What are the pros and cons of textured and non-textured breast implants?

Doctor's Answers 1

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Dr Terence Goh

Plastic Surgeon

The thing about textured implants is that most of the textured implants at the moment, there’s still some risk relation to ALCL. Studies have shown patients with round implants also have ALCL.

But upon clarification, they realised that these patients have had both round and textured implants before. So they’re not exactly sure if round implants do cause ALCL. But the belief is that textured implant causes it. So round implants are definitely safer.

To answer the question, I would say that I would definitely choose a round implant where possible. But that would also mean that for this group of patients, you cannot have teardrop-shaped implants. Again, we need to counsel the patients accordingly and if they insist, we need to let them know about the risk.

There is a newer implant known as the Motiva implant. So this implant is nano-textured so it’s very close to a smooth implant. It has all the smoothness on its shell without having the disadvantages of being a smooth implant. And because of the characteristics of the gel, it does behave somewhat like a teardrop-shaped implant. So that’s also another option.

Similar Questions

What is the procedure like for breast implant removal?

Breast implant removal is a simple procedure that can potentially be performed under deep sedation instead of general anaesthesia. The level of complexity depends on if it is a case of symptomatic (leak, capsular contracture etc) removal or asymptomatic (“I just want the implants out”) removal. Another consideration is if you would want fat grafting, breast lifting or even new implants at the same surgical setting.

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How do breast implants affect breastfeeding?

Breast implants used for breast augmentation these days are most commonly cohesive gel silicone implants. The polymer used is of medical-grade as opposed to industrial-grade silicone, and therefore much more biologically inert and safe. The question I often get asked by my patients with regards to breastfeeding are: Will the silicone leak into the breast milk and make it unsafe for my baby? Will engorgement be worse? Will I be able to breastfeed with the implant in place or will the milk supply be affected? The answer to the first question is a DEFINITE NO.

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