The Latest Advancements in Breast Surgery
According to statistics compiled every year by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), breast augmentation surgery is by far the single most popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed in America. No doubt, one of the many reasons for its enduring appeal is the fact that the procedure itself is constantly being refined and improved. New techniques and advanced technology allow us to achieve results that might have been virtually impossible just a few short years ago. For nearly half a century, Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. has been one of the Southeast’s premier centers for both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery, and today our board-certified plastic surgeons work tirelessly to remain on the forefront of the latest advancements in surgical breast augmentation.
Gummy Bear Implants
One of the most exciting advancements to come to breast augmentation surgery in recent years has been the invention of form-stable “gummy bear” breast implants. Although it occurs very rarely, there is always a small chance that accidental trauma could cause a breast implant to rupture or leak, spilling its contents into the body. Form-stable implants are filled with a highly cohesive silicone gel that actually maintains its shape even if the outer elastomer shell is damaged. Not only do these advanced gummy bear implants significantly reduce the risk of leakage, but they also often achieve firmer, more lifted breast augmentation results.
Dermal Matrix Materials
A dermal matrix is an advanced, silk-based mesh that is designed to facilitate quicker and more complete wound healing after traumatic injury or surgery. Allergan’s FDA-approved SeriScaffold™ surgical mesh is of particular use during breast augmentation and breast reconstruction procedures, as the bio-resorbable material gives additional support to weakened connective tissue while the area is healing, until it is naturally re-absorbed into the body. A layer of SeriScaffold™ surgical mesh around a breast implant is also believed to help reduce the risk of capsular contracture, a rare potential complication of breast implant surgery where a build-up of fibrous tissue makes the breast look and feel harder than it should.
Fat Transfer Techniques
Some women are interested in a comparatively subtle change in the size and/or shape of their breasts, but are apprehensive about the thought of having artificial implants placed in their bodies. In these cases, advances in surgical and liposuction technology make it possible to achieve such changes through the use of fat transfer. Specifically, fat removed via liposuction from the patient’s abdomen or thighs is purified and then re-injected into the breasts to give them a slightly larger and fuller appearance. This procedure can also be used in combination with breast implants or after a lumpectomy to further sculpt and refine the appearance of the breasts. Fat transfer techniques are less invasive than traditional breast augmentation procedures, and because the fat cells are taken from the patient’s own body they pose no risk of being rejected by the body or of triggering an allergic reaction.
Every patient is unique and every breast augmentation procedure requires a slightly different approach. Come in and discuss the many options that are available with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons for a full consultation so that you can determine which ones are right for you. You can also view before and after pictures and learn about the variety of financing options, including Alphaeon® and CareCredit®, that we can provide in order to assist you, by contacting us in Alpharetta or at one of our other Atlanta area offices located in Sandy Springs (Northside), Newnan, or Cumming.
