Getting to Know Dr. Rapaport and his Thoughts on Breast Augmentation, Silent Rupture, and why he Likes the IDEAL IMPLANT®

by | Nov 8, 2018 | Breast Implant Education Center, Breast Implant Options, Testimonials - Surgeons

Manhattan women have a lot of options when it comes to their plastic surgeon. Getting to know doctors through interviews, like this recent interview with Dr. David Rapaport, are a great way to get a feel for their personality and practice. Read more to get to know Dr. Rapaport and his thoughts on the new IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants.

Tell us a little bit about you and your practice.

I’ve been in practice for about 25 years, and in private practice in Manhattan for 20 years. I perform a wide range of plastic surgery procedures from face to breast to body on both men and women. I’ve developed quite a following in terms of my breast enhancement practice. Which includes primary augmentation as well as secondary breast work.”

Why do you think women choose your practice over other options?

“I look at a breast augmentation consultation as an educational process, with the necessity being that the patient learn about her options. Most people who come in for a consultation aren’t truly informed of their options and the trade-offs involved. I take into consideration a woman’s concerns and anatomy, and then I educate her in terms of what her options are. I try to honestly portray the pluses and minuses with each option so that she can make the best decision for her.”

What is the process like for a woman coming in for her first breast augmentation consultation?

“When a woman is having a breast augmentation for the first time, it’s very important for her to understand what her choices are in terms of implants. I was training in plastic surgery in 1990 when the FDA said not to use silicone gel implants for anything other than breast reconstruction. That remained true until 2006. Because of that, I learned very quickly in the 90’s how to use saline implants. Soon after I finished training, endoscopic plastic surgery hit the scene. I was one of the developers of endoscopic breast augmentation, which means putting implants in through the underarm. The saline implant is a very attractive implant because it can be rolled into a small cigar shape and put in through a very small scar. It is a wonderful implant when hiding behind the right breast. The issue with saline implants is that in some patients there were issues with rippling which could be visible. They also didn’t feel that natural. The other problem with it was a relatively high rupture rate.

“It is for these reasons that when the IDEAL IMPLANT came on the market I was very attracted to it from the beginning. This implant gives you the best of both worlds with its structure and design. Many women are concerned about implant safety. I respect the FDA greatly, but it tends to change its mind. We don’t always know the truth because the truth evolves in terms of our perception and over time. So many women look at silicone gel in a similar light and worry that the FDA says silicone gel is fine and harmless now, but who knows in 10 years if it will be? A woman that isn’t so comfortable with silicone gel now has a really, really good option that gives her the peace of mind of no silicone gel in her body and yet having an implant with an exceptionally low rupture rate, a very, very good feel, a very natural appearance, and no worrying about ripples. The IDEAL IMPLANT really presents a solution that the more I educate my patients on, the more I see that it’s a great solution for many, many women.”

How did you hear about the IDEAL IMPLANT ?

“The first time I learned about the IDEAL IMPLANT was at a plastic surgery meeting. I met Dr. Hamas and he explained to me what it was. I immediately was attracted to this implant. I learned about a couple of my peers who were already involved, and it was a very natural step for me to get involved as well.”

What’s been your overall impression of the IDEAL IMPLANT ?

“I’ve been using the IDEAL IMPLANT for about three years and my experience has been very positive. It’s an implant that’s well presented, the educational materials and samples are good. The insertion is really straightforward, and it’s a foolproof device in terms of how the surgeon can use it. Because I’m very familiar with saline implants, the process of adopting the  IDEAL IMPLANT was a very easy process.”

What has been your experience with the IDEAL IMPLANT as far as patient satisfaction?

“My patients’ responses are uniformly positive. I have augmented patients through every approach you can imagine and am very well known for the endoscopic approach. Being able to insert the IDEAL IMPLANT empty allows for a smaller incision, which makes it a very attractive component of what I can offer my patients.”

Do you feel like IDEAL IMPLANT compares nicely with other options you’ve used?

“Based on my experience, I would say the IDEAL IMPLANT is an excellent option. Patients like the look and the feel. Above all they really like the peace of mind of knowing that they haven’t done anything they might regret down the road or that if there is a rupture, the process of replacing it is easier than with other implants that rupture.”

Anything else you want to mention about your practice?

“I love being a doctor, I love being a surgeon. It all started with my residency at Harvard in general surgery. My mentor there taught me to listen to my patients. You need to understand that there is no all-purpose algorithm for treatment. Treatments need to be customized based on the concerns and values of the patients. I find that too many doctors these days do everything on a reflex action. That’s overly simplistic and it’s simply wrong. Patients need a variety of options.

“I think our practice stands out because we very much individualize our treatments. I’m very proud to be able to offer minimally invasive treatments that hide scars. I’m proud that I do virtually all my liposuction, and the vast majority of my facelifts, under IV sedation. I tell you to take a deep breath, roll over, and I beat the chances of airway problems or blood clot. I enjoy the act of surgery as well as the relationships with the patients that occur from the whole process. So I guess I’m a pretty happy guy.”

Considering breast implants in Manhattan? Contact Dr. Rapaport today to discuss your options. Simply call 212-249-9955 or visit www.parkavenueplasticsurgeon.com. Dr. Rapaport’s office is located at 905 5th Avenue (@72nd Street) New York, NY 10021. Call today for more information on IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants.