The breast augmentation procedure, a fairly common cosmetic surgery, involves the placement of a selected type of breast implant with the objective of enhancing the fullness of the breasts while also improving symmetry and restoring lost volume. Several women choose a breast augmentation procedure after pregnancy, extreme weight loss, or when dealing with increasing age.
The clinical term for breast augmentation is augmentation mammoplasty. The main advantages of this procedure are as follows:
• It enhances the projection and fullness of the breasts.
• It makes your figure look more proportionate.
• It helps in boosting your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Breast Implants
Breast implants are prosthetic devices strategically placed inside your breasts for augmenting and creating a more youthful breast structure. There are essentially two kinds of breast implants: silicone and saline. Silicone breast implants are filled with a silicone gel, and saline breast implants contain sterile saltwater.
Silicone-Gel Breast Implants
A lot of women report that silicone implants tend to feel more natural and more similar to natural breasts. In case of leakage, the silicone gel often stays within the shell of the implant. It could also find its way into the implant pocket. It is important to understand that a leaking silicone gel breast implant does not collapse. The FDA has approved the use of silicone breast implants for breast augmentation for women who are 22 years of age or older.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are also utilized for the breast augmentation procedure and contain sterile saltwater. In the case of a rupture, the saline breast implant is likely to collapse. The sterile saltwater will get absorbed by the body and will be eliminated through the natural expulsion process.
These breast implants can offer firmness and a uniform shape to the breasts. The FDA has approved the use of saline breast implants for women who are 18 years of age and older.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Patients of breast augmentation surgery are usually given a choice between local and general anesthesia. In most breast augmentation surgeries, general anesthesia is administered. The surgeon typically discusses the anesthesia and incision options with the patient prior to surgery.
Each type of incision is suited for different patients depending on the desired outcome. There are basically three types of incisions that can be made in a breast augmentation procedure. These are the inframammary incision, the periareolar incision, and the transaxillary incision.
Once the surgeon makes the incision, the breast implants are inserted through it into the breast pocket. There are two options for positioning the breast implant in relation to the pectoral muscle:
• On top of the pectoral muscle (just behind the natural breast tissue)
• Beneath the pectoral muscle (referred to as submuscular placement)
The surgeon usually selects the method of insertion and positioning of breast implants based on the implant type, the patient’s body type, and the extent of fullness desired by the patient. In the final step, the surgeon closes up the incisions using layered sutures.
Schedule Your Informative Consultation
Schedule a consultation regarding breast augmentation with Dr. David Shafer, a skilled double-board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. To set up your consultation, contact our office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that involves placing breast implants to enhance breast fullness, improve symmetry, and restore lost volume. It is commonly chosen by women after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or due to aging effects.
There are two main types of breast implants used in augmentation: silicone and saline. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel and tend to feel more natural, while saline implants contain sterile saltwater and may collapse if ruptured.
Silicone breast implants often feel more natural and similar to real breasts. If a silicone implant leaks, the gel usually remains within the implant shell or pocket, and the implant does not collapse. The FDA approves silicone implants for women aged 22 and older.
If a saline breast implant ruptures, it typically collapses, and the sterile saltwater inside is safely absorbed and eliminated by the body. Saline implants provide firmness and uniform breast shape and are FDA-approved for women aged 18 and older.
Patients undergoing breast augmentation can choose between local and general anesthesia, though general anesthesia is most commonly used. The surgeon discusses anesthesia options with the patient before the procedure to determine the best approach.
There are three main incision types for breast augmentation: inframammary (under the breast fold), periareolar (around the nipple), and transaxillary (through the armpit). The choice depends on patient anatomy and desired outcomes.
Breast implants can be placed either on top of the pectoral muscle, just behind the natural breast tissue, or beneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement). The surgeon selects the position based on implant type, body type, and desired fullness.
After inserting the breast implants, the surgeon closes the incisions using layered sutures to ensure proper healing and minimize scarring. This technique helps maintain the surgical results and supports recovery.
Besides enhancing breast fullness and symmetry, breast augmentation can improve body proportion and significantly boost self-confidence and self-esteem for many women.
Dr. David Shafer is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York City specializing in breast augmentation. To schedule a consultation, you can contact his office directly through their website or phone.
