Breast prostheses

Types of prostheses

There are different types of breast implants available, each with its own unique features and benefits.

Round prostheses

Round implants are for patients who wish to achieve a pronounced cleavage. These implants provide a uniform increase in breast volume, both in the upper and lower part, thus creating a more prominent appearance throughout the cleavage area. They are usually indicated for those who already have a well-formed base breast and only want to increase projection and gain cleavage. Round implants allow us to reduce complications of displacement or rotation of the implant (since it is round, if it rotates, it does not affect the result).

Anatomical prostheses

Anatomical implants, known as "teardrop" or "water drop" implants, provide a more natural visual result and imitate the natural shape of the breast, with more volume at the bottom and a soft projection towards the top. They are for women who want a subtle and discreet increase, with a gradual transition from the base to the neckline. On the other hand, they tend to be a little more rigid to maintain their shape and have a risk of rotation (something very rare), and if they were to rotate they would deform the breast. Another negative point is that when the patient lies down, the implant does not change shape and remains "teardrop-shaped."

Ergonomic prostheses

Ergonomic prostheses are designed to imitate the natural feel of the breast, they are the softest and best conceal the touch. They have several advantages due to their round shape and the versatility of their gel. Due to their physical characteristics, when the patient stands up, the silicone gel moves and generates a more complete projection in the lower part and a smooth transition towards the upper part. When lying down, they return to their rounded shape, therefore they behave more naturally than an anatomical prosthesis. In addition, they allow us to reduce complications due to displacement or rotation of the implant (since it is round, if it rotates, it does not affect the result).

Where can breast implants be placed?

Under the muscle (also called submuscular or subpectoral implant)): This is the majority of our cases. Among the most common ways of placing a prosthesis under the muscle, the most commonly used is the dual plane, where 50-75% of the prosthesis is covered by the muscle and 25-50% by the lower part of the mammary gland.
Above the muscle or subglandular implant (directly under the mammary gland) or subfascial (under the first layer surrounding the pectoralis major muscle). This technique is less common, but in certain patients it has certain advantages that must be assessed in each case.

Through what incisions can a breast prosthesis be placed?

Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages and the important thing is to individualize each case to obtain the best result in a personalized way.

There are three main routes:

The main advantage of this approach is that it does not leave visible scars on the breast (it is placed in the armpit). The disadvantage is that it can reduce the precision with which the prosthetic pocket is created and the breast prosthesis is placed.

This approach is indicated when the shape or size of the areolar area needs to be modified. In other cases, in our opinion, there is no reason to use it, since it creates a more visible scar that lacks the advantages of the scar in the submammary fold.

EThis is the most common way to place them, since the scar behind is very well hidden in the fold under the breast and it is the way that gives us greater precision, speed and safety to place the implant where and how we want it. As it does not require going through the mammary gland, it is a cleaner surgery and reduces the risk of complications. In addition, as it does not affect the anatomical structure of the mammary gland, it is the way that best preserves sensitivity and the ability to breastfeed.