Textured breast implant can lower capsular contracture rate

BUFFALO, NY – I just received my certification from Allergan Academy. This symposium was designed to bring you up to date on some of the latest findings on breast surgery. At this latest meeting in Seattle, Washington, data was presented to show that textured surfaced breast implants have a lower capsular contracture rate than smooth surfaced breast implants when placed under the breast tissue. Most plastic surgeons are well aware of this fact but definitive evidence was presented to confirm our clinical impressions.

Back in the ‘80s a breast implant was designed that had a textured polyurethane foam covering.  It was known as the Meme or Replicon implant.  This implant had an excellent tract record for preventing capsular contractures. Over time the polyurethane foam covering would breakdown in the body leaving the smooth breast implant.  There was a debate at that time whether the texturing of the implant or the breakdown of the polyurethane by the body caused the contractures to be less.  This debate is mute now since these implants were removed from the market and have been unavailable since the early ‘90s. Some experts believed that the polyurethane foam covered breast implants increased the risk of breast cancer in women.  One of the breakdown products of the polyurethane was a chemical called TDA.  This chemical was known to cause cancer in animals. After the completion of an FDA investigation the risk of developing cancer from polyurethane foam covered breast implants has been found to be relatively small.

 One question that was not addressed was whether a textured implant offered the same benefits when placed under the muscle.  Most practitioners agree that there is no advantage to using a textured breast implant under the muscle.  It is hypothesized that the contraction of the chest muscles acts to compress the implant and display the implant inside its pocket.  This mechanical massage appears to help prevent capsular contracture. 

Dr Todd Koch

American Society of Plastic Surgery national meeting

BUFFALO, NY – I just returned from the national meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) in Seattle, Washington.  This was a wonderful gathering of the experts in Plastic Surgery.  I was able to learn about many new approaches to treating all types of Plastic Surgery problems.   Not only did I expand my knowledge base, but I was able to review the current trends in Plastic surgery.

 During this meeting I attended Allergan Academy.  I learned many new and exciting areas in Breast implants and Breast Augmentation.   This expanded my knowledge in the field of Breast surgery which will assist me in the care of my patients.

 There were many exhibitors present.  I learned about many new products and procedures.  Many of these products will be a great addition to my practice.

 Seattle is a great city.  I recommend you visit here whenever you get a chance.  There are many wonderful sites to visit.  Definitely a city with a lot to see and do. 

Dr Todd Koch

Buffalo Breast Augmentation before and after

 So if you are looking to change the size and/or shape of your breast, please call Dr Koch at (716) 631-1220 or visit his website, www.toddbkochmd.com and setup a consultation today.

The placement of the breast implant is has been a hot topic.  There are four main placement types:

Subglandualr – The implant is placed between the breat tissue and the pectoralis muscle

Subfascial – The implant is placed in the subglanduar position, but underneath the fascia of the pectoralis muscle

Subpectoral – The implant is place underneath the pectoralis major muscle after releasing the inferior muscular attachment

Submuscular – The implant is placed below the pectoralis without release of the inferior origin of the muscle

Another major factor is the type of implant you choose:  Silicone or saline.

To know which placement is best for you, please consult a board certified plastic surgeon, like Dr Todd Koch, and schedule a consult.  Dr Todd Koch serves patients in Erie County, including Buffalo, Amherst and Williamsville.

Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures.  Silicone gel implants are being used in about half of those procedures.  Silicone gel implants offer superior naturalness, softness and significantly less palpability than saline implants.  The silicone fear is not totally forgotten and can make the decision of which implant to go with more difficult.  Fortunately, there has been no scientific evidence that supports silicone gel implants to be harmful.  The remaining concern is knowing when a silicone gel implant needs to be replaced.  The FDA recommends every 10 years, which is a very conservative and safe recomendation, however, cost sometimes creates an issue. 

For more information about breast augmentation in Buffalo, please contact Dr Todd Koch of the Amherst Cosmetic Surgery Center.  He is a board certified plastic surgeon with several years of experience.