Month: December 2023

When deciding on breast augmentation surgery, each patient must make several important decisions. The primary decision is the choice of implant type and size, which is determined during pre-surgery consultations using various sizers. The knowledge and experience of the surgeon are crucial in this process, as they need to understand the patient’s expectations and illustrate how the breasts will look after the procedure. So, which implant is the best choice – anatomical or round?

Round or anatomical implants – the difference in shape

Breast implants consist of a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel (silicone implants) or a saline solution (saline implants). Round implants provide the effect of lifted and fuller breasts, resembling a larger or smaller hemisphere, depending on the height of the projection profile, which can be standard, moderate, high, or ultra-high. Implants with high and ultra-high projection are designed for women with a narrow chest and those seeking a larger breast profile.

Anatomical implants have a teardrop shape, resembling the structure of the breast gland. They give the breasts a natural appearance and allow for maintaining a subtle downward slope. Anatomical implants are suitable for women who want to enhance their breasts discreetly, and they are also recommended for patients whose breasts have lost fullness and firmness due to pregnancy or other circumstances.

There are situations where using a round implant can achieve similar results to an anatomical implant. This is possible when the patient has good tissue coverage, well-shaped breasts, and the selected implants for the procedure are not too large. For slender women with very small breasts, choosing an anatomical implant is advisable.

Choice of implants and the achieved effects

During consultations, the patient should receive information about the effects that can be achieved with different implants. This allows for decision-making and alleviates any doubts regarding the appropriateness of undergoing the procedure. Round implants create the impression of full breasts by increasing their volume both in the lower and upper parts. They are symmetrical, so they do not alter the appearance of the breasts when shifted. Placing them submuscularly or partially submuscularly allows for a more natural look, especially in younger patients.

Anatomic implants, also known as teardrop implants, primarily enhance the lower part of the breasts.

When selecting the right breast implants, it is essential to consider both the patient’s preferences and several other equally important factors, such as her body structure and the size of natural breasts. Taking these into account enables making a well-informed decision and achieving the desired effect for the patient. Both the use of round and anatomical implants allows for achieving a shapely, full bust, provided that the implant is chosen appropriately for the patient’s anatomy.

Which implants allow for breast correction?

Anatomic implants are used for correcting various developmental breast disorders such as pseudoptosis, tuberous breast, or poorly developed lower pole. They are also used for breast reconstruction. In the correction of asymmetrical breasts, both round and anatomical implants can be used, although the latter are more commonly chosen. This is due to their greater size variability.

Anatomical implants and the risk of rotation

Anatomical implants are not symmetrical, and due to their shape, they pose a risk of rotation, although it is relatively small. When this complication occurs, the breasts change their appearance and lose proportionality, necessitating another surgical procedure. Multicenter studies have shown that the risk of rotation for anatomical implants is less than 2.5%. Key in preventing such complications is thorough preoperative planning and the selection of the appropriate surgical technique. Recurrent rotation of breast implants is an indication for replacing anatomical implants with round ones.

How to make a decision about breast implant selection?

When making decisions about breast implant selection, it is essential to discuss the patient’s expectations and the achievable outcomes of the surgery. This significantly facilitates the choice of appropriate implants that will enhance the appearance of the breasts. Factors such as the woman’s natural breast size, body type, implant placement, incision location, and any previous breast surgeries (if applicable) should also be considered. Taking into account all these important factors allows for the effective and safe performance of breast augmentation surgery. It is crucial to note that the shape and size of the chosen implant alone do not guarantee satisfactory results. The experience and knowledge of the plastic surgeon also play a key role.

Check out what plastic surgeon Dr. Michał Charytonowicz thinks about the choice of breast augmentation method and the selection of appropriate implants. Below is a video and a blog post at the following link.

Plastic surgery is a field of medicine that constantly evolves, striving for the best possible results in improving the appearance of patients. Of course, nothing can replace a healthy lifestyle, a proper diet, and regular physical activity. However, there are instances when, despite a patient’s greatest efforts, achieving satisfying results may not be entirely possible through these means. Consider an individual who, in pursuit of health improvement through discipline, diet, and exercise, quickly loses a significant amount of weight. Nevertheless, excess skin remains in areas such as the abdomen, hips, lower back, buttocks, or thighs, preventing full enjoyment of the results. In such moments, plastic surgery procedures can be helpful – in this case, 360-degree abdominoplasty, offering a comprehensive approach that revolutionizes aesthetic standards and gives patients the chance for a complete transformation of their silhouette.

360-Degree Abdominoplasty – What is it?

360-Degree Abdominoplasty, also known as lower body lift and circumferential abdominoplasty, is an effective method for removing excess skin and unwanted fat tissue from selected areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, lower back, buttocks, and thighs. It is a comprehensive surgical procedure, often combined with liposuction, allowing for the permanent elimination of excess fat and skin folds, thereby reshaping the silhouette – including slimming the abdomen and lifting the buttocks.

Lower Body Lift – Who is this Procedure Dedicated to?

The first and most common indication for performing the 360-Degree Abdominoplasty plastic surgery procedure is significant and rapid weight loss. Individuals who have experienced substantial weight loss often struggle with remnants in the form of excess loose skin in certain areas such as the abdomen, hips, lower back, buttocks, and thighs. In such cases, the lower body lift can be an effective solution, helping to remove excess skin and unwanted fat tissue, and restoring harmony to the lost silhouette.

Another aspect is the aging process of the skin, which leads to a loss of elasticity and firmness. 360-Degree Abdominoplasty is therefore applicable to individuals who want to effectively combat the effects of aging, improving their silhouette and restoring a youthful appearance.

The lower body lift is also an option for women after pregnancy when they deal with excess skin and loss of firmness. This procedure can be an effective tool in improving the shape of the body after the pregnancy period.

 

How does the procedure and recovery look like?

The procedure requires a qualification process, which takes place during an initial consultation with a specialist. During this meeting, the patient’s needs and expectations are analyzed, and available surgical options are presented. The areas of the body that will undergo surgical intervention are determined, and any additional procedures, such as liposuction for body contouring, are planned.

The surgery itself is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts from 3 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the area undergoing surgical intervention. Depending on the needs and agreements, the procedure involves an incision around the lower part of the torso, strategically placed to create a scar that is as inconspicuous as possible and easy to hide under clothing. As a result, the scar is located in the lower abdomen, around the navel, around the hip bones, and above the buttocks. After removing excess skin and subcutaneous tissue, the surgeon may lift the skin of the buttocks and hips, giving the silhouette new proportions. If necessary, a correction of the separation of the abdominal muscles can also be performed. The surgery may also include the inner thighs and reconstruction of the pubic mound.

In the first days after the operation, swelling, bruising, and redness may occur, which should subside within 1 to 3 weeks. The removal of drains typically takes place depending on the patient’s health condition, most often 3 to 4 days after the procedure. Wearing special compression garments aids the healing process.

Depending on the patient’s health, they can take their first steps as soon as 4 hours after the procedure. Return to work can occur within 2-3 weeks, depending on the type of work, while daily activities should be limited for 4 to 6 weeks. However, more intense exercises should be initiated after 6 to 8 weeks. The length of the recovery process can vary depending on factors such as age, health condition, and the extent of the procedure. Regular follow-up visits and adherence to the doctor’s recommendations are crucial for achieving optimal results and minimizing the risk of complications.

What are the effects of the procedure?

360-Degree Abdominoplasty represents a comprehensive approach to shaping the silhouette. This procedure allows patients to achieve a significant improvement in appearance, addressing specific areas of the body. The initial effects are visible immediately after the procedure, while the final results typically become apparent within 6 to 12 months. It is worth exercising patience, as the achieved results are long-lasting, providing not only aesthetic improvement but also resolving issues such as skin fold-related irritations. The procedure also influences the patient’s well-being, boosting confidence and enhancing the overall quality of life.

360-Degree Abdominoplasty becomes undeniable support for individuals who, despite their greatest efforts, struggle with persistent fat and excess skin in critical areas of the body. While a healthy lifestyle, diet, and physical activity remain the foundation for well-being, the lower body lift serves as additional support for those seeking more. It is not only a revolution in plastic surgery but also in the lives of patients, opening up new possibilities and a higher quality of life.