Gel Implant Reconstruction Houston
Implant breast reconstruction can be a simpler restoration process than with autologous (tissue-only) reconstruction and usually involves less operative time than autologous procedures. However, implant reconstruction can be a process that requires several weeks to months.
FDA approved implants are made of a silicone outer shell, and filled with silicone gel or saline (salt water). Usually, implant reconstruction requires two stages. The first stage is to place a temporary tissue expander implant at the tie of the mastectomy. This is a saline filled temporary implant that can be subsequently filled in the office to expand the mastectomy skin to the patient’s desired volume.
The second stage surgery involves removing the temporary tissue expander (which is often hard) and place a softer final saline or silicone gel implant and to tune the result.
There are options for single-stage implant reconstructions utilizing Alloderm®. Alloderm® is a cellular dermal matrix that is a donated human tissue from which the cells have been removed washing away all immune components. Alloderm helps create a new envelope for the implant often facilitating a more natural looking breast.
Both saline and silicone gel implants are FDA approved for widespread use. Both saline and new generation silicone gel implants are safe medical devices, but no medical devices last forever. Extensive research has shown that implants do not cause or increase the risk for illnesses.
Although very safe, implants are foreign bodies and do have risks which include: infection, rupture/deflation, and scar formation around the implant (capsular contracture). Patients with reconstructive breast implant may require revisional surgery in the future. Those women who do not wish to face the potential for revisional surgery secondary to implant related issues often choose autologous tissue only reconstruction