Fat grafts and textured implants enhance breast augmentation

I recently attended the 2015 Atlanta Breast Symposium sponsored by the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. This annual conference is the premier event for new products and technology specific to breast surgery. The symposium features live procedures, scientific paper presentations and follow-up exhibits from the previous year’s live surgeries. Each year, I spend time with industry colleagues exploring what’s on the horizon, so I can implement what’s immediately applicable to my practice.

Takeaways from the 2015 Symposium:

Surgeons are seeing increased efficacy and safety of simultaneous breast augmentation using implants with fat grafting. This composite augmentation of the breast yields both improved aesthetic outcomes as well as enhanced long-term results. Fantastic breast augmentation is created when there’s appropriate soft tissue coverage and support of the implant. I was already an advocate of fat grafting to revise existing implants. Going forward, I’ll offer implants with simultaneous fat grafting to my patients for an even more natural silhouette and better support.

Textured, shaped highly cohesive silicone gel implants were a hot topic at this year’s symposium. I was an early adopter of these breast devices and continue to expand their use on a case-by-case basis. They’ve proven to be very beneficial in providing optimal results in certain circumstances for both primary and revision surgeries in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.

The debate over the use of smooth versus textured implants continues. Many surgeons prefer a smooth round silicone implant, because the experience with textured saline implants was not favorable. However, European surgeons have utilized textured silicone for many years with good success. My experience with the textured, shaped highly cohesive gel devices has been very rewarding. It’s my opinion that the texturing may benefit women who might be at risk for the implants drifting from their ideal position. Several papers were presented that support my clinical opinion.

The future is bright for women who choose breast augmentation. There are more options available than ever before to achieve your desired aesthetic. I look forward to discussing these exciting new techniques and products with you.

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