How often have you walked down the beach past a woman who looks simply fabulous in her bikini and wished you were filling your top out as nicely? Indeed, many women who are unhappy with the appearance of their bust line have likely had this experience, or one quite similar.
Today many women are choosing to make a permanent change to this particular dissatisfaction by choosing breast augmentation surgery. In 2013 alone, over 300,000 women had breast augmentation procedures(1).
If you’ve arrived here at this page, this is likely something you’re considering yourself. But there are so many questions to answer about breast surgery, so many decisions!
Hopefully here we can work to start clearing things up for you a little. Let’s take a look at the 4 most basic components of breast augmentation surgery.
Silicone vs. Saline
Once a woman decides to have her breasts enhanced surgically, one of the first big debates she will run into is that of silicone vs. saline.
The first thing to note is this: there is no “right” answer here. It is simply a matter of personal preference and what you are most comfortable with.
Both types of implants are surrounded by silicone shells. However, a saline implant will be filled with a sterile saline (salt water) solution, whereas a silicone implant will be filled with actual silicone, which is a plastic, gel-like solution.
Despite safety concerns regarding silicone in the late 90’s, silicone implants regained FDA approval for certain types in 2006. These are now the only varieties available on the market.
Today the majority of implants chosen by patients are in fact silicone. The upside for silicone is that many women agree that the feel of the silicone implants are more natural than that of saline implants. Silicone also has a lower deflation rate than saline and creates less of a “rippling” effect.
One benefit of saline implants is that, should an issue like leakage arise, the body will simply safely absorb the saline. Saline also carries a lower cost and requires a slightly smaller incision than silicone.
Surgical Incision
Three choices commonly exist for a surgical incision site – under the breast, under the arms, or around the nipple area. The decision of which site to use will depend upon your body type, the type of implants being inserted, and the size of the implants. It is also a personal decision, as it will impact where scarring will exist after the procedure.
An under the arm incision, called a transaxillary incision, is the least common option, and is typically used for the insertion of uninflated saline implants. This type of incision is used primarily because it gives the surgeon easier access to the chest muscle. Some women also prefer it as it leaves no visible scarring on or around the breasts.
An incision site under the fold of the breast, known an inframammary incision, is the most common. Although this incision can be more noticeable after surgery, it carries less risk with regards to changes in sensation or interference with breast feeding than an incision made around the nipple area. This style of incision also allows for the easiest after-surgery access, should a need arise for scar tissue removal.
The third option, an incision around the nipple area, is called a periareolar incision. This type of incision is decidedly the most concealable, especially with clothing on. However, as previously mentioned, it carries more risk after the surgery as a periareolar incision can interfere with breastfeeding down the road and natural nipple sensation due to the cutting of breast tissue in that area.
Size
Size is a major decision for a woman, as this procedure will change not only the way you look but the way you carry your weight.
When some people think of implants, they think of breasts that are overly-large, the “watermelon freak-show kind,” as Samantha calls them in Sex and the City. But implants come in a variety of sizes, and women today can choose to have a very subtle, minimally noticeable enhancement, or a significant increase in size.
My recommendation here; don’t overthink it! Yes, it is important to consider sizing well, but there’s no need to stress over small differences. As an expert at hearing your desires and guiding you to the right implant size. One that will compliment your natural figure, provide a flattering appearance and meet your overall breast enhancement goals.
Because your implants will hopefully last many years, one final consideration for size is the impact it will have on your body over the years. Implants are still prone to the effects of gravity as time passes, and factors such as stresses to the clavicle bone (bra strap indentations) and the back should be examined prior to choosing larger implants.
Selection of Surgeon
Selection of your surgeon is by far the most important decision a woman will make when it comes to her breast augmentation surgery.
Obviously cost will be a consideration when choosing a doctor. Where the highest cost surgeon will not always ensure the highest quality work, an exceptionally low cost surgeon will almost always result in sub-par results, occasionally even posing safety risks to the patient.
For starters, your chosen surgeon should always be both ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties) certified and a member of the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
Additionally, a wide range of before and after photos of his or her past work should be available from your surgeon. These photos should include images of before and after work that are taken from a variety of different angles and in different lighting, as both factors can affect the appearance of scars, wrinkling, and rippling.
Often times an excellent way to find a surgeon is to seek recommendations from friends or family you know who have had a breast augmentation procedure done. They will provide you with an honest review of their experience and how happy they have been with the results in the aftermath of their procedure.
I have had the pleasure of working with patients who have traveled from all over the country to visit St. Charles Plastic Surgery. Each individual brought her own concerns and needs that we addressed together through a personal consultation to ensure the best results. You should not expect anything less than the best for you.
