IDEAL implant from skilled surgeon who hasn't used IDEAL yet. Is this risky?

Question

I live in a big metro area with many highly regarded plastic surgeons. But, none of the top ones I contacted have used IDEAL implants. How risky would it be to be a surgeon's first IDEAL implant patient, given that the surgeon is otherwise highly skilled in breast surgeries. Is the installation of the IDEAL so unique or different from saline implants that a surgeon who hasn't used them before could easily make a mistake or run into issues that might later lead to complications or deflation of the implant?

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

I have been using the Ideal Implants since they first became available. There is certainly a little bit of learning curve but not a big deal for an experienced breast surgeon. They tend to resemble high profile implants and there are two chambers that need to be filled (rather than just one like those in the traditional single lumen saline implants). The company is very attentive and there should be a Representative in your area that could help discuss with the surgeon you choose. Good luck.

Peter J. Vonu, MD, FACS · Answer

Any skilled board-certified breast implant surgeon can place ideal implants. More importantly the surgeon should be well-versed in the pros and cons of using Ideal Implants as compared to traditional saline implants and silicone implants. Overall the skill set needed to place Ideal Implants Is much the same as any other fillable implant.

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Any qualified breast implant surgeon can learn the nuances of the Ideal implant from watching a short educational video on how to prepare and fill the implant. Other aspects of the surgery are basically the same as they are for other saline or silicone gel implants. If your surgeon has any questions, the support staff at Ideal will help him with the first case. Good luck to you.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

The outcome of your surgery will be affected by the skills and experience of your surgeon far more than the type of implant selected. Any added complexities to the Ideal implant should not create a problem for your board certified plastic surgeon.

Michael Zwicklbauer, MD, FACS · Answer

As long as your surgeon is a  qualified well experience plastic surgeon you have nothing to worry about. I’m sure if you are his first patient the representative for the ideal implant company will be there to guide him or her through the surgery for the subtle nuances of the ideal implant . I have placed hundreds of these , and to me it is straightforward but of course the first few times someone uses them there are some minor differences. good luck and enjoy your new look!!

IDEAL implant from skilled surgeon who hasn't used IDEAL yet. Is this risky?

Answers (5)