Earlier this fall, Allergan introduced with much fanfare its long awaited, round highly cohesive silicone gel implants. Many plastic surgeons hailed these devices as revolutionary and groundbreaking. That these implants are like “NOTHING” ever seen before in the United States. And…..that is not completely accurate.
Shaped highly cohesive silicone gel implants have been used in the United States since the late 1990’s; first through studies performed at selected centers across the country. St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery Inc. was one of the sites selected. Later, in 2013, the FDA approved the use of shaped cohesive gel implants in the USA and thousands of women have used these implants for breast reconstruction and breast enhancement. Because of these studies and the wider use of the highly cohesive gel breast implants, numerous plastic surgeons in the United States gained significant experience on the “best use practices” for the cohesive implants to get the best results possible. What we learned is that what works great for some patients, may not work so well for others. That one implant does not fit all women.
So, what are the advantages of the round highly cohesive gel implants over other round breast implants? Because the cohesive gel breast implant maintains its shape better against gravity, the filler material tends not to “bottom out” into the lower pole of the breast when compared to other round silicone gel- filled implants when the woman is sitting or standing. In the right patient, the round cohesive implants can give their breasts a more stable, fuller upper pole. Round cohesive gel implants are less likely to ripple or pucker when compared to their less cohesive implants. However, because of their increased cohesivity, these implants are firmer and less mobile than their earlier counterparts. This is something plastic surgeons noted working with the earlier shaped cohesive gel implants and something that not every woman desires.
So, how do you choose if the new round cohesive gel implant is right for you? Well, the best option is meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is familiar with all the various types and shapes of breast implants and based on their experience and your examination will recommend the optimal implant to meet your goals.
Make an appointment with our board-certified plastic surgeons at St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery to see the latest breast implant.
Herluf Lund M.D.
Secretary to the Board of Directors-The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Partner-St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery Inc.
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