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Types of Implants
We offer two types of implants:
- saline
- cohesive gel.
There are advantages for each of the two types and the decision to choose one over the other is not cut and dried.
Saline Implants
Saline prostheses can be implanted using an endoscope and entering through a small incision under the arm leaving no scar in the breast area, which is a significant advantage. Unfortunately, this advantage is offset by several disadvantages that are hard to ignore (the shape, feeling, and behavior of the implant leave much to be desired). We would be pleased to review this option with you and go over in greater detail all of the factors and considerations of this implant option.
Presently, there are very few surgeons in the world that routinely use saline implants as their first choice.
Cohesive Gel Implants
Cohesive gel implants are much more popular than saline implants. Currently in our practice, 95% of patients opt for gel implants.
These implants have been available since 1992 in Europe and since 2000 in Canada and are enjoying a long and strong record of satisfaction and excellent results. Cohesive gel implants are available in several styles. The beauty of these implants is that there are over 500 styles and shapes which implies that each implant is practically “made to measure” for each patient’s body style.
Because of the variety of shapes and sizes available as well as the structures of our own bodies, the time you spend in private consultation with Dr. Papanastasiou is extremely important. He will be in a position to make recommendations and suggestions as to which shape would best suit you.
About the Procedure
The most important considerations are your health and safety, and so your private consultation with Dr. Papanastasiou is always the first step.
There are many reasons for wanting breast augmentation. Common reasons include:
- Correcting reduced breast volume post pregnancy
- Reconstructing breasts following surgery
- Increasing cup size
- Correcting imbalance in size or symmetry of breasts.
Before the Procedure
Prior to meeting with Dr. Papanastasiou, you will have met with our nurse to document your medical history.
In a private consultation with Dr. Papanastasiou, you and he will examine all of your options, based on your goals and your expectations, in consideration of what is realistically possible, safe, and comfortable for you. Your consultation will also include a discussion of possible risks and complications.
Following your meeting with Dr. Papanastasiou, you will meet with his assistant who will answer your questions and help you to make a decision. She will also provide you with literature to take with you for referral, at your leisure.
Once you take the decision to proceed with surgery, we will give you written pre and post-operative instructions, as well as your prescriptions for medications and a requisition for blood tests (required for general anesthesia).
The Day of the Procedure
We ask you to arrive early. Our nursing staff will help you to relax, and will answer any last-minute concerns you may have.
Our anesthetist will also explain the anesthetic procedure to you in order to relieve any anxiety you may be feeling.
After the Procedure
After the procedure, you will have a stay in our recovery room of about 2 to 3 hours, until such time as you are able to leave.
- Someone needs to escort you home.
- Dr. Papanastasiou will phone you that evening to see how you are doing
- Expect some post-operative discomfort
- For the first 24 hours, we recommend that you have someone stay with you.
- On the second day, our nurse will call you to see how you are doing.
- For a few days, the area may be painful
- For a few weeks, your breasts may be swollen while you recover from the surgery.
- Within a few days, you will visit us to check on your recovery.
- For a few days, the area may feel "tight" while your body adjusts to the implants.
- For the first week, do not go to work.
- Avoid strenuous activity and exercises for at least 4 weeks.
- After the first week, resume normal light activities.
- For the first four weeks, wear a bra at all times, except to bathe or shower.
- For 4-6 weeks, avoid heavy lifting.
- We will monitor your progress and recovery for the first year
Complications
Complications are rare and most are avoided by the series of consultations, medical history and examinations that we go through together both before and after the procedure. Possible complications include:
- Bleeding
- Leaking implant
- Delayed healing (occurs more often in a person with diabetes)
- Delayed healing may also occur in smokers, persons with a history of radiation, and persons with auto-immune disease.
- Infection
- Rippling of the implant
- Residual asymmetry
- Capsular contracture
At the time of your initial consultation you will receive a detailed booklet discussing all of the above in greater detail.
VECTRA
For the past few years we have been fortunate to have a revolutionary device at our clinic. Vectra is a three dimensional imaging system that captures the patient’s present appearance and can then simulate the postoperative result on the computer screen in three dimensions.
The advantage of using this system is that, for example in breast implant surgery, the patient gets to see her result in amazingly clear and accurate detail. This technology takes all the guesswork out of the equation and allows us the opportunity to have a well informed and educated patient, which is in keeping with the philosophy of our practice.
We are able to demonstrate to the patient hundreds of different shapes and sizes of implants and make an educated decision with the patient to create the most beautiful breasts that would be harmonious with her physical features.
Breast Surgery
Breast Augmentation
Warning: These photos are published in order to provide information on the nature of the operation. They do not constitute a guarantee of result in any way. The patients have given consent for the use of these photos on the internet.
Breast Surgery
Breast Augmentation
Warning: These photos are published in order to provide information on the nature of the operation. They do not constitute a guarantee of result in any way. The patients have given consent for the use of these photos on the internet.
Breast Surgery
Breast Augmentation
Warning: These photos are published in order to provide information on the nature of the operation. They do not constitute a guarantee of result in any way. The patients have given consent for the use of these photos on the internet.
