About 307,000 breast augmentation procedures were conducted in 2011, according to data released
by the American Society of PlasticSurgeons. But despite the growing
popularity of this surgery, many patients are still not aware that their breast
anatomy and even their overall body frame can affect the final outcome.
Breast Anatomy:
* Areola complex
This is the pigmented part of the skin, and at its center is
the nipple which contains tiny ducts responsible for breastfeeding and are very
sensitive to manual stimulation.
The edge of the areola can be used as an incision site
during breast augmentation, allowing doctors to create a “pocket” and insert
the implant. And while this technique
hides the scar, the tradeoff is the higher risk of temporary or permanent loss
of sensation which happens if too much nerves are severed.
Fortunately, patients can choose from other breast augmentation incisions including breast crease, underarm, and navel.
* Cooper’s ligament and connective tissue
They support the entire breast and define its shape. But after several pregnancies and weight
loss, they start to become slack, leading to sagging appearance.
Breast implant
alone cannot correct sagging, although this can further improve the appearance
of the bust after a breast lift surgery.
Combining these two procedures are particularly ideal for women who have
drooping breasts and want to add more volume in their chest.
* Inframammary fold
Also called breast crease, it separates the breast mound
from the lower chest wall. Meanwhile,
this area is a great incision site because it allows plastic surgeons to work
close to the chest, making it easier for them to position the implants; for
this reason, the technique is ideal for patients with existing breast
deformity.
However, the inframammary fold incision is more ideal for
women with a defined breast crease as it can prevent them from having a high-
or low-riding scar.
Most board-certified plastic surgeons are very familiar with
inframammary incision technique that unsightly scars rarely happen.
* Chest width
This breast anatomy dictates the right implant profile which
is the projection off the chest wall. In
general, petite women should use high-profile implant that has small base but
offers more protuberance.
By contrast, patients with a wider chest width should use
low-profile implants which have a broader base but offer less protrusion.
Meanwhile, patients can choose moderate-profile implants
that provide projection according to their amount of filling (which is measured
by cubic centimeter or cc).
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