Breast Implant FAQ Los Angeles

Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions regarding the many types of breast implants. This page will help you on your journey of picking the best implant for you.

Dr. Schwartz showing patient breast implants

For our valued patients of The Schwartz Aesthetic Institute Notice of our office policy on mammograms

For your health and safety, we require a current mammogram prior to breast surgery. Before their consultation for an elective breast procedure, patients who are 40 or older must provide our office with a copy of their current mammogram report. Mammogram results are valid for one year. Your mammogram results must be received 30 days before your consultation. Your results can be easily uploaded directly to your patient portal or faxed to our office. We will confirm your appointment once your report has been received. Your consultation will be postponed if we haven’t received your results 30 days before your consultation appointment.

Determining the right implant for your needs

While surgical expertise, as well as your own input, will play a large role in determining your breast augmentation results, the type of breast implants you choose will also have a major effect on the procedure’s outcome. Breast size, angle, shape, symmetry, projection and scar placement are just a few of the aesthetic variables that will be involved during the implant selection process. Some women may desire only minimal changes, while others seek more dramatic enhancement. How authentic the breast feels to the touch is another focus, as many woman are concerned about their partner’s reaction to breast augmentation surgery.

Clients may also question how their implants will affect breastfeeding. Rest assured that Dr. Schwartz and Dr. Stark spend a great deal of quality time with each patient in order to carefully decide the best course of action that will achieve your goals and wishes. Knowledge is empowerment, which is why the doctor insists on frank transparency at every stage of the process while providing a wealth of invaluable information both in person and online. Your implants are customized to your precise anatomy and lifestyle, achieving a unique and visually stunning bust that exudes youthful beauty.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each implant type?

Saline:

Saline implants consist of a silicone shell that is inflated with salt water once the implant is placed in its capsule. This means that only a minimal incision is required, reducing both scarring and post-operative downtime. Because a different amount of liquid can be added in each breast, saline implants may be an ideal solution for those clients suffering from breast asymmetry, whether due to genetic factors, illness or injury. Saline implants also offer a high degree of safety; if any leakage does occur, the body simply absorbs the salt water, flushing it out during the normal elimination process. On the other side of the coin, saline implants may be less authentic to the touch than their silicone counterparts.

Silicone:

Silicone breast implants are comprised of a firm, silicone gel and are known for their ability to mimic human breast tissue, creating a graceful and natural silhouette. Unlike with saline, their shape cannot be altered once implanted; however, this is remedied by the wide array of silicone implant sizes to choose from.

The downside of silicone implants is that they require larger incisions and therefore produce more visible scarring and post-op recovery time. In addition, they are typically more costly, and carry a slightly higher risk of complications such as capsular contracture.

“Gummy Bear”:

These form-stable silicone gummy bear breast implants are among the newest on the market and have quicken grown in popularity – both locally in Los Angeles and around the world – since their introduction in 2013. This trend is due to their tapered, tear-drop contours, firm, natural feel and overall safety. All three Gummy Bear manufacturers – Allergan, Mentor and Sientra – offer a vast, versatile range of implant sizes, shapes and textures so that your result can be highly personalized, complementing your current physique. Furthermore, thanks to their innate cohesive stability, Gummy Bear implants are not known to leak, lose their shape, or shift in position. With all these advantages however, comes a typically higher price tag.