IDEAL Structured Breast IMPLANT®

The IDEAL IMPLANT® is essentially a structured double-lumen saline implant similar to a balloon within a balloon, complete with an inner and outer shell that not only supports the shape but also gives the implant a more natural feel. Depending on the size of the implants, in the outer  lumens are one to three baffle shells, which float within the saline of the outer lumen to make the saline feel more viscous similar to silicone. The internal structure of IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implant also controls the sloshing movement of the saline solution seen in other saline implants, making it feel less like water and behave more like natural breasts would.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR IDEAL STRUCTURED BREAST IMPLANT® ?

An IDEAL Structured Breast IMPLANT® candidate is someone who likes the natural feel of silicone implants but also wants the benefits and peace of mind of a saline implant. The candidate should be over the age of 18 but not currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or with an active infection anywhere within the body. Patients with existing cancer or pre-cancer who have not received adequate treatment, as well as patients with bleeding disorders or poor overall health, may not be good candidates for the implants.  Candidates for breast implants have a choice of 3 main incision sites which are underneath the fold of the breast, through the areola, or the armpit. The insertion site for the IDEAL IMPLANT® can be made in any of these places.

RECOVERY AND DOWNTIME OF THE IDEAL STRUCTURED BREAST IMPLANT®

The recovery after having an IDEAL IMPLANT®   breast augmentation is comparable to traditional breast implant surgeries. The patient will be sore but is expected to be ambulatory and maintain some arm movement throughout the day to help reduce complications. There will also be a potential for bruising and some swelling after the implant procedure. The downtime really depends on the work and other related activities of the patient. A patient who has a physically demanding job may need four to six weeks off after the procedure but a patient who sits at a desk might only need less than a week off from work. Patients should not do any heavy lifting or physical exercise until they are cleared to do so by their doctor.

RESULTS OF IDEAL STRUCTURED BREAST IMPLANT®  

The IDEAL Structured Breast IMPLANT® has a 5.7% five year capsular contracture rate which is lower than saline or silicone implants. A 5-year clinical test was conducted to determine the effectiveness of IDEAL IMPLANT. The test results showed that the IDEAL Structured Breast Implant had a lower rate of infection, deflation, and wrinkling compared to saline or silicone implants.  In general, a woman with breast implants will likely have an improved look over a person without breast implants. When breast tissue is stretched or sagging due to aging or pregnancy, the breast loses some volume on top. An implant maintains the volume on top which can be a plus for a woman after pregnancy.   

LIMITATIONS AND RISKS OF IDEAL STRUCTURED BREAST IMPLANT®

Because  saline implants have only one lumen, it can be rolled up like a cigar and then placed through a tunnel starting from an incision in the  belly button and filled with saline once inside the breast. The IDEAL Structured Breast Implant ® procedure is limited in that respect because it has two lumens and small baffle shells. However, the incision is slightly smaller and hence there is less scarring than the silicone gel implant since it can be filled inside of the body rather than outside like silicone implants. As the IDEAL IMPLANT® has only been recently released for general use by the FDA, they are limited in some of the very small and very large size selections for the moment, but the most common sizes are readily available.  The manufacturer is currently working on producing a wider array of implant sizes once the demand is sufficient.

The IDEAL IMPLANT is subject to the same risks as standard saline implants. The implant could rupture but since it is saline, the body will safely absorb it just like drinking a glass of water.  If a silicone implant ruptures, the patient usually cannot see or feel a difference. With the IDEAL Structured Breast Implant ®, there are no expensive tests to check for leaks since a patient can see the deflation immediately in a mirror.  With any ruptured implant, the patient will need a follow-up procedure in order to replace the damaged implant. There is a warranty against rupture by the manufacturer that covers this problem.

Although the rate of capsular contracture is lower with this type of implant, it is still a risk. The scar tissue can build up and press against the implant causing it to become firm, too high, and even cause discomfort while the capsule pushes the implant upwards on the chest wall. 

AVAILABLE TO TRAINED PROFESSIONALS ONLY

At a safeguard to patients, the IDEAL Structured Breast Implant® is only sold to board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. A patient looking to have this procedure done can be assured that their surgeon has been properly trained to perform the procedure. Limiting the distribution of IDEAL IMPLANT® to knowledgeable and well trained surgeons is an effort to minimize the risk of botched implants and complications.

Written by Cosmetic Town Editorial Team - SP

Based on an exclusive interview with Larry Nichter, MD in Newport Beach, CA