Patient Options in Breast Augmentation Surgery

The primary goal of breastaugmentation is not just about increasing the bust size but also making the result as natural as possible.  Fortunately, this is easier nowadays as breast implants come in different sizes, shapes, shell, filling, and projection, in addition to a wide range of surgical techniques used by plasticsurgeons.

Nowadays, three options in breast implant placement are available for patients: complete submuscular (under the muscle), partial submuscular (partially under the muscle), and subglandular (behind the tissue).  These surgical techniques have their own pros and cons which are carefully explained to women so they can decide for themselves.

The complete submuscular implant placement results to longer recovery and more pain during healing period because the pec muscles are stretched and pushed.  However, the technique provides countless of benefits such as more coverage to reduce the risk of implant wrinkling; more lifting effect; better mammogram reading; and lower risk of capsular contracture, which is a condition resulting to hardening of the scar tissue around the implants.

On the other hand, the subglandular implant placement results to shorter recovery because the pec muscle remains intact.  But since no muscle covers the implant shell, the technique is only ideal for patients with enough glandular tissue, fats, and skin.  Another consideration to make is that an ongoing ptosis (drooping) may be further aggravated because of the lack of strong “support.”

Meanwhile, the partial submuscular combines the benefits of subglandular and complete submuscular implant placements.

Aside from the implant placement, the type of implants can also have a significant impact on the final result.  For instance, women who want to achieve more cleavage are advised to choose round implant rather than the teardrop-shaped version, although the latter is more notable for simulating the natural contour of the breast.

Breast implants are either filled with saline or silicone gel.  For those who want to achieve a more natural “feel” and “look,” and women with a limited glandular tissue, the silicone implant is a better option; however, one downside is that the patients are required to undergo MRI screening every two years to detect any asymptomatic or “silent” leak.

On the other hand, women with saline implants are not required to have a regular MRI screening because a leak is easily manifested by deflated-looking breasts, making it possible to immediately seek revision breast augmentation.

Regardless if saline or siliconeimplants are used, their size should not only be based on one’s goal but also on her body-frame, amount of tissue and skin, and chest width.  It is important to note that a good plastic surgeon will not push the body’s limit by introducing implants that are too large for it.

Breast implants can be inserted via four incision sites: axillary (armpit), TUBA (navel), breast crease, and areola complex.  Patients should remember that the best surgical technique largely depends on their goals, acceptable risk level, and type and size of implants.

The axillary and TUBA incision sites require the use of an endoscope, which is a fiber optic camera attached to a large monitor.  Through this instrument, plastic surgeons can insert an empty saline shell inside the breast pocket and then fill this with a sterile saltwater solution.

But because the axillary and TUBA incisions work farther away from the bust area, there is a greater margin of error.  By contrast, the breast crease and areola incision sites provide surgeons with greater control over the final result of the surgery, making them a more popular choice.

Since there are many surgical options and type of implants available for women, breast augmentation typically involves lengthy consultation between patients and plastic surgeons.  In this way, doctors can also determine if the goals and expectations of a person with the surgery are plausible and achievable.