Easily the top cosmetic surgery option today, breast augmentation can give balance to the body, increase self-confidence, and help correct the effects of heredity, pregnancy, or weight changes. A few basics you should know as you consider your options:
Top Breast Augmentation Options
Obviously, "how big" is an important question, but when you are planning a breast augmentation surgery you and your surgeon also have a number of options beyond just volume to help ensure that your results look natural. At your consultation your doctor may discuss:
• Implant filler – In addition to saline (sterile saltwater)-filled implants, doctors now offer implants filled with soft, semi-cohesive or cohesive silicone gel. Saline is the "traditional" choice that allows for slightly smaller incisions, while silicone is popular for its softer, more natural feel.
• Implant shape and texture– Circular implants with a smooth exterior are a common choice, but some surgeons and patients prefer "anatomical" or teardrop-shaped implants, which have a slightly textured exterior to help prevent them from rotating. Some surgeons also prefer textured circular implants, but they offer no clear advantage over smooth.
• Implant placement – Implants may be positioned just in front of the chest muscle ("subglandular" placement), partially behind it, or fully behind it. Subglandular placement allows for faster recovery and creates a more dramatic cleavage line, but in general it is most appropriate for patients who have a larger amount of existing breast tissue to begin with. Partially-submuscular placement is very popular for its "softer"-looking results.
• Incision location – Your surgeon may place the implant through an incision around the areola (periareolar), within the crease below the breast (inframammary), or within the armpit (transaxillary). A skilled surgeon will use techniques that encourage scars to fade nicely regardless of the incision type, but in general inframammary and transaxillary incisions hide the scar particularly well.
Is It Right for You?
Women have many different reasons for choosing breast augmentation, but in general a good candidate will aim for "natural-looking" enhancement that will balance her shape, enhance her self-confidence, and complement her already healthy self-image.
Healthy exercise and nutrition are also important for proper healing. While breast augmentation is a top choice to correct breast size changes after weight loss or pregnancy, results will last longer if you do not gain or lose significant weight after your procedure.
Tips for Better Results
• Choose a surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has years of experience with breast enhancement. Also, pay attention to how well your surgeon explains your options and listens to your goals; you should always feel "on the same page" with your doctor about what to expect.
• Expect healing to take time. Especially with silicone implants, immediately after surgery the breast will appear high and large; initial healing takes only weeks, but it may still take a month for the breasts to "drop" into a more natural position. Scarring normally takes about a year to fade well, so be patient.
Top Breast Augmentation Options
Obviously, "how big" is an important question, but when you are planning a breast augmentation surgery you and your surgeon also have a number of options beyond just volume to help ensure that your results look natural. At your consultation your doctor may discuss:
• Implant filler – In addition to saline (sterile saltwater)-filled implants, doctors now offer implants filled with soft, semi-cohesive or cohesive silicone gel. Saline is the "traditional" choice that allows for slightly smaller incisions, while silicone is popular for its softer, more natural feel.
• Implant shape and texture– Circular implants with a smooth exterior are a common choice, but some surgeons and patients prefer "anatomical" or teardrop-shaped implants, which have a slightly textured exterior to help prevent them from rotating. Some surgeons also prefer textured circular implants, but they offer no clear advantage over smooth.
• Implant placement – Implants may be positioned just in front of the chest muscle ("subglandular" placement), partially behind it, or fully behind it. Subglandular placement allows for faster recovery and creates a more dramatic cleavage line, but in general it is most appropriate for patients who have a larger amount of existing breast tissue to begin with. Partially-submuscular placement is very popular for its "softer"-looking results.
• Incision location – Your surgeon may place the implant through an incision around the areola (periareolar), within the crease below the breast (inframammary), or within the armpit (transaxillary). A skilled surgeon will use techniques that encourage scars to fade nicely regardless of the incision type, but in general inframammary and transaxillary incisions hide the scar particularly well.
Is It Right for You?
Women have many different reasons for choosing breast augmentation, but in general a good candidate will aim for "natural-looking" enhancement that will balance her shape, enhance her self-confidence, and complement her already healthy self-image.
Healthy exercise and nutrition are also important for proper healing. While breast augmentation is a top choice to correct breast size changes after weight loss or pregnancy, results will last longer if you do not gain or lose significant weight after your procedure.
Tips for Better Results
• Choose a surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has years of experience with breast enhancement. Also, pay attention to how well your surgeon explains your options and listens to your goals; you should always feel "on the same page" with your doctor about what to expect.
• Expect healing to take time. Especially with silicone implants, immediately after surgery the breast will appear high and large; initial healing takes only weeks, but it may still take a month for the breasts to "drop" into a more natural position. Scarring normally takes about a year to fade well, so be patient.
