In Australia, there are two types of breast augmentation surgery that are most commonly performed: saline implants and silicone breast implants. However there are a few different ways that the implants can be placed, and this approach is best determined by your cosmetic surgeon and based on your lifestyle needs and individual risk factors. Let’s take a look at the types of breast augmentation that may be performed and how they might suit you.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery is a surgical procedure performed to increase the size of the breasts, using breast implants. Breast augmentation could be the procedure for you if you would like to
- Increase the size or proportion of small breasts
- Make asymmetrical breasts even
- Reconstruct your breast after an injury or mastectomy
- Restore volume to your breasts after weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding
If you have excess skin on your breasts, usually as a result of weight loss, breastfeeding or pregnancy, and you want to position them higher, a breast lift can be performed to remove the extra skin.
Understanding How Breast Implants Work In Augmentation Surgery
Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants are filled with saltwater. While they do not feel as natural as silicone implants, in the event that they do rupture or leak, the saline solution will be reabsorbed by your body.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone implants are constructed from silicone gel. In the event of a leak, the silicone content could stay inside the implant shell or leak out. It is advisable to have silicone implants checked by your cosmetic surgeon regularly, to ensure they are intact. Silicone implants resemble breast tissue more closely.
When you work with an experienced and skilled cosmetic surgeon, he or she will look at your frame and body proportions to find the breast implant size that best suits you.
There are practical implications associated with large breast implants, and they may not work for you. Your surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of different cup sizes with you prior to your procedure.
Positioning Breast Implants
There are a number of different ways to place breast implants and the different types of breast augmentation should be discussed with your surgeon beforehand, to determine the best solution for you.
Submammary or sub-glandular
With this placement, the implant is positioned between the pectoral muscles and breast tissue. This placement is favoured because it results in perkier breasts and a fuller bust. It can also facilitate a speedier recovery.
Inframammary
This means that incisions will be made along the natural creases of your breast tissue and any scars are well hidden. The inframammary placement allows your cosmetic surgeon to place the implants with greater precision and is a popular choice among patients.
Submuscular
With a submuscular procedure, the implants are placed beneath your pectoral muscles. This placement allows us to use bigger or more voluminous implants, however, the recovery period is often longer.
Transaxillary
A transaxillary breast augmentation is carried out when patients are prone to bad scarring. It allows your surgeon to make an incision in your underarm area so that the skin on your breasts is not scarred. It is often adopted for patients who choose teardrop breast implants
Periareolar
During a periareolar procedure, the incision is made on the areola and produces less scarring. While this is a favourable outcome for most patients, it can lead to decreased sensitivity in the nipples afterwards. It is a good approach for patients who want to change the size or shape of their nipples at the same time as having a breast augmentation.
Is A Breast Augmentation The Right Procedure For You?
Breast augmentation could be appropriate if you
- Understand the procedure and have realistic expectations of what it can achieve
- Have fully developed breasts
- The size of your breasts bothers you
- Want to make your breasts more symmetrical
- Have lost volume in your breasts as a result of breastfeeding, pregnancy or weight loss
- Are in good physical health
- Are a non-smoker
- Have thought about the procedure, its pros and cons and discussed it at length with your cosmetic surgeon.
A breast augmentation may not be suitable for you if
- You have a condition that causes excessive bleeding or bruising
- You are allergic to anaesthetic
- You have an unmanaged or chronic illness
Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss your surgery risks and take your full medical history before proceeding. It is important to tell your surgeon about any drugs or chronic medication you are using.
It’s worth understanding that implants do not last forever and will need to be removed or replaced when they reach the end of their lifespan. For most patients, this is between 10 and 20 years. Some of the events that indicate your implants have reached the end of their lifespan include
- A ruptured implant
- Hardening of the breast tissue around the implant
- A change in the position of the implant
- Visible rippling on your breast tissue
Regular checkups can give you peace of mind that your implants are in good working condition.
To find out more about the types of breast augmentation that could suit your needs please contact us for a convenient appointment: (02) 8599 7161.
REFERENCES
Breast Augmentation (Implants)
https://plasticsurgery.org.au/procedures/surgical-procedures/breast-augmentation-implants/
Breast Augmentation
What types of breast implants are available?
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/implants
Breast augmentation surgery (breast implants)
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/implants
Will your breast implants last a lifetime?
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/will-your-breast-implants-last-a-lifetime
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