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Plastic Surgery/Migrating implant
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Question
Hi, I had breast reconstruction after cancer almost 10 years ago. Is it common for my implant to have flattened and shifted to almost under my armpit? I had a mastectomy and all muscle and fat was taken. What is the best replacement option for correcting this shifting. My surgeon has mentioned the "gummy bear" implant and touts the more natural shape of it. Will this one stay put any better. What is your opinion on this new trial implant? Thanks for your reply
from Dr. Alan Engler
www.bodysculpture.com
Hi Rebecca,
I'm not sure why type of an implant you have right now, but, in general, I think that a silicone gel implant is the best choice in terms of the way it both looks and feels. It's always a little more difficult when you've had a long-standing breast reconstruction, since you may have some scar tissue, etc., that's already formed, as well as an existing pocket. That pocket is probably contributing to the migration that you're having.
But a textured, silicone gel that is cohesive (essentially the same as the gummy bear implant) is probably the best choice if you're going with an implant reconstruction alone.
The actual gummy bear, which is still evidently being tested, is too new to comment on. Each person would have to decide whether or not it makes sense to be in a trial for a new implant. Some people want to get the first crack at it; others may want to wait and give it a longer track record. That's an individual decision.
I hope that this helps, and good luck,
Dr. Alan Engler
www.bodysculpture.com
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Answers by Expert:
Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS
Expertise
Dr. Engler has answered over 3100 questions as a volunteer expert for AllExperts. His expertise includes breast surgery (breast enlargement with implants, breast reduction, breast lifts), liposuction, eyelid surgery, tummy tucks, facelifts, skin cancers, cysts, etc. Dr. Engler has been listed as one New York`s Top Doctors, and as "One of the World's Most Famous Aesthetic Surgeons" (Aesthetic Surgery, TASCHEN Books, Angelika Taschen, Editor). He is the author of 4 books, including "BodySculpture" (a best-selling plastic surgery book on breast surgery, liposuction and tummy tucks), "EyeScapes" (Plastic Surgery of the Eyelids), "Restylane," and "The Slim Book of Liposuction." Dr. Engler has two US Patents for surgical instruments that he's designed, and has appeared on numerous television shows, including The Tyra Banks Show, The Ricki Lake Show (four times), and the Dr. Keith Ablow Show. Videos of his appearances are available on YouTube (search for "DR. ENGLER"), and his discussion of breast implants, also on YouTube is "How to Choose a Breast Implant." His website is www.bodysculpture.com. Thanks for "Likiing" Dr. Engler on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Alan-M-Engler-MD-New-York-Plastic-Surgery-and-Aesthetics/107206405967267?ref=ts&__a=8
Experience
Dr. Alan Engler is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York and the author of BodySculpture - Plastic Surgery of the Body for Men and Women (ISBN 0966382749) one of the top-selling plastic surgery books on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, etc.
Education/Credentials
Dr. Engler graduated from Yale University (BA, Russian Studies) and the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (MD). He did his residency training in General Surgery and, after that, Plastic Surgery, at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York. He is on the faculty of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, and is a Special Lecturer in the Department of Dermatology at Columbia University in New York. He has admitting privileges at Beth Israel Medical Center and Montefiore Medical Center, both in New York.
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