Spectrum™ Implants
For many women, the post-operative size, shape, or contour of their breasts may not fit their self-image or their
expectation. Some patients who have had a breast augmentation state that they are not comfortable with the size of
their new breasts. Either they are too big or too small. The Spectrum™ Adjustable Breast Implant is a
remarkably simple, new design that enables our surgeons to increase or decrease the volume of the implant by adding
or removing sterile saline for up to six months after the implants have been placed in the patient.
What is a "Spectrum" implant?
The Spectrum™ Adjustable Breast Implant allows “you” the patient to determine the exact size you want to be.
The special fill-valve connected to the implant is situated under the skin where
our surgeons can locate the port by touch later. With each fill you will
see that you become rounder, fuller, higher and tighter. Once you and our
surgeons have determined the final fill volume the fill valve will then be removed through a simple in-office
procedure.
Why use the Spectrum implant in breast augmentation?
For the first time in history a woman now has a choice on what size she wants to actually be.
Most women are asymmetric. One breast is usually a little bigger than the other. The Spectrum breast implant
can greatly increase the accuracy in improving volumetric differences. Nipple positioning can occasionally be
addressed by adding more saline to the breast with the higher nipple for a longer time than the opposite.
Some women prefer a slightly-rounded look while others prefer a more normal shape. By being able to add and
remove fluid (sterile saline) volume, these varying shapes can be achieved to your satisfaction.
In the case of prior fibrous capsular contracture, with or without a pocket exchange, the Spectrum is useful for
prolonged stretching of the scar tissue to reduce recurrent fibrous
contracture, as well as to “shape” the breast.
When the skin is too tight to permit an extremely great size increase, for example 34A to a 34D, that would
otherwise require two separate implant stages.
There are also “special considerations” such as patients with a high inframammary crease and
tuberous breasts can be greatly improved with respect to the potential dent at the existing inframammary crease when
it is lowered. Expansion can be very useful here. The procedure can be used to lower a high nipple or to mask pectus
deformity. The potential is as limitless as your imagination.
Why are there not many surgeons offering the Spectrum implant?
The Spectrum implant has been utilized for
over five years. I believe if more cosmetic surgeons were familiar with the process, they would find that the Spectrum
implant affords the best possible result with the fewest potential complications. Once they become familiar with the
procedure, I believe that they will make greater use of it.
Has the post-operative adjustable implant changed your practice? Yes, it is definitely a different approach and
solves some problems that we do not think can be easily overcome without their usage. Since there are not many
surgeons who are offering this implant at this time it does make our practice unique. We have also found that the patient’s
anxiety level is lowered regarding size selection. Now the patient has control over size and final results.
Is there a cost associated for each time I come in to add or remove fluid?
The cost for adding or removing saline is $75 per visit. Patients usually come in third and sixth month for adjustments. For many women, the post-operative size, shape, or contour of their breasts may not fit their self-image or their expectation.
Read more about breast enlargement.
The more you know about procedures and options available, the better equipped you are to make the decision that is best for you. Our surgeons and the staff of the Dallas Fort Worth Institute of Body Sculpturing are available to answer questions or concerns that you may have about Spectrum™ implants breast enlargement.