What are the most common body types and complaints? Liposuction can be very helpful for those who are unhappy with the shape of their body despite diet and exercise. Some individuals carry stubborn fat in particular areas of the body because of the body type they inherited. In general, there are two basic body types:

• The apple-shaped body type is referred to as “android.” These are the people who carry excess fat in the chest and stomach.
• The pear-shaped body type is referred to as “gynoid.” These are the people who carry excess fat in the hips and thighs.

What typical body problems can Liposuction help?

For women:

• Saddle Bags
• Fatty Inner Thighs and Knees
• Excess Medial Thigh Fat
• Excess Flank
• Waist and Abdominal Fat
• Fatty Calves
• Submental (Under Chin) Fat
• Upper Arm Fat

For men:

• Abdomen and flanks
• Gynecomastia (breast reduction)
• Submental (Under Chin) Fat

I have been considering breast augmentation, but I am not sure of which implant to use.  Can you tell me the types of implants available, and how I decide which is best for me?

This is a very good question.  The implants available today are saline filled or silicone gel filled.  Dr. Porterfield knows that there are advantages and disadvantages to each type of implant, and he will help you through your decision making process.

Dr. Porterfield and staff

In addition to the type of implant, there are considerations as to shapes and texture of the implant as well.  After careful evaluation through our complimentary consultation, Dr. Porterfield will help you weigh all the
facts before making your decision.

We have done some comparisons for you and have summarized these below.

   1. Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants consist of a silicone elastomer shell filled with silicone gel.  You may have heard these termed as “memory gel” or “gummy bear”.  Following a rigorous review process, the FDA approved the use of silicone gel-filled breast implants in 2006 for reconstruction breast surgery on women of any age, and for cosmetic augmentation surgery on women 22 years old and older.  There are certain situations where a gel implant may be used for women under 22, however careful evaluation would be necessary to determine each patients qualifications.

     b.  Saline Breast Implants

Saline implants contain sterile water as the filler material, which is the same main ingredient in body fluids.  If a saline implant ruptures, the implant deflates and the body absorbs the saline harmlessly.  Saline
implants also consist of a silicone elastomer shell.  Saline implants may not replicate the look and feel of a breast as well as silicone implants, but many women choose them due to safety concerns.   You must be 18 years old to undergo cosmetic breast surgery with saline implants