Which Brand of Breast Implants is Best?

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Is One Brand of Breast Implants Better Than Others?

There are several brands of FDA approved breast implants available on the market in the United States. These include the two biggest breast implant manufacturers – Allergan and Mentor – who produce both saline and silicone implants. There are also several smaller breast implant companies – like Sientra and Motiva – that only sell silicone breast implants.

Thanks to decades of ongoing research and significant scientific advancements in breast implant materials and design, today’s generation of FDA-approved breast implants are among the safest and most well-tested medical devices on the market.

But if you are considering breast augmentation surgery, it is natural to wonder if one brand “looks better” or is safer than another. After considerable research and decades of experience, renowned breast augmentation surgeon Dr. Ali at AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI chooses to use Mentor breast implants.  In this article, he explains why Mentor is his choice for safe, beautiful, natural looking breast implants.

All breast implant brands offer a very similar array of sizes and profiles. The materials are also similar but not identical – which is where we get into some differences. However, the reality is that no one will be able to tell which “brand” of breast implants you have just by looking at you.

Of course, the most important factor in achieving beautiful, natural, safe breast implant results is choosing the best breast augmentation surgeon. No matter how good the implants are themselves, an inexperienced or unskilled surgeon will not achieve the placement, symmetry, and hidden scars that a renowned plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali at AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI will create.

That being said, let’s take a look at why Dr. Ali chooses Mentor breast implants for breast augmentation surgery.

Mentor vs. Allegan Breast Implants

Allergan, the largest producer of breast implants, also manufactures many injectables including BOTOX and Juvéderm, and a wide range of non-aesthetic medical devices, as well as the skincare line SkinMedica.  Mentor, on the other hand, is highly specialized and only manufactures breast implants and breast tissue expanders.

Allergan was founded in 2015. Then in 2016, Allergan sold its generic business, Actavis, to Teva Pharmaceuticals. Then in June 2019, the huge U.S. pharmaceutical conglomerate AbbVie announced it had reached an agreement to acquire Allergan for $63 billion.

Mentor, however, has operated continuously under the same name for thirty years, and all Mentor implants sold to the US market are made in the USA.

Many plastic surgeons also favor the Mentor brand of breast implants because they appreciate the level of customer service and technical support provided to medical practices and patients.

Mentor Breast Implants

Mentor offers silicone breast implants under the brand names MemoryGel, MemoryGel Xtra, and MemoryShape, in addition to offering saline implants, including the SPECTRUM implant. Dr. Ali can show you actual implants and discuss their features and differences to help you decide which model is right for your aesthetic goals.

Mentor breast implants are also coated with a special silicone elastomer shell to help reduce the risk of complications such as leakage or rupture.

Here are some of the types and features of Mentor breast implants:

  • Breast Implant Shape

Mentor breast implants are available in two basic shapes, round and anatomic (teardrop). The appropriate shape for you will depend on your individual goals and the recommendations of your surgeon.

  • Breast Implant Size

Mentor breast implants are available in an extremely wide range of sizes to suit the individual needs of patients. The appropriate size for you will depend on your desired volume and your body size or frame.

  • Breast Implant Texture

Mentor breast implants are available in two textures, smooth and textured. Smooth breast implants are more ‘slippery’ and are designed to move naturally within the breast pocket. Textured breast implants have a rough surface that is designed to help the implant stay in place and reduce the risk of complications such as rippling, contracture, or implant displacement.

  • Breast Implant Profile

The profile of an implant refers to how far it projects from the chest wall. Mentor breast implants are available in three profiles, low, moderate, and high. The best breast implant profile for you will depend on your desired appearance – from natural and subtle to super sexy – as well as your body size.

Types of Mentor Breast Implants

  • MemoryShape® Breast Implants

Mentor MemoryShape® Breast Implants have a tapered shape that provides more projection at the lower pole, offering maximum projection where desired. This is sometimes called a teardrop breast implant. MemoryShape® Breast Implants offer a natural breast appearance. And they have been proven to retain shape and projection over time.1

Additionally, MemoryShape Breast Implants are made with SILTEX™ Texture, which has been proven to reduce complications. In fact, Mentor MemoryShape® Breast Implants have the lowest reported risk of key complications in primary breast augmentation at 10 years after surgery!

  • MemoryGel BOOST™ Breast Implants

MemoryGel® Breast Implants have been used in over 6,000,000 breast implant surgeries worldwide. They offer the natural feel that patients desire, but with more “roundness” that gives them a higher “profile”.  MemoryGel BOOST™ Breast Implants are available in “Moderate Plus” and “High” profiles.

  • MemoryGel®  Xtra Breast Implants

MemoryGel® Xtra Breast Implants also offer the natural feel that patients desire, but with more “roundness” but with additional benefits in three profile options – “Moderate Plus”, “Moderate High” and “High”. You might say MemoryGel® Xtra offers the most dramatic breast enhancement.

  • Mentor Saline Implants

Mentor also manufacturers the best saline implants currently on the market. These are filled with a natural saltwater solution that is more firm than gel implants, which more closely imitate the feel of body fat. while they feel less like natural breast tissue, the look can be dramatic and they are less expensive than gel implants.

Mentor saline implants offer a round shape, an all-around fuller look, firmer feel and enhanced cleavage. They come in “Moderate”, “Moderate Plus” and “High” profiles. MENTOR® Round Saline Implants also come in a SPECTRUM® Adjustable model, which are the only breast implants that can be adjusted AFTER your surgery, by allowing your plastic surgeon to add or remove saline solution months after your procedure!

Mentor Breast Implant Before & After

You can view actual patient Before & After Photos of Dr. Ali’s breast implant surgeries HERE.

Mentor also has an excellent page that allows you to search for Mentor breast implant Before & After photos by patient, age, cup size, amount of increase and type of breast implant HERE.

The best breast implant for you will depend on the extent of your current breast tissue, your frame and body type, and most importantly your desired outcome. AMAE Plastic Surgery is among the first and only plastic surgery practices in the Birmingham, MI area to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D imaging for breast implant patents. This revolutionary imaging system provides a three-dimensional computerized image of the patient’s breasts from any and every angle – so that Dr. Ali can show you what different breast implant sizes and shapes will look like – before you have your breast implant surgery!

Can You Guess Which Celebs Have Had Breast Augmentation Surgery?

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Celebrities Who Have Had Breast Augmentation Surgery

Plastic surgery used to be Hollywood’s best kept secret. Up until recently, actresses and A-listers wanted everyone to believe that they were born with perfect bodies. However, today, the stigma surrounding plastic surgery has largely disappeared.

There are many celebrities who have openly admitted to getting breast augmentation surgery. And hundreds more have had breast augmentation but haven’t revealed it (yet!). In this article the breast augmentation specialists at AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI share a few examples of stars whose stunning figures are due to breast augmentation surgery.

Kaley Cuoco Breast Augmentation Surgery

Kaley Cuoco’s tiny frame was perfect for planning John Ritter’s teen daughter until 2003 on “Eight Simple Rules.” But in an interview with Cosmopolitan, Kaley Cuoco revealed that she had breast augmentation surgery in 2004.

Cuoco’s breast augmentation took her from skinny kid to blonde bombshell almost overnight, and in 2005, Kaley was offered a role on The WB’s “Charmed” in its eighth season – and she she didn’t have to audition! In 2007 Kael landed the role of beautiful neighbor Penny whom all of the scientists adored – and the rest is history!

Kaley Cuoco Breast Augmentation Surgery

Kaley Cuoco’s tiny frame was perfect for planning John Ritter’s teen daughter until 2003 on “Eight Simple Rules.” But in an interview with Cosmopolitan, Kaley Cuoco revealed that she had breast augmentation surgery in 2004.

Cuoco’s breast augmentation took her from skinny kid to blonde bombshell almost overnight, and in 2005, Kaley was offered a role on The WB’s “Charmed” in its eighth season – and she she didn’t have to audition! In 2007 Kael landed the role of beautiful neighbor Penny whom all of the scientists adored – and the rest is history!

Carmen Electra Breast Augmentation Surgery

In an interview with People magazine, Carmen Electra revealed that she had breast augmentation surgery in the late 1990s. In that interview, Ms. Electra said she decided to get the surgery because she was unhappy with the size of her breasts and wanted to feel more confident.

Courtney Cox Breast Augmentation Surgery

We all remember beautiful Monica from the hit TV show friends. Now compare Monica’s stunning curves to Courtney’s “tomboy” figure when she appeared in Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 “Dancing in the Dark” music video. In an interview with New Beauty Magazine, Courtney Cox revealed that she had breast augmentation surgery in the mid-1990s because she wanted to feel more feminine.

Cardi B Breast Augmentation

The extremely talented rapper and actress Cardi B has openly discussed her breast augmentation surgery, which she had in 2018. Cardi B has said that she had the surgery for personal reasons and to boost her confidence.

Kardashian Breast Augmentation

Kourtney Kardashian has always been honest about her breast implants, although she now believes 21 was too young to get them. Now age 37years old, Kourtney has never shied away from the topic of her breast implants.

In a recent episode of The Kardashians sister Khloe admitted that she’s been seriously thinking about getting breast augmentation for a “fuller” look. “When you see me in a bikini, I don’t have cleavage like my sisters [who] have this ample cleavage,” she said.

Mom Kris Jenner seemed to be fully on board with the idea of Khloe’s breast implants, even admitting that she’s interested undergoing breast augmentation herself at age 67! “Let’s do it together!” Jenner exclaimed.

More Celebrity Breast Augmentations

Spice Girl, fashion designer, style icon – and wife of sexiest man alive David Beckham –  has openly discussed her breast augmentation surgery, which she had in 1999. Beckham has said that she had the surgery to enhance her career in the entertainment industry.

In an interview with People magazine, Ashlee Simpson revealed that she had breast augmentation surgery in 2006. Simpson said she decided to get the surgery because she was unhappy with the size of her breasts. The following year singer and actress Kelly Rowland underwent breast implant surgery.

Hundreds of other actors, A-listers and influencers have had breast augmentation surgery as well – they just haven’t openly talked about!

Is Breast Augmentation for Me?

Breast augmentation surgery is a very personal decision, and every patient has their own reasons for choosing to undergo the procedure. It’s important to carefully consider all of the risks and benefits and discuss them with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali at AMAE Plastic surgery in Birmingham, MI before making a decision.

AMAE Plastic Surgery is also among the first and only aesthetic practices in the Birmingham, MI area to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D imaging for breast augmentation patents. This revolutionary imaging system provides a three-dimensional computerized image of the patient’s breasts from any and every angle – so that Dr. Ali can show them their options and expected outcomes before their breast augmentation surgery!

What to Know Before Plastic Surgery

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6 Tips to Get the Best Plastic Surgery Results

Considering plastic surgery is a big decision that can impact the rest of your life! So you need to be sure you’ve carefully thought it through. It’s important that you make your decision carefully, and select the best plastic surgeon –  and don’t just settle on the plastic surgeon who offers rhinoplasty or breast augmentation for the lowest price.

In this article the plastic surgery experts at AMAE in the Detroit area share six tips to ensure that you get the best results from your plastic surgery procedure.

(1.) Choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

“Plastic surgery is an art and requires expertise and specialized knowledge,” says Detroit area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali. “You want to be sure your surgeon can provide beautiful, natural looking results, so it’s important to choose one who has the experience you need. That means looking for one who is certified in plastic surgery because he or she will be committed to maintaining the highest standards in the field.”

(2.) Have Realistic Expectations for Plastic Surgery

It’s also important to have realistic expectations when undergoing plastic surgery. Dr. Ali sees many patients who bring along a photo of a favorite celebrity to show him the look they’d like. While Dr. Ali may be able to give you a nose that looks similar to Natalie Portman’s, or a bottom as full as Kim Kardashian’s, he won’t be able to transform you into someone you aren’t. Plastic surgery is meant to enhance your already natural beauty, and not transform you into a different person overnight.

“Patients must have a realistic idea of what plastic surgery can accomplish for them,” says Dr. Ali. “I can enhance your bustline, but I can’t make you into a supermodel. My goal is to help you become the best, most confident version of yourself.”

(3.) Do it for YOU!

Patients should never seek out surgery for anyone but themselves. If patients come to a plastic surgeon because someone else encouraged them or pressured them, the surgeon may decline to perform surgery. Plastic surgery should never be performed because you feel pressured to do so.

“Undergoing plastic surgery won’t automatically repair problems in your life,” says Dr. Ali. “If you and your boyfriend are in a rough patch, getting a liposuction isn’t going to repair that. Surgery can make you more confident and sure of yourself, but it can’t fix all the problems you may have.”

(4.) Be Honest with your Plastic Surgeon

Plastic surgery patients need to be completely honest with their surgeon about their medical history, smoking, alcohol and drug use (even prescription, herbal and over-the-counter medications). Failure to do so can result in complications and side effects. All nicotine products should be stopped at least a month prior to surgery (and for several weeks afterward) as nicotine is a vasoconstrictor that interferes with healing. Alcohol use should stop two weeks before surgery and for several weeks after surgery, as it can interfere with anesthesia and can cause excessive bleeding.

Patients should also be at or near their ideal weight and in good physical health. Underlying health issues such as obesity, high blood pressure, can increase the risks of plastic surgery.

“It’s important to be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight,” says Dr. Ali. “Gaining or losing large amounts of weight after your procedure can alter your results. Before any body contouring surgery, such as a tummy tuck, it’s important to be at a stable weight that you are able to maintain.”

(5.) Follow Your Post Surgery Instructions & Recovery Plan

It is also important that you have a complete understanding of the recovery period following your surgery. Plastic surgery is elective, and may result in a body that make you more confident, but that won’t happen overnight.

“Plastic surgery is like any other surgery, and requires very real recovery time,” says Dr. Ali. “It’s important that you have a complete understanding of what is expected during recovery, and don’t try to rush through. Failing to follow your surgeons post-surgery guidelines can alter your results, and can lead to complications and additional pain and discomfort. Plastic surgery may be elective, but recovery from a procedure like a tummy tuck requires patience.”

(6.) You Get What You Pay for with Plastic Surgery

Dr. Ali also warns that when it comes to plastic surgery, you usually get what you pay for. Because these cosmetic procedures are very complex surgeries, he warns that you should never shop based on price alone.

“When it comes to your health, you shouldn’t bargain hunt,” says Dr. Ali. “If you needed heart surgery, chances are you’d want the most experienced surgeon performing it. It should be the same with plastic surgery. It is an art, and for the best results, choose someone based on their skills, not on their price.”

Plastic surgery can offer patients increased confidence and a renewed outlook on life. But it’s important to choose a well-qualified and skilled, board certified plastic surgeon like Doctor Ali – who has performed thousands of plastic surgeries – to ensure you get the best cosmetic results.

Top Detroit Area Plastic Surgery

If you have questions about what plastic surgery can do for you, please schedule a consultation with award-winning Detroit area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali.

The vast majority of people who choose to get plastic surgery say it has helped them feel more self-confident, feel better about their bodies, and give them a greater feeling of well-being.

Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Doctor Ali offers a plastic surgery consultation to help you learn about your options and decide what plastic surgeries are a good option for you.

Detroit Area Plastic Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200

Vectra 3D Imaging: See Your Breast Augmentation Results BEFORE Surgery

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Should You Get Breast Augmentation Surgery? Vectra 3D Imaging Helps You Decide!

AMAE Plastic Surgery is among the first and only aesthetic practices in the Detroit area to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D imaging for breast augmentation surgery. This revolutionary imaging system provides a three-dimensional computerized image of the patient’s breasts from any and every angle – so that Dr. Ali can show you your breast implant options and the expected outcomes – before you undergo breast augmentation surgery.

The Vectra 3D system even enables Dr. Ali to superimpose the expected results of your breast augmentation surgery over your “pre-op” condition, as well as compare the “before and after” views side-by-side. And, in addition to showing the likely outcome of a single procedure, Dr. Ali can also display the results of combining multiple procedures!

By visualizing your potential outcomes in live 3D you and Dr. Ali know in advance what to expect – so that together you can decide on the best possible treatment plan for your aesthetic goals.

What is Vectra 3D Imaging?

VECTRA 3D imaging is a system of digital cameras that takes photos of the patient’s treatment area from different angles to create a 3D picture. It only takes a few seconds to take the photos, and a couple minutes or two to process the pictures into a 3D representation on the computer.  The patient can then see a 3D image of their breasts from ALL angles – even ones they have never seen before!

Dr. Ali can then manipulate the images to enhance and enlarge your breast right before your eyes – to show you different breast sizes, shapes and positions on your own body.

Dr. Ali is one of only a few doctors who uses the VECTRA system as part of his consultation with you, so you know exactly what to expect from breast augmentation surgery.

And VECTRA 3D imaging is 100% safe and non-invasive – it is not an Xray or CT scan, and it uses NO radiation.  It is simply a state-of-the-art high tech system of digital cameras with revolutionary software – offering pre-surgery peace of mind and absolutely no risks.

What Does Vectra 3D Imaging “See”?

Dr Ali is a Detroit area, board certified plastic surgeon who has performed thousands of breast augmentation surgeries with spectacular results. You can see many of these amazing success stories in his Before and After Gallery HERE.

The Vectra 3D imaging system helps ensure a successful surgery by allowing both the plastic surgeon AND the patient to visual the many nuances of the breast, while providing precise measurement of sizes and differences. Any “guesswork” about the results of breast augmentation surgery is removed with Vetcra 3D imaging!

Breast Augmentation Volume

The Vectra 3D offers multiple ways of looking at breast volume – takes into account the size and shape of the ribcage, as well as accounting for position differences of the breasts. It can reveal, for example, if one breast is larger than the other.

Breast Augmentation Width

Width is a factor that many women don’t think about until they consider breast augmentation surgery. The Vectra 3D will determine whether one breast is wider than the other, or if the chest ribcage asymmetrical.

Breast Augmentation Cleavage

Cleavage is one of the biggest considerations of our Detroit area patients when it comes to breast augmentation surgery. Many patients really want to improve cleavage with a breast augmentation surgery. But even very large breasts can offer little cleavage if they are too far apart.

The Vectra 3D can determine what the natural spacing is between the patient’s breasts. Every woman has unique differences in the cleavage spacing – and Vectra does an analysis of this to show the patient and the surgeon where the natural breast ends, so that maximum cleavage can be obtained with implants.

Breast Augmentation Inframammary Fold

inframammary fold – or “IMF” – is a new term to many breast augmentation patients. This is the term for the bottom of the breast fold. Think of it as where underwire in a bra would go. This is where the breast “starts”. This is very important in breast augmentation surgery because the IMF varies greatly not only from woman to woman, but from breast to breast on the same woman! Indeed, as you can see, the human body – including the breasts – is not nearly as symmetrical as people think when you get down to precise measurements.

Understanding the precise difference in position of the IMF can help ensure that the breasts look unform and symmetrical, and have ideally positioned nipples, after breast augmentation surgery.

Breast Augmentation Nipple Positioning

Nipple position is one of the more noticeable aspects of breast augmentation surgery. It takes years of experience, a great deal of training and skill, and an artistic “eye” for a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali to become a master of beautiful nipple positioning.

Vectra 3D now offers the surgeon an additional tool to take precise measurements and visual expected outcomes – so that the most appealing nipple position can be created during breast augmentation surgery.

Breast Augmentation Size and Shape

Dr. Ali’s Detroit area patients find Vectra 3D very helpful to understand exactly what he is talking about before surgery – because they can see different outcomes in 3D projected on the screen before they decide on their breast implant size and shape.

The Vectra 3D system has the capability to simulate the different implant sizes, as well as different shapes from different implant manufacturers. So for example, while one woman may come in desiring a 36 C cup, when she sees it on her body it may appear too big (if she has a small frame) or even to small if she has a wide rib cage!

Vectra 3D provides realistic visualization of the appearance of your breast enhancement beforehand – so you never have any regrets after the fact!

Vectra 3D Imaging for Breast Augmentation | Detroit Area

If you are considering breast augmentation, you no longer have to leave your results to chance or guesswork. With Vectra 3D imaging you know what your results will be in advance – with no surprises or misunderstandings!

Choose skilled Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali, and see your expected results before your breast augmentation with Vectra’s innovative and advanced 3D computerized imaging.

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery and would like to see what your results will look like BEFORE you make your decision, schedule a consultation using Vectra 3D today.

Ask the Surgeon: Are Silicone Breast Implants Safe?

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Ask the Surgeon: Are Silicone Breast Implants Safe?

Huge advancements in breast implant technology have made today’s silicone breast implants both more natural in look and feel, as well as extremely safe. Dr. Ali has used performed breast implant surgery using silicone implants with safe and natural results on thousands of women in Oakland County and across the metro Detroit area.

In this article Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali discusses the history and the safety of silicone breast implant surgery.

FDA Approval of Breast Implants

Both saline and silicone breast implants are FDA approved, meaning that the US Food and Drug Administration considers them safe for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. FDA-approved implants undergo extensive testing before approval to demonstrate reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness.

The FDA has approved implants for increasing breast size, reconstruction after breast cancer surgery, and to correct or improve developmental defects or the result of a previous surgery. Additionally, research on the safety and effectiveness of both types of breast implants is always ongoing, as well, ensuring that improvements in breast implant technology are continually being made.

History of Silicone Breast Implant Surgery

Silicone implants were first used by breast surgeons in 1964 with new and imperfect technology. So, back then, some patients experienced complications. As a result, in 1992 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) temporarily recommended that silicone implants be removed from use.

However, in 1999, the National Academy Institute of Medicine issued a report stating that diseases such as connective tissue disorders, cancer, neurological diseases, reproductive problems, or other systemic complaints or conditions “are no more common in women with breast implants than in women without implants.”

These studies also showed that there was no evidence of long-term autoimmune problems in women who underwent augmentation with silicone breast implants.

And, other exhaustive studies have shown that silicone breast implants actually have complication rates that are the same as, or in some cases lower than, saline implants.

So, in 2006 the FDA cleared silicone breast implants cosmetic use in women aged 22 and older. By 2010 breast implants were the most popular plastic surgery in the United States – with 62% of implants being silicone.

Do Breast Implants Cause Cancer?

Studies by the National Cancer Institute have also proven that there is no relationship between breast implants and breast cancer.

In the United States, approximately 1 out of 9 women (11%) will develop breast cancer. This percentage is the same for women with and without breast implants.

Today’s Silicone Breast Implant Surgery is Safe

Statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery state that roughly 1 in every 26 women in the US has breast implants – meaning that 4% of US women have improved their appearance with breast implants. In fact, about 300,000 women in the United States alone undergo breast implant surgery every year!

Doctor Ali, uses Mentor MemoryShape Gel Breast Implants – known for their natural look, realistic feel and their unparalleled safety record. Mentor Worldwide LLC, the developer of these implants and part of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices companies, recently announced the publication of a 10-year clinical study involving 955 breast augmentation patients in the U.S.

That 2018 study  highlighted the safety of MENTOR MemoryShape Gel Breast Implants, reporting:

  • High patient and surgeon satisfaction rates
  • Low capsular contracture, rupture and complications rates
  • No reported cases of breast implant-associated cancer

Complications of Silicone Breast Implant Surgery

As with any surgery, there is always a small risk of complication.  Infection is a risk with any surgery that can be greatly reduced with proper surgical procedures and meticulous aftercare.

Local complications and adverse reactions can also include capsular contracture, reoperation, removal, and implant rupture. However, these risks are very rare when the silicone breast implant surgery is performed by a skilled board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali.

What Happens When a Breast Implant Breaks (Ruptures)?

Because of today’s improved materials from which breast implants are made, a rupture (break) in the breast implant is a very rare occurrence. However, even when a breast implant “pops” the situation is not immediately dangerous at all. What happens when a breast implant ruptures will depend upon whether the breast implant is saline or silicone.

If a saline breast implant ruptures, the “salt water” that it is filled with will simply leak out – and the implant will rapidly deflate. The body will then absorb the leaked saline solution. Since salt is a natural substance found in the body there are no health risks. However, the woman will need surgery to remove the deflated silicone shell, and replace it with a new implant so that her breasts are the same size.

It is harder to tell if a silicone breast implant ruptures. Patients you might not notice a silicone leak right away — or ever — because it is thick and leaks very slowly. The small amount of free silicone then generally tends to remain trapped in the fibrous tissue (capsule) around the implant.

Despite some “myths” to the contrary, leaking silicone gel does NOT cause disease or illness. Leaking silicone does NOT cause breast cancer, reproductive problems or arthritis. However, if you become aware of a leaking silicone breast implant Dr. Ali will recommend that you have it removed and replaced. This is because, over time, a ruptured silicone breast implant may cause breast pain, breast thickening, or changes in the shape or size of the breast.

Detroit Area’s Top Breast Implant Surgeon

Dr. Ali is a Detroit area double board certified Birmingham breast implant surgeon who has performed breast augmentation surgery on thousands of women in the metro Detroit area, including Birmingham, Troy, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield, and across Oakland County. He utilizes the latest techniques and best, state-of-the-art breast implant technologies and procedures – to ensure that your results are as safe as they are beautiful. Doctor Ali will be happy to offer you a consultation to answer all of your questions at his Birmingham office.

Feel beautiful inside and out, with breast implant surgery. And remember, financing options are also available.

Detroit Area Breast Implant Surgeon Consultation: 248-335-7200

MemoryShape®: the Most Natural Breast Implants

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MemoryShape® the Most Natural Breast Implants

It is no surprise that breast implant technology has come a long way since they were first introduced almost 60 years ago! In June 2013, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the some new, advanced types of silicone gel-filled breast implants, bringing the total number of approved products to five in the United States. One of these newly approved products was was the natural looking and feeling MemoryShape breast implant.

Seven years later, Detroit area double board certified plastic surgeon Doctor Ali still typically prefers MemoryShape® Breast Implants for their natural shape, realistic feel, and excellent variety of sizes and silhouettes.

About Mentor Breast Implants

Mentor Worldwide LLC was founded in 1969, and has since grown into the leading manufacturer of supplies for the breast implant surgery market. Mentor works tirelessly to develop, manufacture, and market top-of-the-line breast implants for patients around the world, including Detroit.

Based out of Irvine California and with manufacturing and research facilities in both the United States and the Netherlands, Mentor guarantees to satisfy the needs of patients in the Detroit area and worldwide who are considering breast implant surgery.

With more that 2 million satisfied customers worldwide, Mentor Breast Implants hold the distinction of being among the most reliable in the industry.

Mentor has been a trailblazer of breast implant devices for over two decades. Used in both breast reconstruction and breast augmentation, Mentor breast implants are held to the strictest possible standards of design and testing, resulting in the highest quality breast implants on the market.

What are MemoryShape®? Breast Implants

MENTOR® MemoryShape® Breast Implants have a unique, tapered appearance. They are thinner at the top and gently slope to a fuller “projection” near the implant’s bottom – just like a natural breast.

Earlier generations of breast implants were very round, giving an artificial “globe” or “melon” appearance.  These are the recognizable breast implants that one thinks of on actresses and exotic dancers from from past decades – many of who had artificial looking, oversized breasts.

Today, most women prefer that they do NOT look like they have had “work done”. That is why MENTOR® MemoryShape® Breast Implants are so popular – because they mimic the silhouette of a natural breast. MemoryShape® Breast Implants soft gel silicone also feel very realistic to the touch!

As an additional advantage, The MemoryShape® technology has built in SILTEX® Microtexture imprinting that is designed to help keep implants in place. So they don’t shift over time like older models of breast implants often did.

Why Doctor Ali Uses MemoryShape® Breast Implants

MemoryShape® Breast Implants imitate the silhouette of a natural breast with a teardrop shape. Filled with a uniquely formulated cohesive gel, MemoryShape® Breast Implants provide a youthful firmness and natural silhouette that always retains shape.

Mentor’s silicone gel breast implants perfectly resemble natural breasts in feel, shape, and weight. The Mentor MemoryShape® Breast Implants are specifically designed to provide more volume towards the bottom of the breast and less towards the top, much as is the case with a natural breast.

There are five different MemoryShape® Breast Implants available to Detroit patients, each varying in shape, width, height, and projection measurements.

Detroit Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ali has undergone the rigorous mandated MENTOR® MemoryShape® Implant Device Training required of all physicians in order to gain access to MENTOR® MemoryShape® Breast Implants, making him the top choice among Detroit patients for all of their breast implant needs.

Another feature we love about MemoryShape® Breast Implants is their Free Lifetime Product Replacement Warranty!

Detroit Area Breast Implant Surgeon

If you have questions about the latest developments in breast implant surgery, please schedule a consultation with award-winning Detroit area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali.

The vast majority of women who choose to get breast implants say that their augmented breast(s) help them feel more self-confident, feel better about their bodies, and/or give them a greater feeling of well-being.

Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Doctor Ali offers a breast implant consultation to help you learn about your options and decide if breast implants are a good option for you.

Detroit Area Breast Implant Consultation: 248-335-7200

How to Decide if You Should Have Breast Implant Surgery

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How to Decide if You Should Have Breast Implant Surgery

If you are one of the millions of women who are dissatisfied with the size, shape, position, symmetry and/or the proportion of their breasts, deciding to get breast implants is an important personal decision.  Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Doctor Ali has helped thousands of women decide if breast implants are right for them, by carefully explain the pros and cons.

In this article we give you some general information to help you make an informed choice.  However, since every women is different, Dr. Ali offers a  breast implant consultation to help you decide if breast implants are a good option for you.

Benefits Associated With Breast Implants

According to recent clinical and psychological studies, the vast majority of women who have undergone breast implant surgery have universally reported very high levels of satisfaction with their body image and the shape, feel, and size of their implants.

In his Detroit plastic surgery practice, Doctor Ali prefers a type of breast implants called MemoryShape™ Breast Implants. This type of implant is not only more natural looking than older breast implants, but also feels more realistic. MemoryShape™ Breast Implants come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and “profiles” so that they can be matched to the patient’s body – giving her the most beautiful ideal proportions.

In a core study conducted by Mentor, the maker of the MemoryShape™ Breast Implants, 97% of the 373 primary breast augmentation patients who answered a patient satisfaction survey indicated they would make the same decision to have the breast implant surgery!

Breast Implant Statistics

Breast augmentation has continued to be the single most popular cosmetic surgeries in the US since 2006. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2019, there were 299,715 breast augmentation procedures performed across the United States alone. This makes it even more popular in the US than liposuction!

Plastic surgeons believe that there are several reasons breast augmentation continues to be the#1 cosmetic surgery:

#1. New technologies in breast implants have made them safer than ever

#2. The cost of breast implant surgery has become more affordable in recent years

#3. Celebrities & social media have removed the stigma from breast implant surgery

#4. Women feel more empowered to take control of their bodies

#5. New surgical techniques have reduced risk and downtime of breast implant surgery

#6. New breast implant designs look more natural

#7. New breast implant materials feel more realistic

Age and Breast Implants

The FDA does not recommend breast implants for patients under 18, and board-certified plastic surgeons won’t perform breast augmentations on women under 22 since breast tissue isn’t considered fully developed until that time.

But women in good health of all ages of 22 and beyond can enjoy the benefits of breast implant surgery. In fact, approximately 7,000 women over the age of 55 get breast implants every year.

Whether breast augmentation is right for you depends on your overall general health, underlying medical conditions, lifestyle, emotional state, body type, breast size/ shape before surgery, as well as your appearance goals after surgery.

Breast Implant Before & After

One of the best ways to decide if breast implants are right for you, is to see the results beforehand! Dr. Ali now offers advanced Vectra 3D computer imaging that can show you what your implants will look like before you get them!

Additionally, you can look at our extensive gallery of breast augmentation Before & After photos, to see what a big difference in appearance breast implants can make!

Top Detroit Breast Implant Surgeon

The vast majority of women who choose to get breast implants say that their augmented breast(s) help them be more self-confident, feel better about their bodies, and give them a greater feeling of well-being.

Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Doctor Ali offers a breast implant consultation to help you learn about your options and decide if breast implants are a good option for you.

Detroit Area Breast Implant Consultation: 248-335-7200

Breast Implant Surgery Recovery Time-frame

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Breast Implant Recovery Time-frame – 

With many women temporarily off of work or working from home, due to the quarantine, it may be an ideal time to schedule that breast implant surgery you have been putting off. As with any surgery, there is some recovery period or “downtime” after a breast augmentation. But modern advancements in surgical techniques have dramatically reduced the time you must take off from work. So, while you’ve got some time at home now might just be the perfect time to consider breast enhancement surgery!

As the Detroit area’s top breast implant surgeon, Dr. Ali is often asked about the recovery time after breast augmentation. In this article he discusses the general time frame of recovery after breast implant surgery, to help you schedule the best time for you. However, every patient heals differently – depending on their age, skin, overall health, and type of procedure – breast augmentation recovery goes through some predictable stages.

This article discusses the “typical” recovery schedule for most breast implant patients. However, the best way to know what to expect after your breast implant surgery is to schedule a consultation with Board Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali.

He has performed breast augmentation on hundreds of women in the metro Detroit area, and across Oakland County. He will answer your questions and take the time to explain what to expect before, during and after breast augmentation surgery in your unique situation.

Breast Implant Recovery Calendar

Days 1 to 4 after Breast Implant Surgery

This is the inflammatory period, where breasts are swollen, and may feel tight, uncomfortable or even be painful. During this period most patients require some medication to be comfortable. Bruising may start to appear, and fluid retention is also common.

Days 5 to 10 after Breast Implant Surgery

If permitted by your surgeon, it is now generally OK to shower and get the incisions briefly wet.

Pain now tends to occur more at night – typically between 3a.m. to 6 a.m. Usually you will be instructed by your breast implant surgeon to begin breast massages during this period.

Your external sutures will be removed – and/or if the surgeon used tissue glue or tape it will begin to fall off after a week or two. After a week you may even be able to return to work – if approved by your surgeon.

Be aware of signs of bleeding or infection during this time period and alert your surgeon if anything seems amiss.

Days 11 to 21 after Breast Implant Surgery

By now there is very low risk of infection and bleeding. You can typically now increased physical activity, such as low-impact exercises.

The majority of the swelling should begin to subside, however you may still have some occasional pain at night.

In some individuals ‘pins and needles’ sensations in the nipple area may be experienced as the nerves begin to “wake up”. This, along with some areas of skin numbness, is normal – and will gradually subside.

Days 22 to 42 after Breast Implant Surgery

By now you should not require any pain medications – although you can generally take ibuprofen or Tylenol, with your surgeon’s permission. You should be able to transition to higher impact aerobic activities, during this time period, as well.

Day 43 to 9 Months after Breast Implant Surgery

The scar tissue should be relaxing, softening the initial firm and tight feeling of the breast implants. The remaining 5 to 10% of swelling should also subside.

At this point most women will have a good idea of what the final results look like. Although, some women may feel faster or slower than the “norm”.

It is critical to follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions – including wearing compression garments, taking pain medication, and avoiding certain activities. Dr. Ali will explain what you can expect, in your unique situation, regarding the recovery period.

The Detroit Area’s Best Breast Implant Surgery

Dr. Ali is a Detroit Area double board certified plastic surgeon, who has helped thousands of women get the breasts they want with breast implant surgery. He will offer you a consultation so you can understand what the best surgical options are for you. He will take the time to carefully answer all of your questions, and make sure that you have an understanding of the best techniques for achieving your appearance goals.

Detroit Area Breast Implant Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200

How to Choose Your Breast Implant Size

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How to Choose Your Breast Implant Size – 

This month, to celebrate the relaxing of social distancing, Dr. Ali is offering special discounts on both silicone and saline breast implants! All thats left for you to do is choose the shape, size and implant material! In this article board certified Detroit area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali offer information and tips for choosing the breast implant size that’s best for you.

When it comes to breast augmentation, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all breast implants. Depending on a variety of factors including heredity, pregnancies, your body shape and natural contours, breast implants must be individually chosen to match each woman and meet her appearance goals.

“Choosing your implant size is a very personal decision,” says board-certified Detroit area plastic surgeon, Dr. Ali. “It is important to first identify your perfect outcome, and then communicate it to your surgeon the best you can.”

In addition to the size of breast implant that will look best on your body and achieve your appearance goals, the profile, or projection (height of the top of the breast implant from your chest) must be chosen.

Don’t Obsess Over Breast Implant Cup Size

“Too many times, patients worry more about cup size and less about the way their new breasts will look and feel,” explains Dr. Ali. “Since cup sizes vary wildly among undergarment manufacturers, they aren’t a good guideline when deciding what size breast implants to get.”

Additionally, a “D cup” may look huge on a woman with a petite bone structure, but may not look big enough on a taller woman with a broader chest area.

Instead, you should focus on of the overall look you want. Some people try “the rice test.” This fast and simple method lets you see what you may look like with different-size implants.

Breast Implant Rice Test

Th “rice test” can give you a rough idea of what breast implants will look and feel like.

  • Cut off the feet from pantyhose and discard
  • The new ends will become the mock “breasts,” so be sure that the remaining shortened stocking, when worn around the neck, is the right length so each end reaches to your ideal breast height.
  • Tie the end of each foot.
  • Add dry, long-grain rice to each end of the stockings.
  • Wear the stockings around your neck.
  • Experiment with different types of clothing (loose, tight, and so forth).
  • Ad or remove rice and adjust the shape to get the size you like.

A basic guideline for how much rice to add is as follows:

  • 30 cubic centimeters (cc) breast implant  = 1/8 cup of rice;
  • 60 cubic centimeters (cc) breast implant = ¼ cup;
  • 120 cubic centimeters (cc) breast implant= ½ cup;
  • 175 cubic centimeters (cc) breast implant= ¾ cup;
  • 225 cubic centimeters (cc) breast implant = 1 cup;

Breast implants increase in increments of by 25 cc. When you visit Doctor Ali he will typically place a 100 cc breast implant in your bra, then 125 cc and possibly 150 cc to help you decide which implant helps you to achieve the exact look that you desire. 

Consider These Breast Implant Factors

Your own unique body should determine what size implants you get. Take into consideration the following:

  • Existing breast tissue: Have you always naturally had small breasts due to heredity or exercise? If so, you’ll want a different size implant than a mother whose breasts have lost volume after pregnancy.
  • Skin elasticity or tightness: Are you prone to stretch marks? Is your skin naturally resilient? The type of skin you have should also be part of your decision-making process, as breast augmentation will cause skin to stretch.
  • Weight: Have you had significant changes in your weight? Whether due to lifestyle, genetics, disease, pregnancy, or any other cause, weight fluctuations can affect how your body will look with the new implants.
  • Desired outcome: Do you want larger breasts, or are you looking to balance out an issue with asymmetry? Do you want lift and volume, or is one more important to you than the other? These are items to discuss with your breast implant surgeon.
  • Lifestyle: Are you an avid runner or weight lifter? The amount and type of exercise you get will impact how your body will look after your surgery.
  • Your Natural Anatomy: Each woman has her own natural anatomy and contours, developed over time. Therefore, you may decide an overall shape is ideal for you, where a curvier or thinner friend may have a different idea.

If you stray too much from your body frame, you may end up with an unnatural look or one that causes back strain down the line.

At your consultation, Dr. Ali will take careful measurements to determine your exact chest wall size, as well as examine your breast tissue, skin condition and muscle tone. Since virtually all women have some degree of asymmetry with their breasts, each breast will be evaluated individually to achieve a symetrical and beautiful outcome.

Your breast implant surgeon may also recommend that an additional procedure, such as a breast lift, may be appropriate to get optimal, symmetrical results.

Top Detroit Area Breast Implant Doctor

As you can see there are many decisions to be made when selecting the best breast implant that is right for you. The only way to truly understand your options is to schedule a consultation with a top Detroit area breast surgeon like Doctor Ali. If you are considering breast implant surgery, he will be happy to offer you a consultation to help you decide the right size, shape, incision, placement and type of implant for you.

Feel beautiful inside and out, with breast implant surgery. And remember, financing options are also available.

Detroit Area Breast Implant Consultation: 248-335-7200

Choosing Your Breast Implant Size & Shape

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Choosing Your Breast Implant Size & Shape-

This month, to celebrate the relaxing of social distancing, Dr. Ali is offering special discounts on both silicone and saline breast implants! All that’s left for you to do is choose the size, shape, and implant material! In this article board certified Detroit area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali offer information and tips for choosing the breast implant material and shape that’s best for you.

When it comes to breast augmentation, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all breast implants. Depending on a variety of factors including heredity, pregnancies, your body shape and natural contours, breast implants must be individually chosen to match each woman and meet her appearance goals.

There are only three companies that sell breast implants in the U.S. These are Allergan, Mentor and Sientra. And the only silicone implants currently approved for use in the US are made by Mentor and Allergan. (Sientra is still in business after their factory burned down, but their production of breast implants is stopped or limited.)

However, these manufacturers offer a wide range of breast implant sizes, designs, shapes and “profiles”. Only board-certified plastic surgeons like Dri. Ali have access to all the various types of implants. Dr. Ali will help you choose the best type of implant for your body type, individual needs, and appearance goals.

Breast Implant Materials

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. They do provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel, but are less popular than silicone implants because they do not feel as “natural”.

Structured saline breast implants contain an inner structure which helps make the breast implant feel more natural.

If the saline filled breast implant shell leaks, it will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. Saline breast implants also offer the advantage of requiring a smaller incision.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel, which feels remarkably like natural breast tissue. Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for breast augmentation in women age 22 or older.

Some women are concerned about silicone breast leaks because of inferior breast implant technologies that were in use many years ago. However this should not be a concern. Today’s silicone breast implants are far superior, and in rare cases where a leak occurs, the gel may remain within the implant shell. This means that a leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse. And, all breast implants manufactured for use in the United States come with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

“Gummy bear breast implants” contain a silicone gel inside the implant that is thicker than traditional silicone gel implants. They maintain their shape even if the implant shell is broken. However gummy bear breast implants are firmer than traditional implants, and require a slightly longer incision in the skin.

Breast Implants Shapes

Round Breast Implants

Because round implants are the same shape all over, there is less concern about them rotating out of place. Round breast implants typically make breasts appear fuller than contoured shaped implants.

When very large round implants are chosen they may be slightly less “natural” looking – giving more of a high profile “Hollywood” look. Some women prefer this look, while many women opt for something more natural.

Contoured Breast Implants

Contoured breast implants are shaped like a natural breast and are more anatomically correct. There are a variety of contoured shapes available to match a woman’s frame, body type, and appearance. Contoured breast implants come in different shapes, including: anatomical, teardrop, or bio-dimensional.

Dr. Ali is one of Oakland County’s top breast implant surgeon. He will show you the different shapes that are available, and take exact measurements of your chest and breasts, before recommending the proper breast implant shape and proportions for your frame.

Breast Implant Profiles

The “profile” of a breast implant refers to how far it projects from your chest.

In addition to selecting the size of implant, Dr. Ali will discuss the profile options of your breast implant. Profile types may be high, moderate or low, and should be matched to the width of your chest for the best “fit” for your frame.

High profile implants have more volume in a narrower width, which is often best for women with a narrow ribcage. A lower profile may be better for a more broadly built woman. Dr. Ali will discuss this with you to help you achieve the best aesthetic result.

Smooth vs Textured Breast Implants

Smooth breast implants have the advantage of being the softest feeling – and the most natural in terms of movement. However they may develop some slight rippling under the skin that is visible or palpable to the touch.

Textured breast implants have a slight texturing that helps the body develop scar tissue to hold the breast implant in shape. This makes textured breast implants less likely to move and become re-positioned. Texturing also offers some advantage in diminishing the risk of a tight scar capsule.

Best Oakland County Breast Implant Surgery

As you can see there are many decisions to be made when selecting the best breast implant that is right for you. The only way to truly understand your options is to schedule a consultation with a top Oakland county breast surgeon like Dr. Ali. If you are considering breast implant surgery, he will be happy to offer you a consultation to help you decide the right size, shape and type of implant for you.

Feel beautiful inside and out, with breast implant surgery. And remember, financing options are also available.

Oakland County Breast Implant Surgeon: 248-335-2700