Everything you need to know about breast implant surgery.

Are you considering breast implant surgery, but need some questions answered? You are not alone. Many women feel nervous or even embarrassed to approach the subject of breast implants – yet many are curious about the procedure and interested in considering it.

The following question and answer session with leading plastic surgeon Dr. Kimit Rai provides information about the most commonly asked questions women have on the topic of breast implant surgery, from the logistics of the procedure to the aesthetics of the result.

Fresh Vancouver: Dr. Rai, what type of breast implants should I choose: saline or gel?
Dr. Rai: It depends on the firmness and thickness of the skin of the breast. If the breast is thick and firm with some fatty tissue present, and is not droopy, saline breast implants would be very satisfactory. If the breast is thin and atrophic, and has very little breast substance, then it would be better to have a gel implant to minimize the rippling of the implants both visually and when the breast is palpated.

Fresh Vancouver: What size of implants should I choose?
Dr. Rai: The size of the implant depends on the body frame, the width of the chest, the height of the patient, and the consistency of the breast. If the chest is wide and the breast is also wide, then most likely a larger implant can be accommodated. Large implants range anywhere from 400 to 600ccs. If the chest frame is narrow and the breast is smaller, then quite likely the implant size should be smaller. It could range from 240 to 400ccs.

Fresh Vancouver: What types of gel implants are available?
Dr. Rai: You can choose between a soft gel, which feels very natural, and a cohesive gel, which is a firmer implant.

Fresh Vancouver: Can you do a breast lift and augmentation at the same time?
Dr. Rai: Yes, you can do both procedures at the same time.

Fresh Vancouver: I’ve heard there are different types of procedures with different incisions. Can you explain what they are?
Dr. Rai: The type of breast lift procedure is dependent on the shape of the breast. If the breast is very droopy, then quite likely the patient will need an anchor-shaped scar. If the breast is less droopy the patient may need a lollipop scar. If the droopiness is minimal, the scar can be just around the nipple.

Fresh Vancouver: Are the implants placed in front of or behind the muscle?
Dr. Rai: The implants should be placed behind the muscle to give a more natural result. This also gives you the teardrop shape plus some fullness in the upper pole of the breast. Implants that are placed in front of the muscle have a rounder appearance.

Fresh Vancouver: What shape of implant should I choose?
Dr. Rai: You can choose from low-profile implants, moderate-profile implants, high-profile implants, and anatomical implants. After consultation, your plastic surgeon will recommend the appropriate type of implant.

The anatomical implants are usually used for patients who have a very flat breast with very little breast tissue so that the upper pole fullness is reduced. The moderate-profile implants are used for patients who have a relatively full breast with very little ptosis (drooping) so that the projection is concentrated in the central component of the breast and below. The high-profile implants are preferable in patients who have deflation of the breast to give forward projection and create the desired fullness in the upper pole. In my practice I prefer the high-profile implants to give the desired projection of the nipple and fullness in the upper pole where needed.

Once you have become knowledgeable about the processes and options available as part of a breast implant surgery, your next step is to have a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.