TOPIC: Percents of PMMA Question

Can someone outline the distinctive (pluses and minuses) of the 10% amount, 20% amount, and 30% amounts? How does each percent feel when healed? Is one more prone to imperfections? Is one firmer than the other? If I do 30% and touch up, is that equivalent with doing three 10% procedures? If so, what are the differences?

The percentage is basically the concentration of PMMA. I did a little research on this a while back, compiling information from patient reports and comparing the outcomes from those who received 10% to those that received 30%. Like I said, this was a while ago and back when we did not have all that many 30% numbers to use. It is still around here somewhere.

Guys have experienced good and bad with all percentages, so it is not easy to say that one outcome will certainly yield more pleasing results. Granted, a lower concentration lends itself to lower complications.
When considering receiving PMMA, it should be expected that multiple procedures would be necessary to achieve the final size and acceptable appearance. With this in mind, the theory has been that the initial procedures would be used to increase size, with 30% concentration believed to provide the largest gains. Subsequent procedures would utilize 10% to cover up and soften any aesthetic issues that may have occurred.

There have been guys who get just as impressive gains with 10% as with 30%, though.

There is really nothing definitive when it comes to PMMA, as it is a very patient-specific outcome. One guy can gain .5\" with a given concentration while the next guy could get the exact same concentration and cc\'s and gain virtually nothing.

Thanks Briceb- Wade thought that 30% would be best for me due to my being older (55) and forming a better foundation. I\'ve read on this website that 30% can be firmer, but also is more susceptible to imperfections (which may be corrected with touch-ups). Any other complications with doing the 30% level initially?

The imperfections he is speaking of could include lumps and nodules, which is the case with both 10% and 30%. They just seem to occur more often with 30%. And, yes, these can be addressed during future procedures, if needed. The doctor can try and break them up with the cannula and then cover them with the 10%. Sometimes the nodules resolve themselves, other times they need assistance.