Breast implants come in a wide range of materials, shapes and sizes to suit individual needs. Implants can be filled with either saline or cohesive-gel, and the shape can be round or ‘anatomical’. An A cup breast with a 250-270cc implant gives a B cup breast. Using a 330-370cc implant gives a C cup breast. The actual width of a woman’s chest from the edge of the sternum (breast bone) to the outer edge of the pectoral muscle determines the maximum size implant.
During consultation: It is essential to have two consultations and a thorough examination . Your measurements will be taken and the correct implant size and shape will be determined. You are welcome to try a selection of sizes in your bra to get an idea of how your breasts would look and feel. The surgeon’s experience and guidance during the decision-making process is very important in gauging the right size and shape for you. You will also be shown before and after surgery photographs, and you can take home information to read and discuss with those close to you.
Additonal Information From the “Plastic Surgery News” Special Bulletin – American Society of Plastic Surgeons
FDA issues white paper on silicone breast implant safety
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday issued an updated white paper on the safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants. ASPS agrees with the FDA statement that “silicone gel-filled breast implants have a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness when used as labeled,” and it accepts the Agency’s position that women who receive silicone gel-filled breast implants for reconstructive or cosmetic purposes will need to monitor the devices over their lifetime. Both the FDA and ASPS agree that breast implants are not lifetime devices.
ASPS believes that the FDA white paper is informative and will be a fruitful resource for plastic surgeons – as well as for patients considering reconstructive or cosmetic breast augmentation.
ASPS shares the FDA’s view in the white paper that more than 90 percent of patients are satisfied with their outcomes from breast implantation and report an improved quality of life.
ASPS has collaborated – and will continue to collaborate – with the FDA to ensure that science forms the basis for all decision-making on breast implants, as well as all other medical devices. The Society supports post-market breast implant surveillance and ongoing data collection related to the safety and efficacy of breast implants. ASPS will continue to reiterate that patient safety is its No. 1 priority.
The FDA has provided the following links to related documents:
FDA – Breast Implants
Update on the Safety of Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants (2011) – Executive Summary
The FDA also has made available a Consumer Update that contains current and background information on breast implants, as well as other links to additional documents and FAQs.
ASPS has posted additional resources for members and consumers on its website at plasticsurgery.org.
The Society is determined to work collaboratively with the FDA to ensure that plastic surgery patients, consumers and ASPS members are provided the information they need to make informed decisions.