Breast Implants - San Antonio, Texas

Women looking to enhance the size and shape of their breasts often turn to breast augmentation. Through the insertion of a breast implant, patients are able to alter their breasts to the desired size and shape. At Accent Plastic Surgery, P.A., we offer an array of choices when it comes to breast implants at our San Antonio practice. Our board-certified and highly experienced plastic surgeon, Sheryl Pilcher, has an intimate understanding of the female form, and can recommend the proper breast implant and placement procedure for your particular case. During a personal consultation, Dr. Pilcher will review the procedure and detail the available options for breast implants.

 

Types of Breast Implants

There are two types of breast implants available at our San Antonio practice: silicone and saline. Each type comes in a variety of sizes, round or anatomical shapes, and textured or smooth surfaces.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants consist of a silicone outer shell pre-filled with a silicone gel. Once thought to be more prone to capsular contracture (the rejection of foreign matter by the immune system), silicone has since been proven safe and bio-compatible. Many believe silicone breast implants provide better cosmetic results than saline, particularly for women with little breast tissue.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are comprised of a thick silicone shell that is filled with a saline solution after it has been implanted. Since the saline implants are filled during surgery, they may be placed through a smaller incision than silicone implants. An advantage of saline implants is that any potential rupture or deflation will be noticeable in a short time, allowing for quick treatment. However, it is widely accepted that saline implants are more apt to cause cosmetic issues, such as rippling, than their silicone counterparts.

Prior to implantation, it is crucial that patients understand the many options available with breast implants, along with their risks and benefits. Some patients prefer anatomically shaped breast implants, which create a more natural tear-drop shape for the breast. However, some patients prefer round implants without a defined shape, which will not appear noticeably different if shifting does occur. The surface type of the breast implant is yet another decision that must be made. There are textured as well as smooth breast implants. Textured implants, with a rough surface, are intended to remain in one place, and not shift following surgery; it is believed that the textured surface may reduce the chances of capsular contracture. Smooth implants are intended to move within the pocket, and some patients believe they feel less noticeable within the body.

Breast Implant Placement

Depending on the patient’s needs and goals, the incision through which the implant is placed can be made under the breast (inframammary), around the nipple (periareolar), in the armpit (transaxillary), or through the belly button (transumbilical). If a saline implant is used, the incision may be smaller since the implant is not filled until after placement. The location of the breast implant pocket must also be determined; it may be placed either under (subpectoral) or over (subglandular) the pectoralis major muscle.

Learn More about Breast Implants

For those looking to enhance the size and shape of their breasts, there is no better solution than breast implants from the San Antonio practice of Accent Plastic Surgery, P.A. As a female plastic surgeon, Sheryl Pilcher has a personal understanding of the challenges, questions, and concerns facing her breast implant patients. Dr. Pilcher will work with you to tailor a treatment plan that is ideal for your individual needs and desires. Please contact our cosmetic surgery practice today to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Sheryl Pilcher.

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