What is the best method for breast augmentation?

San Francisco - East Bay

While some aspects of our bodies can be changed with diet and exercise, others are defined by our genes and a little bit of luck. Many women are dissatisfied with the size of their breasts and this can lead them to suffering from low confidence and a lack of self-esteem. They may feel that there are certain clothes that they can't or don't feel comfortable wearing, and their smaller breasts may even cause barriers in their physical relationships.

Fortunately, breast augmentation surgery enables women of all chest sizes to embrace fuller, curvier breasts. One of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States, the techniques for breast augmentation have continued to evolve. With various types of chest enlargement now available, what is the best method for breast augmentation?

Implants for breast augmentation surgery

The use of implants is still widely regarded to be the superior method for breast augmentation procedures, both in terms of proven safety and the results of the surgery. There are primarily two types of implants available - silicone and saline. Both are considered extremely safe and successful methods for breast augmentation surgery.

Silicone Implants

In the past, there were some concerns over the safety of silicone implants, but these have since been dismissed and there are now five silicone gel-filled breast implants that have been approved by the FDA for use in women age 22 or older seeking breast augmentation surgery.

Silicone implants are manufactured pre-filled, and there are various sizes to choose from. Your surgeon will help you decide which size represents a realistic enlargement for you. They are inserted whole, which means that a fairly long incision is needed, and this is normally created in the crease under the natural breast.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are inserted empty and then, once they are in place, filled with saline solution to the required size. Since saline implants can be filled in this way, they tend to be recommended for patients who already have one breast significantly larger than the other. This is because the saline can be filled as needed to balance out the size of the breasts as well as make them larger.

As saline implants are inserted empty, it is possible for them to be placed via a much smaller incision under the breast this. This helps to minimize scarring.

The importance of gradual enlargements for bigger transformations

It is important to note that while augmentation does mean enlargement, it may not be possible for you to increase your bust size dramatically during your first surgery. This is because there is only a certain degree that your skin can stretch and trying to place implants that are too large can cause problems such as sagging because the implants are too heavy, and overstretched skin. If you wish to go larger, your surgeon will speak to you about gradually building up the size of your chest over multiple procedures.

Combining a breast lift with augmentation surgery

Many women are also unhappy with the position of their breasts on their chest, feeling that they sit much lower than they should. This too can affect your self-esteem and leave you feeling embarrassed or even ashamed of your figure.

Breast lift surgery can be performed in conjunction with augmentation if you feel that the position of your breasts needs to be raised. If this is the case, the incision that will be used in your augmentation will be different to the usual inframammary style. Instead, you will likely be given a peri-areolar incision which is made around the outer edge of the areola. The scar camouflages well into the changing pigmentation around the areola.

Whether you are opting for a standalone augmentation, or an augmentation combined with a lift, your surgeon will discuss the procedure at length with you during your consultation. This is also a perfect time to ask any questions that you may, and probably, have. To schedule your confidential appointment, please don't hesitate to contact our offices.