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Best and safest implants?

Page last modified on: September 30, 2008

Question from Debbie: I am having a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy in June and am confused as to which is the best and safest implant.: Answer —Carolyn Chang, M.D.: If you're having the mastectomy done at the same time as the reconstruction, then you have to use an implant that can be inflated, thereby expanding the skin. In our practice, we like to use what we call an adjustable implant, which is made of saline with a silicone shell. The alternative is that you can use a half-and-half saline and silicone implant where the silicone is on the outside and the saline is on the inside. There are two chambers so you can fill the inner chamber with saline but the outside is silicone. Both of these implants are safe to use, and it really depends upon your anatomy and your personal preference as to which one would be better for you. The bottom line is that you need some type of implant, initially, that can be filled in order to have the best reconstruction possible. Please ask your plastic surgeon as to what they would recommend for you and why.

On Wednesday, April 20, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Reconstruction and Safe, Sexy Cosmetics. Carolyn C. Chang, M.D., Anna-Dee Rinehart, S.C.S., and moderator Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. answered your questions about reconstructive surgery and safe, sexy cosmetics.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Carolyn C. Chang, M.D. is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction after mastectomy, TRAM flap reconstruction, and implant reconstruction.

Anna-Dee Rinehart S.C.S. is a nurse-aesthetician, aesthetic instructor, and director of education for Austin Medical Aesthetics in Austin, Texas.

Lillie Shockney, RN., BS., M.A.S. Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. is the administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center.

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