Choosing the right breast prosthesis

How to choose the right size of the prosthesis?

The choice of the implant is something that is done in relation to the anatomical characteristics of each patient, so the way to determine it is based on the measures assessing first the thoracic perimeter, the distance from the sternal fork to each of the nipples and we value the thickness and quality of the fabrics. Once this is done we can assess the width of the implant necessary for the patient. Depending on your height, we will also choose the height of the implant. Once we have these two measures the next thing that remains to be determined is the appropriate projection and here come into play also the wishes of the patient, given that the result of an increase is the amount of breast that the patient contributes plus the one that we are going to put. The type of implants that we use are implants that for each measurement manufacture a total of four different projections, which allows us a wide range of choice, independently of the fact that with the width one can play 5 or 6 mm perfectly. In this way, the ideal measurement of each patient is determined according to their wishes, but on the other hand, the anatomical characteristics of each of the patients.

What types of prostheses are there and how are they different?

All the prostheses that are used are implants that are silicone, have a solid part that is the cover and an inner part that is the gel. We distinguish two basic types, those of the round type, in which the orientation is indifferent, and the anatomical ones, which are the ones we usually use, that mimic the natural shape of a breast.. In which the orientation is essential to mimic the natural contour of the breast. Within the different implants there are different profiles, something that people find difficult to understand. We speak of low profile or moderate profile in those that have less projection and of high profile in implants with more projection, both in the case of round and anatomical prostheses. It is independent of the size of the implant. The important thing is to determine in each patient what projection is needed and that is why we always choose implants that allow a wide choice in the specific case of four different levels of projection to be able to access the preferences and the needs of each patient.

How old are the implants?

Previously, when the implants had a fluid silicone gel content, we recommended the systematic change at 10-12 years as far as the placement of the implants. Currently, we always place silicone gel implants of high cohesiveness, this means that the implant content is practically solid but retains a soft touch. This prevents that in case there is a pore or a break the implant can get out. In this way, we do not consider the systematic replacement of implants as recommended previously, but the patients have an annual ultrasound control that allows to verify the integrity of the implants and while these are well and the tissues surrounding the implants are well not we propose the replacement. But it is very important that the content of the implants be made of cohesive silicone gel. You also have to flee from the excessive cohesivities that give an unnatural touch of the breast, it is enough that the implant is soft and at the same time the cohesive silicone so that it does not come out.