Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, and for good reason. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, age, and genetics often work together to make the breasts flatten and droop as the years pass.
Breast augmentation can increase breast size, elevation, and fullness to enhance a woman’s appearance and self-esteem. Many patients also opt for a breast lift at the same time to place the breasts higher on the chest, which can make them look years younger.
Patients considering breast augmentation should think carefully about the surgeon they choose to perform this procedure. There are many techniques that can be used with breast augmentation that can have a significant effect on the results.
Below is important information to consider about breast augmentation.
Breast Implant Placement
The surgeon will use either silicone or saline breast implants unless you have breast augmentation with fat transfer and liposuction.
One of the most important considerations is where and how the implants will be placed. Your surgeon will use various techniques and strategies to place the implants based on your anatomy and other factors.
Subglandular Placement
This is also called ‘over the muscle’ implant placement. Your surgeon may use this technique to put the implant above the chest muscle and below the existing breast tissue. This method is chosen so the breast implant is under the breast glands so the patient can still easily breastfeed.
The advantage of this procedure is the implants tend to moss less during workouts. Also, there is usually less pain after surgery.
However, the breast’s appearance may not look authentic, and mammogram readings may be inaccurate. In addition, patients may have a higher chance of capsular contracture, where the scar tissue squeezes the implant.
Submuscular Placement
Submuscular placement also is called ‘under the muscle.’ This method puts the implant partially under the chest muscle.
This method is often chosen because mammograms are easier to read, making the implant look as natural as possible. There also is a lower incidence of capsular contracture.
On the downside, some patients have more pain after surgery, taking longer to recover.
Chest Muscle In Implant Placement
The chest muscles play a vital role in how the implants are placed. Every patient has a different amount of chest muscle, which can be a significant factor when the surgeon decides how to place them.
Your unique anatomy must be considered. For instance, if a woman has more developed and larger chest muscles, over the muscle placement could be best. This is because larger muscles could distort the implants.
Breast Tissue In Implant Placement
Another factor your surgeon will consider is how much existing breast tissue there is. If enough breast tissue is present, it may not be necessary to put the implant under the chest muscle.
Breast Augmentation Incision Options
Another important consideration is the type of incision used. The surgeon will choose one of these incision types depending on their methods and your anatomy and goals:
Inframammary
This incision is made under the breast, and it leaves a thin scar that is one or two inches long. This is one of the most popular incision choices because it is easily concealed under the breast and usually can only be seen when lying on your back.
Surgeons often choose the inframammary incision because of a wider access point. This allows them to place larger implants in the chest more easily.
Peri-areolar
The surgeon makes the incision around the outside of the areola, so the scar is difficult to see in the pigmented skin. Your surgeon may use this incision if they’re doing a mild or moderate breast lift with the augmentation.
Trans-axillary
This incision involves a small cut in the armpit. Then, the surgeon places the implant using a camera and specialized instruments. The most significant advantage of this method is there is only a small scar that is difficult to see.
Transumbilical
This method puts the incision above the belly button, and each implant is guided up to the breasts. The transumbilical technique isn’t used as often but only has a small scar and none on the breasts themselves.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
How long your breast surgery recovery is depends on many factors, including your overall health, techniques used, and the surgeon’s skill.
In most cases, full recovery occurs in four to six weeks, but it can take several months for all swelling and bruising to fade.
Keep in mind that your breasts will probably feel hard and sit higher on the chest than normal. This is normal after breast augmentation and the issues will resolve after a few weeks.
You may feel some soreness and discomfort, but the surgeon will give you prescription pain medication for the first week. After the first week, you can take Tylenol for any additional discomfort.
The surgeon must consider many aspects when deciding how and where to insert your breast implants. During the consultation, it’s essential to talk to the surgeon about their experience and techniques used during breast augmentation.
Make sure you understand how the surgeon will perform the procedure, including implant placement, type of implants, and the incisions used.
Having all the necessary information about the breast implant procedure helps because you will know what to expect after surgery and in the future.
Request A Breast Augmentation Consultation
Thinking about breast augmentation in Beverly Hills? Dr. Nicholas Lahar is pleased to provide plastic surgery procedures to his Beverly Hills patients. He will discuss your aesthetic goals during your consultation and help you decide if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation.
References
The Five Factors Of Breast Augmentation. (2020). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/the-five-factors-of-breast-augmentation
Breast Augmentation Procedure. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/procedure
Where Will Your Breast Implants Be Placed? (2020). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/where-will-your-breast-implants-be-placed
How Long Is The Recovery For Breast Augmentation? (2021). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/how-long-is-the-recovery-for-a-breast-augmentation#
