Breast Augmentation | Choosing the Right Implant and Long-Term Management

Breast Augmentation | Choosing the Right Implant and Long-Term Management

Hello. I'm Dr. Kim Joo-won, Chief Director of Melon Plastic Surgery, your breast specialist.

What are the two essential things you must know before and after breast augmentation surgery?

1. Before surgery – Consider your natural breast structure when choosing an implant.

2. After surgery – Communicate with your clinic for consistent management.

Implant selection and post-operative care are common concerns for anyone considering surgery.

‘Which implant will best suit my body type?’‘Will my breast shape remain the same 10 years after surgery?’

Today, I will discuss the types and characteristics of implants, signs that indicate replacement is needed, and post-operative care methods. I hope this information helps you maintain beautiful results after breast augmentation.

Breast Augmentation Implants | The Importance of Choice

Breast augmentation implants must be carefully selected to match your natural breast structure and shape. This is because the form and characteristics of each implant affect the surgical outcome.

Mentor implants, approved by the US FDA for their safety, feature cohesive gel with natural inner and outer shells, offering a natural look and soft feel. They are also available in various sizes to suit different body types.

In particular, Mentor’s premium line, ‘Mentor Xtra,’ is characterized by a full and soft feel, while ‘Mentor Smooth’ is a popular choice for those who prefer a smooth yet pliable texture.

Motiva implants, recently approved by the FDA, boast excellent gel viscosity and elasticity. Their shape naturally changes with gravity, which can be beneficial for those seeking a natural-looking breast.

‘Motiva’ also features a nano-textured surface, which can help maintain the stability of the augmented breast.

Each person’s body conditions are unique, and breast structures also vary. Some individuals have a protruding chest, while others have a concave one; breast shape, degree of ptosis, and symmetry all differ. The size of the breast pocket, chest circumference, and skin properties are also unique.

This is why all these factors must be considered when choosing an implant. What works well for someone else may not be suitable for you.

When you are wondering which implant to choose, remember that the best implant for you is one that complements your unique physical conditions.

Breast Augmentation Implants | Durability and Replacement Timing?

One common question when choosing an implant is about its ‘lifespan.’

‘Can breast implants be trusted for the long term?’

The US FDA recently stated that ‘unless there are specific symptoms, and if there are no problems with the implant, prophylactic replacement or replacement at a fixed interval is no longer recommended.’

This means it has become crucial to decide on replacement based on the patient’s condition and regular diagnoses by medical professionals.

While technological advancements have extended implant lifespans and reduced issues associated with implants, factors that can arise over time, such as changes in our bodies or external environments, can still affect the implant and surrounding tissues.

Therefore, regardless of how long it has been since your surgery, if you experience symptoms such as breast pain, changes in shape, asymmetry, hardening, an unnatural feel, or suspected rupture, you should immediately communicate with your surgical team to check the condition of your implant and breasts.

Breast Augmentation | Long-Term Breast Management Methods?

To maintain satisfactory breasts for a long time after implant insertion, systematic management is crucial. Regular breast examinations are essential.

The US FDA recommends regular check-ups once every two years, starting three years after surgery. During this time, it is advisable to check the implant status and the health of surrounding breast tissue through breast ultrasound.

Lifestyle management is also important. In particular, rapid weight changes can affect breast shape, so maintaining a healthy weight is also something to be mindful of.

Avoiding excessive pressure on the breasts, maintaining proper posture, and developing a habit of self-monitoring breast changes can also help maintain healthy breasts for a long time.

Melon Plastic Surgery | Systematic Care for Recovery

Melon Plastic Surgery operates ‘Safe & Secure Melon Care’ for positive post-operative management.

‘Safe & Secure Melon Care’ is a recovery program designed to accompany patients on their ‘breast journey’ from pre-operative preparation to surgery and post-operative recovery.

We provide meticulous personalized assistance, including swelling management, prescriptions based on progress, and guidance on management guidelines and lifestyle habits to help the implants settle naturally.

Please remember that the most important thing for breast augmentation to achieve beauty that encompasses inner satisfaction and health, beyond just external changes, is self-love and care. 😊

Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important consideration when choosing breast implants?

The most important consideration is your natural breast structure. You should choose the implant that best suits you by comprehensively considering your physical conditions such as chest shape, degree of breast ptosis, symmetry, breast pocket size, and skin properties.

What are the main features of Mentor and Motiva implants?

Mentor implants are recognized for their safety with US FDA approval and are characterized by a natural shape and soft feel. Mentor Xtra provides a full and soft feeling, while Mentor Smooth offers a sleek and pliable touch. Motiva implants have excellent gel viscosity and elasticity, allowing their shape to change naturally with gravity, and their nano-textured surface helps maintain stability.

Do breast implants need to be replaced periodically?

No, if there are no special symptoms and no problems with the implant, prophylactic replacement or replacement according to a fixed period is no longer recommended. It is important to decide whether to replace based on the patient's condition and regular diagnosis by medical staff.

What are the signs that I should consider implant replacement?

Signs that you should consider implant replacement include breast pain, changes in shape, asymmetry, hardening or unnatural feel, or symptoms suggestive of rupture. If these symptoms appear, you should consult with the medical staff who performed the surgery without delay to check the condition of the implant.

How should I manage my breast augmentation long-term?

Regular breast examinations are essential for long-term management. The US FDA recommends breast ultrasound examinations once every two years starting three years after surgery. It is also advisable to avoid drastic weight changes, maintain a healthy weight, avoid excessive pressure on the breasts, and develop a habit of self-monitoring breast changes.