California Surgeon Discusses Choosing a Breast Implant

Which breast implant should I choose? It’s a common question for anyone who’s decided they are ready to go forward with breast augmentation surgery.

By Carolynn Grimes
ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com

It’s a serious question to consider because many women find after having surgery they wished they had gone either a little bigger or smaller.

Dr. John Gross, a board certified plastic surgeon from Pasadena, California, says the size and type of breast implant you choose should be a decision made between you and your surgeon based on the patients size and existing breast tissue.

Fortunately, says Gross, “the options for breast augmentation and the devices (implants) available have markedly improved over the last decade.”  According to Dr. Gross, there are currently two implants approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which include saline and silicone filled implants both with a silicone outer envelopes.

Gross points out, that there’s a third implant available not yet approved by the FDA, but may be a great option for some patients.

It’s a highly cohesive gel that’s called style 410, referred to as the Gummy Bear implant. “Where it may have particular advantages is with patients who are very thin in their breast tissue, yet want a very natural result,” says Gross.  “Because of its shape and the fact that it tends not to wrinkle or ripple as much as some of the other devices, it may be a great option” says Gross.

Gross says when explaining the decision making process to patients, you’ll hear him frequently use the word, trade-offs.  He says, “all the choices whether they are saline filled, traditional silicone gel filled or the style 410 gummy bear, they each have different benefits.”

According to Gross you should carefully consider your options following a thorough examination and consultation with a board certified surgeon.  Dr. Gross say’s he encourages all his patients to take as much time as they need to think it over.  “When the patient has had time to absorb the information, discuss options with a friend or family member and come to a solid resolution they feel more comfortable moving forward.” He also supplies his patients with detailed information and encourages them to check out his web-site to help answer all their questions.