Cosmetic surgeons weigh in on the first-ever injectable breast implants

Traditional breast augmentation is seemingly on the decline—with the latest cosmetic surgery audits showing a 27 per cent fall in its popularity here in the UK alongside a smaller, two per cent drop-off in North America (where, simultaneously, breast implant removals went up nine per cent). That said, what’s commonly referred to as the ‘boob job’ remains the top surgical procedure both here and across the pond, which perhaps speaks to the increasing interest in achieving ‘aesthetic harmony’—a move identified in a new report published by the nonprofit American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Alongside a desire for subtle enhancements that maintain a harmonious silhouette, patients are now “opting for procedures that offer natural-looking results, enhancing their overall body proportions,” it reads.

This is one reason why cosmetic surgeons seem excited about the arrival of Mia Femtech, touted as the first-ever injectable and biocompatible implants, which have been engineered to achieve a subtle but significant one-to-two-cup proportionate result.

“Mia Femtech not only offers what is a very natural look, but also offers a myriad of benefits to the patient,” says Dr Paul Banwell—a consultant plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon. These include “a shorter treatment time, no requirement for general anaesthesia, very low postoperative pain and only a small, concealed scar in the armpit”. This is thanks to the biocompatible implant itself as well as the “revolutionary local anaesthetic technique” used to insert it, adds the leading specialist in breast augmentation and breast enlargement. “For me, this procedure represents a new paradigm in breast aesthetics.”

Explaining how the procedure works, consultant plastic surgeon Dr Adrian Richards—one of the first in the UK to be offering Mia Femtech at his London clinic—reveals that “the breast tissue remains attached to the chest wall and the implant is simply nested in the breast tissue” using a ‘no-touch’ technique. “By protecting the tissue, the breast remains intact in form and function, which significantly minimises the complication rate.” He adds that the implants may last a little longer, too, advising patients to have a scan after 12 years and then once every other year thereafter to monitor the best time for a repeat procedure.

What of the disadvantages? Patient selection is key, continues Dr Richards, as “not all will be suitable candidates for this procedure”. Dr Banwell concurs, noting that it would suit someone seeking harmonisation of the breast with proportional results in relation to their body, while those looking for more than a one-to-two-cup size difference would be better suited to a traditional augmentation. Plus, “patients with thin breast tissue or visible ptosis (sagging) of the breast are often not suitable,” he adds.

Ultimately, it’s important to know that ‘injectable implants’ are still a surgical procedure. “While the benefits associated with Mia Femtech are significant and the reduced procedure time is impressive, this is still surgery and anatomical risks remain,” says the UK and US-trained plastic surgeon and founder of The Soni Clinic, Dr Ash Soni. “Patients should ensure they consult with a board-certified surgeon and undergo a thorough evaluation to determine their suitability for the procedure,” he advises. The technique—which he notes has been used for some time in other markets, “requires considerable experience to achieve optimal results due to limited visualisation during the procedure,” meaning it’s imperative to partner with someone in a clinical setting equipped to handle any potential complications.

And, as Dr Banwell points out, alongside innovation and efficiency of surgery can come snap decisions that may be trend-led – which all the experts see as a red flag. “It’s therefore crucial for patients to thoroughly consider their long-term goals and expectations before considering any procedure.” Surgery should never be a question of what's out or in, traditional or trending; rather, a considered choice unique to individual motivations and circumstances.

This article was first published in harpersbazaar.com/uk in July 2024. 

Image credit: Pexels

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