Dr. Steven Rueda is one of the most sought after breast augmentation surgeons in West Palm Beach, Wellington and Jupiter. His attention to detail and methodical technique create beautiful and natural results from cosmetic breast surgery. Breast augmentation allows woman to enjoy larger, fuller, and more youthful breasts. Besides the enhanced appearance, many woman also find themselves enjoying more confidence in their body and self. Breast augmentation surgery is not only about gaining a bigger size, but its also used to regain volume that may be lost after pregnancy, to achieve symmetry in uneven breasts, or to correct congenital breast deformities.
IMPLANT POSITION
There are two main positions to place the implant: below the gland (sublandular), or below the muscle (submuscular). Like every other decision in breast augmentation, the position needs to be tailored to every patient. Dr. Rueda is a strong advocate for positioning the implants below the muscle in the majority of patients. This is because there are clinical studies that show a lower rate of capsular contracture in submusclar implants, making them a better longterm option for patients. However, this decision becomes more difficult in woman that are very active.
Some of the pluses and minuses of positioning below the gland and below the muscle are:
Pluses
- Better breast projection and shape
- Decreased pain after surgery
- The implant does not move when the chest muscles are contracted
Minuses
- Increased rate of capsular contracture
- Increased risk of palpable implant if skin and breast are too thin
Pluses
- Decreased rate of capsular contracture
- Better view of breast during breast mammography for cancer screening
Minuses
- Slightly more pain after surgery than subglandular placement
- Possible implant movement with contraction of the chest muscles (known as breast animation)
SILICONE VS SALINE
There are two main types of breast implants: silicone and saline. It is worth noting that both silicone and saline implants are made with an outer silicone shell. The difference really relies on the substance that fills the inside of the outer shell, which can be saline or silicone. Although silicone implants remain the most popular, there is not an implant that is better than other for all patients. Dr. Rueda tailors the decision to each patient’s needs, expectations, and concerns. Some of the pluses and minuses of each type of implant are shown below:
Pluses
- Provides a more natural feel to the breast compared to saline
- Implant ruptures are rare, and are less common than in silicone
- No rippling in woman with thin skin and small breasts
Minuses
- Implant ruptures are very rare, but are more difficult to diagnose
- In the rare event of an implant rupture there can be silicone leakage, however, all the scientific studies have shown this does not result in any harmful effects to the body and can be safely removed if needed
Pluses
- Require a smaller incision than saline since they can be filled to their final
volume after they have been placed into the body - In the rare event of an implant rupture, there is leakage of saline which is easily absorbed by the body
- The rare event of an implant rupture is easily diagnosed since the implant deflates
Minuses
- Implant ruptures are rare, but are more common than in silicone
- The implant feels firmer and less similar to breast tissue compared to silicone implants
Potential for rippling in woman with thin skin and small breasts
- Require a smaller incision than saline since they can be filled to their final
Breast augmentation procedure
There are two main positions to place the implant: below the gland (sublandular), or below the muscle (submuscular). Like every other decision in breast augmentation, the position needs to be tailored to every patient. Dr. Rueda is a strong advocate for positioning the implants below the muscle in the majority of patients. This is because there are clinical studies that show a lower rate of capsular contracture in submusclar implants, making them a better longterm option for patients. However, this decision becomes more difficult in woman that are very active.
Incisions
Made and hidden in the lower breast fold.
Incisions
Made and hidden around the areola lower border.
GUMMY BEAR IMPLANTS
The term “gummy bear implant” refers to silicone implants that are shaped instead of round and have textured surfaces. Like traditional implants, they consist of an outer silicone shell and are filled with silicone. However, it has a “high cohesive” silicone filling that causes it to be firmer and allows it to get its shape. Dr. Rueda uses gummy bear implants in very specific cases; with a frequency of about 8% of patients. These characteristics allow it to have certain pluses and minuses now found in traditional implants as shown below:
- Its textured surface reduces the likelihood of developing capsular contracture
- Its textured surface allows the implant to maintain its position and decreased the likelihood of shifting or moving
- The implant’s shape resembles a breast’s normal anatomic contour, and is ideal for woman who want a more natural look
- The silicone filling, which is stronger than that of traditional implants, may leads to a firmer breast
- If the implant were to shift or move, the shape may cause a less ideal breast contour compared to fully round implants
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Implant augmentation may take 1-1.5 hour per breast depending on the degree of complexity.
Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed with general anesthesia for patient’s comfort. This requires that the patient has a friend or family member that can drive them to and from the procedure.
Your breast augmentation surgery will be performed in our certified office operating room in Palm Beach, or in an ambulatory surgery center if needed.
Yes! Most patients who undergo breast augmentation also choose to have liposuction, tummy tuck, or other cosmetic procedures.