The Latest Innovation in Breast Augmentation – The Ideal Implant

The IDEAL IMPLANT is an innovative new type of implant used for breast augmentation meant to combine the safety of saline with the natural look and feel of silicone gel.

Silicone vs. Saline Implants

Although silicone breast implants were brought back to the US market in 2006, numerous women have expressed a desire for an implant that is saline-based rather than silicone-based. For women choosing saline implants, the smaller incision size, and type of filler has been the deciding factor. The downside to saline implants has been a higher rate of rippling and a slightly less natural feel. Enter the IDEAL IMPLANT.

The Ideal Implant

The IDEAL IMPLANT is referred to as the “hybrid” implant. This implant is unique in that it combines the best of both worlds. On the outside, it looks and feels like any standard breast implant. However, its edges are tapered for a contoured fit with the chest wall. On the inside, the implant has two layers, or shells. These interdependent shells work together to reduce bouncing, minimize wrinkling, and help to prevent the possible collapse of the implant’s upper portion. The implant itself is filled with saline.

FDA Testing

In 2010, the FDA began studying the IDEAL IMPLANT through a clinical trial. Once the findings from this trial are collected, a request will be submitted to the FDA to approve the IDEAL IMPLANT for nationwide use by plastic surgeons. The implant will be available to Board Certified Plastic Surgeons only and promises to add another choice to the growing breast implant lineup.

Dr. Khorsandi believes that the results of early studies are promising. 94.3% of women who received the implant during the study phase indicated that they were happy with the result.

Ideal Implant Advantages

Preliminary data from the implant demonstrated lower capsular contracture rates compared to traditional saline implants. However, the main advantage my lay in the implant’s design. The implant has internal baffles, which prevent the saline from sloshing around in the implant. In a traditional saline implant this constant fluid shifting can wear down of the tissues leading to bottoming out of the implant, and lateralization of the implant pocket – a process called the Water Hammer Effect. The IDEAL IMPLANT is designed to prevent this from happening.

Availability

While the IDEAL IMPLANT is not yet available to consumers, Dr. Khorsandi intends to offer the implant to his patients when they reach the market. In the meantime, if you are considering breast augmentation surgery we encourage you to schedule a consultation with VIP Plastic Surgery to discover your options, and have a 3D imaging consultation.