Medical Terms You Should Know Before Your “Boob Job”

So, you just finished your initial consultation for your “boob job,” and you’re a little more confused than when you first went in. Your plastic surgeon was mentioning words like, “capsular contracture” and you’re a little overwhelmed by all the medical jargon you suddenly need to know. Deciding on a breast augmentation can be a big life change and it helps if you know some common medical terms before you make your final decision. Whether you’ve chosen to get silicone gel-filled implants, traditional saline implants, or IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants, you should feel confident and educated going into your procedure. Here are some medical terms you might hear during this process broken down into easy, everyday language.

Mastopexy or “BL”

This is an abbreviation for a breast lift. A breast lift will tighten your loose skin and sagging breasts and put them back up where they belong. Often plastic surgeons will perform a breast augmentation combined with a breast lift for optimal results. If you go this route, you might also hear terms for the different incision styles available for a breast lift. These are crescent, donut, lollipop, and anchor.

Bottoming out

This term can mean two different things.

  1. Your breast implants have managed to go below your breast crease and look like they’re sliding down your chest.
  2. The weight of your implants has completely stretched out the skin and tissues of the bottom part of your breasts. This is more common with large implants.

If this happens to you, it can be corrected with a surgical revision.

What BWD Means for Your “Boob Job”

BWD stands for Breast Width Diameter. This is a measurement that helps your surgeon pick an implant size for your body. Your plastic surgeon will measure your BWD from your cleavage to the outer edge of your breasts before your breast augmentation. Most women’s breasts are around 11-14 centimeters. Your doctor can help you pick an implant that is around the same size as your BWD if you want that same width breast or a slightly narrower implant if you prefer more taper and less bulging on the side of your breasts..

Capsular Contracture

This term describes when the breast tissue surrounding the implants hardens. You want to lower your risk of capsular contracture as much as possible because it can be painful. There are four different grades of capsular contracture. Grade I, where the breast is soft and looks natural, up to a Grade IV, where the breast is firm, painful, and abnormal-looking. You may have to replace your implants if your capsular contracture is severe.

Drop & Fluff or D & F

Right after your “boob job”, you may be concerned that your breast implants don’t look as natural as you thought they would. This is because you can experience a lot of stretching and swelling in your muscles post-procedure that can cause the implants to be pushed upward. As your body heals, the implants will “drop” into their correct place, and the tissues will soften and “fluff.” This process can take a few weeks, so be patient.

Transaxillary, Periareolar, or Inframammary

These terms describe where the incisions will be placed for your breast augmentation. The implants can go into your body through the following areas:

  • Transaxillary: an incision in your armpit
  • Periareolar: near the nipple
  • Crease/inframammary: under your breast

When you know the medical definitions associated with your “boob job,” you can be more assertive and informed when talking to your doctor before and after your breast augmentation procedure. You can evaluate all the risks involved and make the best decision for your future. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the new IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implant. It offers a lower risk of rupture than other implants on the market and can often be placed with a smaller incision. This implant gives a natural feel and a lower rate of capsular contracture. Talk to your board certified plastic surgeon today about the IDEAL IMPLANT.