Breast Implants Archives - Scott Mosser M.D.

Breast implant rupture, whether it’s saline or silicone, is a potential risk following breast augmentation with implants. During your personal consultation with Dr. Mosser before the surgery, it is best to learn everything there is to know about breast implant rupture, particularly when it comes to detecting the early signs. After all, a well-informed decision is one of the key factors in achieving desired outcomes.

When Saline Implants Rupture

Rupture of saline (saltwater) implants are easy to detect because it deflates quickly, resulting to a sudden change in size or shape of the breasts. When this happens, the saline solution is absorbed into the body which is typically harmless unless there is bacteria or fungus that developed within the implant and potentially cause an infection.

When Silicone Implants Rupture

In contrast to the sudden deflation of saline implants, a silicone implant rupture is quite subtle. For this reason, cases of silicone implant rupture go unnoticed during the initial period. In some cases, the rupture is only detected once the silicone implant is removed.

Two things can happen in silicone implant leaks: the silicone will stay within the capsule (intracapsular) or the silicone filling can leak out of the capsule and make their way via the lymphatic network to neighboring organs such as the lungs.

Ways to Find Out Implant Rupture

A saline implant rupture is recognizable for its sudden deflation and a succeeding abrupt change in the size and shape of the breasts.

With silicone implant ruptures, there could be swelling, pain, tenderness, numbness, tingling or a burning sensation. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is considered the most accurate test for detecting rupture in silicone implants.

“Overall, MRI was 94 percent accurate in detecting ruptured implants, compared to 72 percent accuracy for ultrasound. Magnetic resonance imaging also had a lower “false-negative” rate: five percent, compared to nine percent with ultrasound. Thus MRI was less likely to miss a ruptured implant, compared to ultrasound.

However, both tests performed well in correctly indicating when implants weren’t ruptured. The “negative predictive value” was 94 percent with MRI and 85 percent with ultrasound.”

Conclusively, breast implant ruptures are rare. However, being vigilant of the signs of rupture is still important following surgery. For more information on possible risks and complications following breast augmentation, call 415.398.7778 to schedule an appointment today!
Making the decision to have breast augmentation involves a lot of micro-decisions. You will have to choose which breast implant type suits you well, the type of incision, and implant placement. A subglandular placement is commonly performed at Dr. Mosser’s practice. Read on to learn why!

Reduced Risk of Motion Deformity

Implants placed via the subglandular positioning means that the implant is placed on top of the pectoralis (chest) muscle and behind the breast gland. Many prefer this implant placement because it prevents motion deformity or animation of the implants, a common occurrence where the implants appear too obvious, particularly during arm movements that involve chest muscle contraction.

Easier Detection of Capsular Contracture

Furthermore, subglandular positioning makes capsular contracture easy to detect. Ideally, a breast implant is surrounded by a thin or transparent capsule, allowing the implant to move freely. However, a capsular contracture occurs when the capsule tightens and thickens within the implant resulting to an odd-looking, constricted look.

A Natural Lift

Apart from producing a more natural-looking outcome, placing implants above the pectoralis chest muscle and beneath the breast tissue gives the breast a significant amount of boost. This is ideal for women who have a considerable amount of drooping in their breasts.

Let us help you figure out if a subglandular placement is ideal for your breast enhancement surgery, Call 415.398.7778 to schedule an appointment today!
After making the decision to have breast augmentation, you also need to make micro-decisions specific to the procedure. Choosing which breast implant type, size, and shape is one of these micro-decisions. An overview of the different implant choices below can help you figure out which ones will suit your aesthetic goals and preferences.

Saline Implants

These implants are made of saline with an outer silicone shell and are approved by the FDA for women who are over 18 years of age. They only require tiny incisions (which is actually an advantage due to less likelihood of obvious scarring) as the saline is only injected once the implant is put into place. An implant rupture from saline implants does not pose any health risk because the sterile saline solution will be naturally absorbed by the body.

Other advantages of saline implants include the following:
- generally expensive than silicone implants
- typically has a firmer feel than their silicon counterparts
- available in various projections to suit different breast shapes
Silicone Implants

Approved by the FDA for women who are 22 years of age, silicone implants are preferred by many because they have a more natural feel and look than their saline counterparts. These implants are pre-filled with silicone gel which requires larger incisions than saline implants.

Silicone implants also have the added benefits:
- breast implant rupture and rippling rarely happen in silicone implants
- silicone implants give the upper breast a more normal sloped appearance which makes it look more natural
- silicone implants typically last longer than saline implants
Gummy Bear Implants

These implants are also known as cohesive gel silicone implants and are approved by the FDA for women who are 22 years old and above. The silicone in these implants have a gummy bear-like consistency and are usually thicker than traditional silicone implants. The firm nature of gummy bear implants can either be perceived as a benefit or a drawback. It becomes a benefit because it provides for a more natural feel while it becomes a drawback because it requires larger incisions to be inserted.

Teardrop vs. Round Implants

Teardrop implants offer the most natural look and feel because they create a sloped appearance similar to that of natural breasts. However, they require the skills of a surgeon who have lots of experience in placing teardrop implants. If the pocket in which the implant is inserted is not correctly done, the implant will most likely flip resulting to a misshapen-looking breast.

On the other hand, round implants are ideal for women who want to have soft, fuller, and well-proportioned breasts which can emphasize cleavage. However, they can look more artificial than teardrop implants.

Talking To Your Breast Augmentation Surgeon

If you live in San Francisco and neighboring areas and would like to learn more about your breast implant options, call us at 415.398.7778 or fill out this contact form today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to your visit!
Many women who visit us for the first time here at our San Francisco plastic surgery practice for a breast augmentation consultation would often express their concern about scarring after the procedure. Although scarring after having breast implants can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, sun exposure, and smoking habits, the incision you choose in implant placement plays a significant role on the amount of scarring post-breast augmentation.

Why Choose the Inframammary Incision for the Least Amount of Scarring

Generally, there are 4 types of incision used in breast augmentation: underneath the breast folds (inframammary incision), around the areola (periareolar), in the armpit (transaxillary), and around the belly button (periumbilical).

Of all four types, the inframammary incision offers the advantage of the least amount of scarring possible after placement of breast implants. The incision made underneath the breast folds ranges between 2.5 to 5 cm in length. Consequently, a pocket is created in which the implant is carefully positioned just behind the nipple. The implant can be either placed in front or behind the chest muscle.

On the whole, the inframammary incision offers the following advantages:
- Inconspicuous scarring (usually a thinner flatter scar in comparison to the transaxillary approach).
- Versatility, as it can be used in either silicone or saline implants.
- Direct placement of the implant in comparison to other approaches. Proper placement and good symmetry will most likely result from this advantage. Reduced risk of hematoma and infection than the transumbilical approach.
- The incision site can be re-used in case revision breast augmentation is necessary e.g. when an implant has significantly shifted on the chest wall.
Let Us Help You Make the Incision Decision!

Ultimately, deciding on which incision to use is up to you. A combination of finesse, skills, and vast experience in breast enhancement surgery makes Dr. Mosser a top choice when looking for the right breast augmentation surgeon in San Francisco and neighboring areas. He is genuinely passionate in helping women look and feel good with themselves through plastic surgery.

Call us at 415.398.7778 or fill out this contact form today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you improve your life through cosmetic surgery!
Every so often, women who visit us during initial consultations here at our Union Square plastic surgery practice will ask us about the activities they can and cannot do after their breast augmentation surgery. “How soon can I drive after I have my breast implants?” is one of the most common questions that Dr. Mosser encounters from these women about last year’s most popular surgical cosmetic procedure.

If you’re one of these women who have decided to take the plunge and enjoy your new life with a more proportional and youthful look, read on below to learn when is exactly the best time to resume driving following breast augmentation.

No Driving Immediately After Surgery

Breast augmentation with implants is generally performed with general anesthesia. This means you will be groggy or may feel unsteady hours after the surgery. However, such feeling will most likely dissipate as the anesthesia wears off. Thus, you are not to drive your way home after surgery. It is best to have someone drive you to and from the clinic or hospital and stay with you during the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery.

No Driving Until You’re Done with Your Pain Medications

In addition to anesthesia concerns, you are also not to drive until you are done with your pain medications. Narcotics in particular can potentially slow down your reaction time and impair your coordination which in turn will increase your chances of road mishaps. Generally, majority of our patients here at our practice find themselves not requiring pain medications between 1-2 weeks following surgery.

All things considered, you are totally safe to drive once you’re pain-free and feel like driving yourself. However, we encourage you to have someone stay with you during your initial return to driving and make sure that you are comfortable in turning your head and shoulders to check the motorists behind. It may also work best if you avoid very long drives for the first few weeks following surgery.

Last, we encourage you to get in touch with Dr. Mosser and wait for his go-ahead and signal that you can already hit the road.

Your Personalized Breast Augmentation Recovery Plan by Dr. Mosser

Dr. Mosser does more than perform breast augmentation surgery. He takes the time to create a personalized breast augmentation plan for you, including your recovery, that is in parallel with the change you want to see.

Call us at 415.398.7778 or fill out this contact form to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve the body shape you’ve always wanted!