News
Introduction
Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgical operations performed. Typically this involves placing a man-made implant underneath the breast tissue to add volume to the area. Here are some of the key decisions that we will discuss when I see you in clinic.
Implant type
There are two main groups of breast implant: those with a silicone gel filling and those with a saline fluid filling. Although both have their pros and cons, most surgeons now use silicone gel filled implants. The other implant factor relates to the implant surface. This can be smooth or have a texture to it. Textured surfaces became popular due to data suggesting this helped reduce the risk a tight, painful scar forming around the implant and also helped hold the implants in place. However, recent data has shown the thicker textured surfaces increase the risk of breast implant associated lymphoma (see my other news article for more information on this). As a result, most surgeons are now using implants that are considered as having a smooth surface.
Implant size and shape
Getting the implant size and shape correct is one of the most important decisions in a breast augmentation procedure. The choice depends on the your goals, the breast shape you desire and your unique anatomy. I will spend some time guiding you on which implant sizes will work best for your particular body proportions.
Implant location
The implant can be placed under the breast tissue, under the chest wall muscle (pectoralis major muscle) or under a combination of both the breast and muscle (dual plane). The exact choice on where to place the breast implant depends on each patient’s individual anatomy and their goals for surgery.
Access incision
To make space for the implant, a cut needs to be made to dissect open a pocket into which the implant is placed. This is usually done through a cut made in the natural groove underneath the breast (the inframammary fold). This gives good visualisation for the surgical dissection to help control the exact dimensions of the pocket. It is also a clean area that helps reduce any risk of contaminating the breast implant.
To find out more, I'd be happy to see you for a consultation to talk through your options