The Right Time for Breast Implant Surgery

by | Feb 10, 2020 | Plastic Surgeon Feature, Testimonials - Clients

Are you considering breast augmentation surgery? Breast augmentation has one of the highest satisfaction rates of any plastic surgery procedure, and Realself patients give breast augmentations a 98% “Worth It” rating. The American Society of Plastic Surgery reports over 313,000 patients received a breast augmentation in 2018, making it the top cosmetic surgery procedure. In a recent RealSelf review of her breast augmentation with the IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implant a patient of Dr. Dallas Buchanan wrote, “After a long time waiting I was finally able to get them… They look awesome and I love them!! totally worth the wait and pain . . .” If you are on the fence about getting a breast augmentation, what is stopping you? Some women worry about breast implant cost, feel anxious about surgery, or do not want to go through the pain of recovery. You should never feel pressured to conform to a certain beauty standard, but it is also important to take into account how much time and energy you spend thinking about how you look. Weigh the benefits and compromises of getting a breast augmentation versus feeling self conscious about your body. You have the power to change the things you don’t like about your body. If you’re considering a breast augmentation here is some information to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Saline and Silicone Breast Implants: What You Need to Know

In the past, women had only two options for implants; unstructured saline and silicone gel. Each type is constructed with a solid silicone shell filled with saline or silicone gel. Saline implants are filled with saline, or saltwater, which is naturally absorbed by the body if the implant ruptures. Additionally, if the implant ruptures it will deflate and the patient will know immediately what has happened by looking in the mirror. However, the unstructured saline implant does not feel natural and tends to ripple or wrinkle under the skin.

Silicone gel breast implants address the issue of natural feel by filling the implant with thick, sticky silicone gel. Silicone gel provides a soft, natural feel and upper pole support. However, if a silicone gel implant ruptures the patient will be unaware, this is known as a “silent rupture.” The FDA recommends removing a ruptured silicone gel implant along with all leaked silicone gel that is in contact with the tissues. The possibility of a silent rupture can give women anxiety about the status of their breast implants.

The Latest Breast Implant Technology

The newest implants on the market are the IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Saline Breast Implants. The IDEAL IMPLANT was created by a plastic surgeon to address the compromises women had to make when choosing between unstructured saline and silicone gel implants. The IDEAL IMPLANT is made with a solid silicone shell, like the other implant options. However, what sets this new implant apart is its internal design of two chambers and nested shell layers. The implant is filled with only saline, giving women peace of mind, since saline is harmlessly absorbed in case of a rupture. The internal structure gives the IDEAL IMPLANT stability and the soft, natural feel that is typically associated with silicone gel. 

Comparing Breast Implant Cost

When you budget for your breast augmentation how much do you need to set aside? Realself reports the average price of a breast augmentation is $6,000-$7,000. However, to get a full picture of what you will pay out of pocket you need to factor in more than just your primary augmentation. Keep in mind that cosmetic surgery and any care associated with a cosmetic procedure is typically not covered by insurance. This is especially important for women undergoing breast augmentation because of the long term maintenance recommended for silicone gel breast implants.

Because of the risk of silent rupture, the FDA recommends women with silicone gel implants get MRI scans every two years to ensure their implants are intact. If you are considering silicone gel implants, you should factor in these regular MRI scans to your total costs. Most insurance companies do not cover MRIs related to cosmetic procedures, which leaves patients paying out of pocket for them. According to NerdWallet, the average cost of an MRI is $2,600. 

One of the benefits of the IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implant is that it is filled with only saline. Saline filling means instant rupture detection and no need for repeated, expensive MRIs. Women who choose IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implants can plan for their future without worrying about the cost of MRI scans every two years.

The Perfect Time for a Breast Augmentation

There has never been a better time to schedule your breast augmentation. With the new IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implant technology, patients have access to the benefits of saline and silicone gel in one innovative implant. Patients are reporting high levels of satisfaction with their choice of implant. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found at six years after an augmentation using IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implants the patient satisfaction rate was 89.7% for a primary breast augmentation, and 91.6% for a replacement augmentation. Surgeon satisfaction rates were 92.6% for primary augmentations and 94.0% for replacement augmentations. Patients on Realself, like the one quoted above, give IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implants a 98% “Worth It” rating. With this new technology long term breast implant cost is reduced, peace of mind is increased, and women enjoy a natural looking enhancement. Now is the perfect time to schedule your breast augmentation and free yourself from anxieties about your body. 

Visit Dr. Dallas Buchanan for Your Breast Augmentation

Dr. Dallas Buchanan is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He holds active membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. His education includes a rigorous five-year residency in general surgery followed by a three-year specialty fellowship training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Prior to opening his Tampa Bay private practice Dr. Buchanan practiced plastic surgery in Spokane, Washington and was an associate clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

At Dr. Buchanan’s boutique Tampa Bay plastic surgery center, Vivify Plastic Surgery, he practices cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Buchanan tailors each procedure to his patients individual needs and desires. He prides himself on staying up to date with medical research, giving his patients access to the latest safe and efficient surgical methods and technologies. Dr. Buchanan is one of the exclusive Tampa Bay plastic surgeons to offer the IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implant. 

The Realself patient quoted above visited Dr. Buchanan for her breast augmentation. In her review she praises Dr. Buchanan, saying, “I found an amazing surgeon that did a fantastic job.” If you are wondering whether or not a breast augmentation is right for you visit Dr. Buchanan today for a consultation. He will help you determine the right path to reaching your aesthetic goals. See before and after pictures of previous patients on his gallery page. To learn more about Dr. Buchanan, visit his website.

Considering breast implants in Tampa? Contact Dr. Dallas Buchanan today to discuss your options. Simply call 833-284-8439, or visit www.vivifyps.com. Dr. Buchanan’s office is located at 1000 West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida, 33606. Call today for more information on IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implants.