt and bra so that you can see how the implant works with your natural curves. Placing implants in a bra is one of the easiest and most effective ways for patients to truly get a feel for the physical size of the implant, its weight, and the immediate effect the implants have on the patient's silhouette.

3D Imaging to help you choose...

After our patients feel comfortable with a particular range of sizes, we then use the Vectra 3D Imaging System so that you can see how the implants may appear on your frame. After all, each woman has her own unique curves and shape, and trying to find your shape on the internet or in our before and after photos is often challenging. With 3D imaging, our patients can simulate results of breast augmentation using different sizes. You can see a simplified version of this 3D sizing simulation by using the tool on this website. However, the 3D imaging available in our office is much more sophisticated and can help greatly in the decision-making process on sizing.