You may have your aesthetic goals clearly in mind when beginning your research, but there are many choices to make and different options to take to reach those goals. Dr. Rios, awarded Allergan’s Black Diamond status for the top 5% of breast augmentations practices, will guide you through those choices and the selection of those options that will best match your aesthetic goals. While Dr. Rios will review this information with you during your consultation, it’s helpful to have an understanding of the basics.
Which implant is best for me?
“I offer my patients the option of saline and silicone gel implants. They each have their benefits and disadvantages, and I will explain how they apply to you personally during our consultation,” explains Dr. Rios, McAllen’s “Favorite Plastic Surgeon.”
Both types of implants are a polymer-based shell filled to an appropriate size based on your goals with either saline or silicone gel. Saline is a sterile solution of water and salt, while silicone is a synthetic viscous material. The choice of which filler to use will depend greatly on your aesthetic goals, lifestyle, and anatomy. The Food and Drug Administration approves both fillers for use in implants; saline is approved for women 18 years old and up, while silicone is approved for 22 years old and up.
“Saline-filled implants generally require smaller incisions for insertion because the shell is inserted empty and then filled to the desired size once correct placement has been achieved,” explains Dr. Rios, a member of the Clinical Faculty of the University of Texas San Antonio. “Silicone gel-filled implants can come in a variety of shapes from anatomical, to teardrop, to round. Comparatively, the latest generation of silicone gel implants result in a more natural, softer-feeling augmented breast. Together we’ll select the type of implant that complements your existing mammary tissue and is right for your lifestyle.”
What are the Incision Options?
“There are a lot of choices, because we want an individualized result. During your consultation with me, we’ll discuss and evaluate the options together,” says Dr. Rios, once named Tulane University’s “Best All Around Surgery Resident.”
How can I know what size implant I need?
The final and most important decision is choosing the size of the implant. This is a very personal decision and we pride ourselves on helping our patients achieve the look they want. To that end, we use two methods that help the patient select the “right” size. First, we place the implants in a fitted shirt and bra so that you can see how the implant works with your natural curves. Placing implants in a bra is one of the easiest and most effective ways for patients to truly get a feel for the physical size of the implant, its weight, and the immediate effect the implants have on the patient’s silhouette.
3D Imaging to Help you Choose
After our patients feel comfortable with a particular range of sizes, we then use the Vectra 3D Imaging System so that you can see how the implants may appear on your frame. After all, each woman has her own unique curves and shape, and trying to find your shape on the internet or in our before and after photos is often difficult. With 3D imaging, our patients can simulate results of breast augmentation using different sizes.
“You can see a simplified version of this 3D sizing simulation by using the tool on this website. However, the 3D imaging available in our office is much more sophisticated and can help greatly in the decision-making process,” says Dr. Rios, Edinburg native and high school valedictorian. Call today for a consultation, to see our facilities and meet our staff.
“Call. Come to the office,” says Dr. Rios. “We’ll take care of you.”