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FDA Approved Allergan’s New Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implant

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You may have seen Dr. Elliott’s previous blog about Sientra’s FDA approved silicone gel-filled breast implant. Now, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved another highly cohesive silicone gel-filled implant manufactured by Allergan, Inc.

The Natrelle® 410 breast implants are approved for women over the age of 22 who would like to increase their breast size or seek to rebuild their breasts after trauma or illness with  breast reconstruction.  Over a seven year period, extensive research and data was collected from 941 women to ensure safety.Breast implants atlanta alpharetta ga

These silicone gel implants may provide a firmer, natural-looking result than previous silicone breast implants. As with any surgical procedure, Dr. Elliott thoroughly discusses realistic expectations and concerns patients may have. Allergan will also conduct post-approval studies to assess long-term safety and effectiveness.

Similar to the more commonly known silicone and saline breast implants, cohesive gel-filled implants can be placed under or above the chest muscle. These implants also come in different sizes and textures. The advantage of cohesive gel implants is their ability to better maintain their shape after trauma or rupture.  With more options now available for breast augmentation, Dr. Elliott encourages all of his patients to conduct their research and discuss with a board-certified plastic surgeon their breast augmentation and breast reconstruction with implant options.

For more information about breast procedures or other procedures Dr. Elliott offers, please call us to schedule a consultation. Connect with Dr. Franklyn Elliott on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for the latest plastic and reconstructive news.

Breast Augmentation: Types of Implants

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Franklyn Elliott MD discusses types of implantsEvery woman has their own reason for pursuing breast augmention surgery.  Before the actual procedure Dr. Franklyn Elliott will discuss the many breast augmentation surgery options with each patient. As previously stated in Dr. Elliott’s blogs, breast enhancement decisions include selection of the type of breast implant, placement of implants, size, and incision placement.

Although each decision is ultimately up to the patient, Dr. Elliott uses his 25 years of experience and specialization with breast procedures to help each individual achieve their desired look.  The first thing many patients consider before breast augmentation is the type of breast implant they will want.

Dr. Elliott frequently uses both saline and silicone implants and feels confident in the safety and effectiveness of both options. Both types of implants have an outer shell made of silicone. Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saline solution. Since saline implants are filled at the time of surgery, smaller incision methods can be used than those required of silicone implants. Silicone implants are manufactured and pre-filled with silicone gel.  Some patients believe silicone implants provide a more natural look.

Earlier this year the FDA approved a new type of implant, which consists of a high strength cohesive silicone-gel breast implant. The California manufacture, Sientra’s implants are currently the only cohesive gel implant available in the U.S.   Dr. Elliott also uses these gel implants along with the more common saline and silicone implants for patients seeking breast augmentation.

Like many other cosmetic procedures, implant selection is a very personal choice and Dr. Elliott recommends first discussing with a board-certified plastic surgeon all your available options and concerns. If you are interested in scheduling a breast surgery consultation please contact our office today. Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest breast information and news.

Reasons for Breast Revision Surgery

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Reasons for Breast Revision SurgeryThere are many reasons why women may consider breast revision. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons are frequently asked what makes a woman a candidate for breast revision surgery (also known as secondary breast surgery) after a previously performed breast augmentation? Dr. Franklyn Elliott has been performing cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery for over 25 years and regularly teaches other surgeons new and effective breast surgery techniques including those for secondary breast surgery.  Below are some of the most frequent breast revision surgery motives he encounters along with what he frequently suggests to mitigate the issues.

Patients who wish to exchange their breast implants for a different size or type, are not satisfied with their results, or those who develop complications may wish to correct their prior procedure. Breast revision surgery may be crucial if implant rupture, capsular contracture, or infection occurs.  Rupturing or leaking is rare, but if this does happen the implants will need to be removed. Many patients choose to have their breast implants replaced upon removal, but for others, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon can utilize breast reduction and lifting techniques during breast revision to create optimal results without needing an implant. Contrary to many beliefs, breast implants themselves do not get hard, but scar tissue around implants can become this way, creating capsular contracture. The best way to avoid capsular contracture is to follow breast augmentation aftercare instructions by limiting physical activity and wearing any prescribed post-surgery supportive garments. If the complication does occur, a capsulectomy can be performed during breast revision to remove excess scar tissue and soften the breasts.  Infection and allergy are very rare but there is still a chance that a woman’s body could reject the breast implant, ultimately causing an infection.

Although there are medical conditions that may make breast revision surgery necessary, other aesthetic changes may warrant revision. Even with proper planning and execution of breast augmentation surgery, changes such as weight loss or gain can occur later leading many women to consider and undergo breast revision surgery.

Weight fluctuation throughout your lifetime is very common, and breast augmentation patients are likely to experience weight gain or loss at some point after their surgery, especially if they plan on having children. Breast revision surgery can help maintain overall body proportion. Sometimes women struggle to choose an implant that satisfies their needs and may desire smaller or larger implants or to switch their salineimplants to silicone or vice versa, in either case implants can be replaced.  No matter the reason for breast revision surgery, it’s important to discuss your concerns with a plastic surgeon you trust and feel comfortable talking with.  Additionally, selecting a surgeon who is active within professional plastic surgery associations and breast surgery symposia is another to ensure your provider has the latest education in surgical techniques and plastic surgery technology.

Every patient is an individual and should be evaluated and treated based on their unique case.  It’s imperative to do your research and make sure your plastic surgeon is experienced in performing this surgery and is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery.  To stay up to date on the latest breast news, make sure to follow Dr. Elliott on Facebook and Twitter.

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