Breast Augmentation – Options and Procedures

When you are considering any type of plastic surgery procedure you should look at everything. You need to know the basics of what you’re getting into. Breast augmentation surgery is no different. Sure it’s a relatively simple procedure that is probably done multiple times a day across the country but that doesn’t mean you know what they do. You need to familiarize yourself with the procedures and all the options that you have prior to going to the doctor to have your first consultation.

First off the procedure, breast augmentation is a relatively simple procedure. Depending on how you’re built and what size and type implant you want your physician will make one of five incision types. The first type is called the inframammary, it’s when the incision is made below the teat. Because it allows for precise placement of the implant it’s actually the most preferred method.
The next type is the periareolar. This incision is mad along the border of the areola which is great for adjustments. It can be difficult to actually place the implant using this type of procedure but it is great for scars because the scar is often unrecognizable, hidden in the pigment of the areola border.

The Transaxillary is another good incision to avoid scaring. The incision is actually mad to the armpit and the implant is placed through a dissection tunnel. Unfortunately there can be an asymmetry using this technique so it is often combined one of the first two incisions.
Transumbilical is a less common technique. It is performed by making a small incision at the naval and placing the implants through there. It is a very difficult technique but does mean no scarring on the chest.
The Transabdominal incision is like the tranumbilical in that the incision is located at the naval. This type is done only while the patient is also having a tummy tuck.

After the incision of the breast augmentation is made the implant is placed under the skin either subglandualrly (between the tissue and the pectoral muscle), subfascially (beneath the fascia of the pectoral muscle), subpectoral (beneath the pectoral muscle after releasing the inferior muscle attachments) or submuscularlly (under the pectoral muscle but without releasing the inferior muscle). Your doctor can help you choose which way you need to have the implant placed so that you get the best look.

You have other options too. You have the choice of implants. Silicone gives you the most natural look but does have health risks should the implant rupture. Saline doesn’t have the natural feel of silicone but it doesn’t carry the dangerous side effects should the implant rupture. It really depends on how you want the end result to look and feel once you’re healed. You also need to consider if you are comfortable with the fact that silicone can be dangerous if ruptured.

Breast augmentation can change the way you look. Knowing what to expect and what your options are before you visit your doctor can make a world of difference later.