On Equal Footing: Navigating the Breast Implant Learning Curve Sunday, October 12 Sun, Oct 12 8:00-9:30 a.m. CDT

The evolution of implant technology offers new opportunities and challenges in breast surgery. This session will examine complications and clinical decision-making considerations related to the adoption of recently introduced smooth implant devices. Faculty will review strategies for patient-specific implant selection and share real-world outcomes and early experiential insights to guide effective practice. Attendees will gain practical tips for achieving aesthetically consistent and balanced results, as well as strategies to navigate the learning curve associated with new techniques. Emphasis will be placed on safety, surgical efficiency, and optimizing patient outcomes.

Upon completion of this learning activity, participants should be able to:

1. Analyze common challenges and complications associated with new implant technologies and describe methods for anticipating and mitigating them.
2. Develop strategies for selecting implants based on individual patient anatomy, aesthetic goals, and device-specific features.
3. Evaluate early clinical outcomes and personal experiences with newly available implant devices to inform surgical planning and improve outcomes.
4. Apply intraoperative techniques that promote consistent, balanced results using modern smooth implant technologies.
5. Describe the learning curve involved with emerging implant technologies and articulate strategies for continuous skill development and outcome improvement.