Westlake Village Plastic Surgeon On How to Choose the Right Breast Implants
Westlake Village, CA – Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in America, and there are many decisions to be made when considering breast implant options. Dr. Michael R. Schwartz, a plastic surgeon in Thousand Oaks and the Westlake Village area, makes breast surgery a central focus of his practice. A national educator for both Sientra and Mentor® Corporation, two major breast implant manufacturers in the U.S., Dr. Schwartz says the most ideal size, type, and shape of breast implant for the individual patient is dependent on her physical anatomy, ultimate breast augmentation goals, and the best way to achieve results that look beautiful, but also natural. “Each patient is unique, and the key to choosing the correct implant is to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, preferably someone who is an expert in breast surgery who can give you all the options you need.”
Dr. Schwartz says there are six things to keep in mind when choosing between breast implants: the company that manufactures the specific implant; the surface of the implant (smooth or textured); the shape of the implant, and how it can best fit one’s physical anatomy; the projection of the implant; implant volume, which will determine the size; and the implant’s base diameter, which Dr. Schwartz says may be the most important measurement in order to ensure it will fit properly on the patient’s frame.
Dr. Schwartz notes that he guides patients in their decision-making process based on what he believes will offer the best possible results for their overall body frame, taking a number of aesthetic and physical aspects into account. “The most important patient characteristic I consider when recommending a specific type of breast implant is her size goals. After that, you must consider her natural anatomy, symmetry, and the shape of the breast. The idea is to create the best version of each patient’s own breast that you can.”
For many patients, Dr. Schwartz says he often recommends textured, anatomically shaped breast implants over smooth implants. “Besides a more beautiful result, the use of textured implants helps me control the shape and position of the breasts in a way that I find more reliable and longer-lasting than smooth implants.” However, he reiterates, the type of implant that’s best for one’s needs and goals will ultimately depend on each patient.
During the initial consultation at Dr. Schwartz’ practice, he shares pictures of results from specific implants and utilizes the Mentor™ Volumetric sizing system and the VECTRA® 3D imaging system to help patients visualize the potential results of different types of implants and give them a better idea of what they may look like after the procedure. Dr. Schwartz says by meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon, women who are considering breast augmentation can be presented with the choices and given thorough explanations of how each option can be advantageous or disadvantageous to their goals. He says by exploring how certain implants can benefit their individual needs, patients can increase the chance of having beautiful results.
