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When considering getting Portland breast implants, the implant you choose will have a massive impact on your final appearance and investment. Dr. Lewis will guide you through this process and ensure that you select the implant that’s right for you.

The selection process: How to choose your breast implants

You likely already know that there are two primary types of breast implants: saline and silicone. However, there are also different shapes, sizes and textures, and firmness levels available. Our breast augmentation in Portland, Oregon, is a highly customizable procedure and every choice you make will impact a host of factors, including:

  • The placement of your implant (above or below the muscle)
  • Your potential surgical risks and complications
  • Your final aesthetic result

On this page, we’ve outlined the major things you need to know about your choices. During your initial consultation with Portland plastic surgeon, Dr. Lewis, he will review this information with you more thoroughly and help you make your final selection.

Benefits of Silicone Implants

  • Natural look and feel. Most Portland women and surgeons agree that silicone implants look and feel the most natural because silicone gel is similar in consistency to natural breast tissue. In addition, silicone implants are associated with lower rates of rippling, wrinkling and capsular contracture.
  • Gummy bear implants. Silicone implants are also available in a “gummy bear” version, which uses a cohesive silicone gel. Our gummy bear implants in Portland maintain their shape over an extended period of time and are much less likely to ripple.

Benefits of Saline Implants

  • Smaller incision. Because saline implants are inserted empty and then filled, they require a smaller incision than their silicone counterparts.
  • Firmer feel. Saline implants have a slightly firmer feel when compared to silicone, some patients like this, others think this feels less natural.
  • Less expensive. Saline implants tend to be less expensive than silicone implants.
  • Easier to identify a rupture. If a silicone implant ruptures, you may not know it because the gel remains in place. However, if a saline implant ruptures, it will deflate and your body will absorb the sterile salt water.

Smooth or Textured: The mechanics of your breast implants

Smooth

These implants are smooth like plastic all the way around. Smooth implants are preferable to some of our Portland, Oregon patients because they:

Cost less than textured implants

Feel softer

Are much less associated with ALCL than textured implants

Textured

Textured breast implants are rough on the surface. This option was originally designed to reduce the risk of capsular contracture. However, there is insufficient evidence that they work for this purpose.

Textured implants are much less likely to become displaced. While smooth implants can migrate down and to the sides over time, our textured Portland breast implants tend to remain securely in place. This is particularly important with anatomically shaped “teardrop” breast implants, as the breast shape will become distorted if a teardrop implant rotates in the breast pocket. A downside to textured implants is that they have a greater association with ALCL.

Comes in anatomic shapes

Less rippling

Better maintenance of breast shape over time

Much better correction of tuberous breast shape

Round or Teardrop: The shape of your breast implants

Round

Can be silicone or saline

Can be smooth or textured

Enhanced upper pole fullness

A variety of sizes and profiles

No concerns with regard to implant rotation

Teardrop

A more natural breast shape

Ideal for women with limited natural breast tissue

Available with different base shapes allowing more customization in patients with wide or short chests

Soft or Firm Gel: the feel of your implants

Many implant styles now come in 3 firmness levels which allows further customization of your breast augmentation in Portland.

Schedule an appointment today >>

Dr. Lewis has a reputation for providing his clients with amongst the best breast implants Portland has to offer. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and begin your breast implant selection process.

Implant Size: How Big Should You Go?

Patients planning breast implant surgery have several choices to make, including implant type, shape, texture, and placement. Implant size is an important choice that can significantly affect the final appearance of a breast augmentation. Selecting the perfect size and shape to suit your body is a critical point when planning your procedure.

Different types of implants are available in various sizes. The following steps can help you and your surgeon determine the right breast implant size for you:

  • Take accurate measurements: Your plastic surgeon will take careful measurements to determine the distance between your breasts, the base width of your breasts, and how broad your chest is. He will also measure your skin laxity to ensure you have enough skin tissue to cover the size of implant you select.
  • Discuss your aesthetic goals: Talk to your doctor about what you are hoping to achieve with breast implant surgery. Bring in pictures if you have them and be specific in discussing what you like and don’t like.
  • Forget about bra size – discuss volume instead: There is no real standardization in bra sizes. A C cup in one brand is not the same as a C cup in another brand. Breast implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters (ccs), ranging from 120 ccs to 850 ccs.
  • Do the rice test: To experiment with implant size at home, fill a knee-high stocking or a plastic bag with rice (10 oz. = 300 ccs). Flatten out the rice in the hose or bag and place it inside a non-padded bra to get an idea of what level of added volume will work best on your body type.

Dr. Matthew Lewis is happy to advise you on every aspect of breast implant surgery, including implant size. For the most natural breast implants Portland Oregon has available, Dr. Lewis recommends a size increase of no more than one or two cup sizes.

Breasts Implant Surgery and Recovery

Our Portland Breast implant surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Dr. Lewis will create a pocket in which to place the implant through an incision in the crease beneath the breast, or endoscopically through an incision in the armpit. The implants may be placed under the pectoral muscle (submuscular) or directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular).

Layered sutures in the breast tissue are used to close the incisions. Incision lines are discretely placed for minimal visibility and fade over time.

Downtime after breast implant surgery can vary, depending on incision placement and the size of implants. Many women can to return to work about one week after the procedure. It is important that you get plenty of rest with minimal physical activity other than gentle walks during the first few days after surgery.

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A Portland Plastic Surgeon

407 NW 17TH AVE, STE 2Portland, OR 97209

Matthew Lewis,MD

Discover your true beauty. At the office of Dr. Matthew Lewis, we take everything into consideration, including your comfort, discretion, and of course your outcome. Please call us to schedule an appointment.

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Dear Patients,

Starting May 4th, we will be seeing patients in office and begin resuming elective surgeries. We are following all state and federal guidelines for protection and safety, including but not limited to: wearing gloves and masks, providing hand sanitizer, frequent cleaning, wiping down and sanitizing of all contact surfaces. As well as will maintain all standard Social Distancing protocols. Patients should not come in if achy, feverish or coughing or COVID positive test for active infection.

Our office is open as usual for any email, telephone, or video inquiries. Virtual Consultations are still available for patients that may still be restricted or prefer to conference in the comfort of their home.

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