Coming Soon: An Exciting New Development in Breast Augmentation

Lots of women dream about having larger, fuller breasts, but not everyone likes the idea of breast implants. 

One solution is fat grafting, which allows fat to be transferred from one part of the body and into the breasts. Now, a new technology promises to make this procedure even more effective, with incredible results.

The technology involves 3D printed ‘breast implants’ that are specially tailored to each woman’s body. Read on to find out more…

How do 3D printed breast implants work?

Well, first off, these aren’t breast implants in the traditional sense. They act more like scaffolding, around which to build the breasts. The implants are made out of bioabsorbable polymers and can be printed in various sizes and shapes to suit patients’ anatomies and needs. The polymers dissolve after a year meaning there’s no need to have surgery to remove the implants.

But what do they actually do? The 3D printed implants provide a structure, with a defined shape, which surgeons can use to guide fat grafting. The implants have a lattice design, meaning there are thousands of tiny grooves and holes into which fat can be deposited.

This is a more efficient way of grafting fat because it provides a precise roadmap for where the fat should be added. Currently when fat is grafted to the breast, it’s put into multiple planes so that it’s evenly distributed, but it’s harder to shape. 

The new possibilities with 3D breast implants

What’s really exciting about this new technology is that it will allow women to achieve larger breasts through natural fat grafting than is possible at the moment. That’s because the implant acts as a tissue expander and can be used to create a bigger pocket into which fat can be transplanted.

Patients who have thick or tight skin on their breasts have previously been limited to how big they can go - it all depends on how much fat the surgeon can get into the breast. And if the skin is too taught, it cuts off circulation and the fat doesn’t survive. 

However, by placing the 3D printed breast implant on top of the muscles, it can stretch the skin. And there are more blood vessels and better blood circulation here, which helps the fat to survive. 

3D printed breast implants aren’t only useful for breast augmentations, they can also be used for breast reconstruction surgery. If a patient has undergone a mastectomy and had a breast removed, the implant can be inserted under the skin to both stretch it and create a scaffold for transplanting fat. The implant can be printed to replicate the shape and size of the remaining breast.  

What are the results with 3D printed breast implants?

The big benefit of 3D printed breast implants is that they can be produced to exact specifications, meaning you can choose the ideal shape and volume. With traditional silicone implants, although there is a big range, you’re limited to what’s available ‘off the shelf’.

Being able to print the implant to your requirements means you can really customise the end result. And not only do you get the perfect breast outline, you get it without the firmer tone that comes with standard implants.   

Once the 3D printed breast implant has dissolved, all you’re left with is the grafted fat, which looks, feels and behaves totally naturally.

Another plus point of the technology is that it encourages the growth of new tissue and collagen, further enhancing your results.

When will 3D printed breast implants be available?

Not just yet. The first clinical trials of the ‘Senella scaffold’ developed by BellaSeno are scheduled to begin in Germany before the end of the year. They are yet to be clinically approved, however, according to the company, preclinical studies have had promising results.

“Preclinical studies have shown that the scaffolds slowly get absorbed by the body while the patient's own tissue forms synchronously. After the scaffold has been fully resorbed, the preclinical trials show that the end-result is natural breast tissue with no foreign body remnants,” they say. 

Looks like we’ll just have to watch this space. But until then, we can still create amazing results with fat grafting. Ocean Clinic’s Head Surgeon Dr. Kaye is an expert in the field and is highly skilled at sculpting beautiful, shapely breasts with transplanted fat. 

The procedure is especially effective in women who have lost volume in their breasts due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight loss or just ageing. Learn more about our all-natural breast enlargement or contact Ocean Clinic for a consultation.

Should I Get Plastic Surgery? Take Our Quiz

For most people, the decision to get plastic surgery is a big one. Usually, when people come to see us at Ocean Clinic, they’ve already spent years dreaming about getting their ‘problem area’ fixed. 

Committing to plastic surgery absolutely shouldn’t be rushed. However, when our patients finally take the plunge, they always tell us they wished they’d done it earlier. 

Because of this, we thought we’d put together a quiz to help you understand if you’re ready or not, and the impact surgery could have on your wellbeing. Simply select the multiple choice answers that best reflect your situation and see whether you have mostly A’s, B’s or C’s at the end…

Q1. How long have you felt self-conscious about your problem area?

1. For many years

2. For the last few years

3. Only recently

Q2. How do you feel when someone takes your photo?

1. I try to avoid being in photos

2. I try to hide my problem area in photos

3. I’m pretty relaxed about being in photos

Q3. How often do you choose clothes or hairstyles to conceal your problem area?

1. Always

2. Most of the time

3. Sometimes

Q4. To what extent does your problem area affect your romantic relationships?

1. A lot

2. A fair amount

3. Not much

Q5. Have you had a consultation with a plastic surgeon before?

1. Yes, we discussed the options

2. No, but I’ve researched clinics

3. No I haven’t looked into it yet

Q6. What is the main thing preventing you from getting plastic surgery?

1. The cost

2. Worry that it might go wrong

3. Not looking like myself anymore

Q7. What are your expectations for surgery?

1. To make the best of what I’ve got

2. To look younger/more attractive

3. To imitate a celebrity look

Q8. Have you tried other ways to improve your problem area?

1. Only surgery can fix my problem 

2. I’ve tried things but nothing has worked

3. I haven’t tried anything yet

Q9. Are you likely to have any lifestyle changes such as losing or gaining weight or becoming pregnant? 

1. Unlikely

2. I’m not sure

3. Likely

Q10. Do you smoke or use tobacco products?

1. No

2. Yes but I could stop

3. Yes and I’d struggle to stop

The results

If you answered mostly A’s

You’re a great candidate for plastic surgery. Your problem area has had a negative effect on your wellbeing for a long time. It’s affecting your relationships, your confidence and restricting your freedom. When it comes to improving your problem area, you’ve researched your options and realise surgery is the best option. You have realistic expectations about what’s achievable and you’re not about to make any big lifestyle changes meaning you can really enjoy the benefit of your surgery results. If paying for surgery is a barrier, getting an up-to-date quote and looking at financing options might make it accessible for you.  

If you answered mostly B’s

Your problem area has been on your mind for a while now… perhaps it’s time to do something about it? If you haven’t had a consultation with a plastic surgeon before, it makes sense to find out what solutions are open to you and how much this could cost. If you worry about things potentially going wrong with your surgery or no longer looking like yourself, discuss these concerns with the surgeon. Ask to see before and after photos, or even to speak with a previous patient to find out about their experience. Make sure you understand what results are achievable for you and what to expect before you make up your mind.

If you answered mostly C’s

As your appearance does not have a significant impact on your life, it might be unnecessary to go through with plastic surgery. Your dissatisfaction with your problem area may pass or you might be able to achieve improvements through diet and exercise or with non-surgical treatments. And if you simply desire to follow a beauty trend, it’s advisable to do it in a temporary way, because fads pass quickly! Cosmetic treatments like fillers and cosmetic injections can be a good way to get a boost without going under the knife. And don’t forget - smoking is a no-no for surgical procedures so you must be prepared to stop for several weeks if you do decide to have surgery. 

Think you’re a good candidate for plastic surgery? Or simply want a cosmetic ‘tweakment’? Contact Ocean Clinic for more information.

Argon Plasma-Driven Radiofrequency: A New Advancement in Body Contouring

At Ocean Clinic we’re continually exploring ways to achieve better results for our patients. One new technology we’ve recently started using as part of our body contouring surgeries is argon plasma-driven radiofrequency.

The technology has been developed to help shrink skin and tissue and do away with the need for surgical excision. 

Typically after liposuction, patients will be left with some skin laxity and one way we tackle this is with post-surgical radiofrequency skin tightening treatments. Now, however, a new argon plasma-driven radio frequency skin tightening device allows us to induce skin and tissue retraction during the surgery itself.

How does the argon plasma-driven radio frequency skin tightening device work?

The device uses pressurized argon gas to drive radiofrequency energy into a hollow cannula. 

The cannula is moved around in a similar way to a liposuction cannula, rapidly heating small sections of subcutaneous collagen matrix to 85°C. This heat generates strong contraction of the collagen within fractions of a second, causing a 40–50% reduction in fiber length.

Skin tone continues to improve over a year, as new collagen develops within the tissue. Studies show the treatment can achieve up to 36% measured skin surface area contraction.

Is it safe?

The argon plasma-driven radio frequency skin tightening device is actually safer than other radiofrequency devices because it only heats a small targeted area. Unlike with bulk tissue heating, the tissue surrounding the treatment site remains at much cooler temperatures. Clinical measurements show that in an average treatment region, skin temperatures get to about 38° when treated with the argon plasma-driven device, as opposed to 45° and higher with bulk heating devices. 

Because of the unique heating and cooling properties of the technology, immediate soft tissue contraction can be achieved without unnecessarily heating the full thickness of the dermis. 

What happens during treatment?

The treatment is carried out immediately after your liposuction procedure, while you are still sedated and on the operating table. The device is inserted and slowly withdrawn a number of times from the same incisions made for the liposuction cannula. These ‘strokes’ are done at different depths in order to trigger significant soft tissue and skin contraction that will be visible within 24 hours of treatment. 

What are the results?

When liposuction is combined with argon plasma-driven radiofrequency energy, it results in significant improvement in the contour and laxity of skin and soft tissue. Improvement can be seen as early as the next day but tissue contraction really becomes noticeable about three months post-op and continues for a year or more. 

However, results do depend upon the patient taking responsibility for aftercare, which includes wearing compression garments as instructed by your surgeon. This is vital for achieving the desired smooth contour.

Who can benefit from the argon plasma-driven radio frequency skin tightening device?

Anyone who is undergoing a body contouring treatment with liposuction can benefit from argon plasma-driven radiofrequency. The device enhances the results of liposuction, helping to restore the firm tone and defined shape of youthful body contours.

Popular treatment regions include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, knees, upper arms and bra roll, as well as the lower face and neck. Post-bariatric patients can be treated if the need for skin contraction is less than 33%. 

Women who have given birth and want to restore their physique can also be helped, although diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) can only be slightly improved. This condition is better treated with a tummy tuck and surgery can be combined with liposuction and argon plasma-driven radiofrequency to improve the overall silhouette and skin tone. 

Argon plasma-driven radio frequency skin tightening can also be used during breast lift surgery to significantly improve the breast skin and tissue, resulting in breasts that are not only perkier but also younger in tone and texture.

Want to find out more about body contouring treatments with the argon plasma-driven radio frequency skin tightening device? Contact Ocean Clinic by telephone: (+34) 951 77 55 18 or by email: info@oceanclinic.net