Your Breast Augmentation: Are You Making the Right Choices?
Breast augmentation is one of the most customizable plastic surgery procedures available—so much so that prospective patients may be overwhelmed with options. When I see a patient for breast augmentation here in Mississauga, I do my best to walk her through each option so she feels empowered to make her own best choice. Let’s take a look at some of the most common options so you will feel prepared for your consultation.
Breast implants are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, materials, profiles, and textures. Because the primary objective of the surgery is enlarging the breasts, breast implant size is likely foremost on your mind. During your consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to try on implant sizers. These special prosthetic devices are placed under your clothes to help you better visualize your outcome with various sizes. While having a general desired size is helpful, it’s important to not get too attached to a specific cup size. This is because cup sizes aren’t regulated and can fluctuate between lingerie brands.
At my clinic, my patients also have the benefit of 3D VECTRA imaging, a specialized technique whereby we take images of your chest, and can then produce pictures of your chest with various sizes and shapes of implants. This is an excellent way to get a realistic idea of what your own body, with its specific dimensions, will look like with different types of implants. My patients find this an invaluable tool that helps them plan for their procedure.
Implant shape is limited to 2 options. Round implants are evenly sized all the way around, creating circumferential volume (and a good amount of cleavage). The other option, anatomically shaped implants, are tapered to better mimic the appearance of natural breast tissue. These implants will provide an increase in size while still looking very natural.
Material refers to the filling of the implant: saline, which is a sterile saltwater solution, or silicone. All implants use silicone shells; it’s the filling that differs. While most people agree that silicone implants create a more natural-looking result, others are attracted to the price point of saline implants or their saltwater filling.
Profile and texture are less important options to consider. These are usually determined by your existing body type and the type of implants you select.
The most common incision for breast augmentation is the inframammary fold incision. This option traces the fold beneath the breast, providing the surgeon with an ample amount of control during surgery while also creating a resulting scar that’s relatively discreet. Smaller implants may be able to be placed through the periareolar incision, which is made along the lower edge of the areola, or the transaxillary incision, which is made in the armpit.
Implants can be placed either over the chest muscle, called subglandular, or under the muscle, called subpectoral. The best placement for you depends on your natural anatomy, as well as the type of implants you choose. For example, if you select sizeable implants and have only a small amount of natural breast tissue, a subpectoral placement may be appropriate. This is because the chest muscle can provide more coverage of the implant, reducing the risk of effects such as rippling.
I always enjoy helping prospective patients map out their perfect procedures. When you’re ready, please give my office a call at (905) 273-3045 to begin planning your own.