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Things to Consider Before Your Breast Augmentation
In order to obtain fuller, larger, and shapelier breasts, women undergo breast augmentation surgery. While the decision to proceed with this procedure is usually an easy one, there are many specific choices that need to be considered prior to surgery in order to help obtain the desired results.
Implant Size and Profile
Breast implants are available in a multitude of volume sizes, ranging from extremely small to quite large. When given the option of choosing the implant size, many women initially assume that larger is better (as the concept of larger breasts is what leads women to consider breast augmentation in the first place). However, “larger” implants are not necessarily the ideal choice for every woman. The selection should be based on a variety of factors that also include the amount of breast tissue you have, skin tone, its elasticity, your height, weight, shoulder and chest width, and overall body frame.
Enlarging your breasts enhances the aesthetic appearance when it is in balance with your body’s proportions. This balance is especially important for women who want to maintain a relatively natural appearance. If, on the other hand, you are striving for voluptuous, over the top noticeable breasts, the natural appearance will not be that important to you. Even in this case, however, keep in mind that implants will add weight to your breasts and, on very petite frames, overwhelmingly disproportionate large implants can potentially contribute to back pain and premature breast sagging.
Breast implants are available in different profiles, which relates the width to its projection. That is, two implants can have exactly the same volume with one being wider and less projecting, whereas the other is narrower and more projecting. Which one would be most ideal for you would again depend on many factors.
Incision Location
There are three main incisions to be considered for breast implant placement. These are:
- Inframammary: situated at the crease at the bottom of the breast
- Periareolar: along the lower half of the areola
- Transaxillary: located in the arm pit (axilla)
There are pros and cons for each approach, though the majority of plastic surgeons use the inframammary incision for several reasons. This is Dr. Turkeltaub’s recommendation in most all situations.
Implant Placement
Breast implants can be placed either below the chest wall muscle (submuscular) or above it (submammary or pre-pectoral). Though this is technically a choice, placing them behind the muscle is a far better choice in most situations. Traditionally, Dr. Turkeltaub recommends that implants be placed behind the chest muscle as they will look and feel more natural and have far better support on the chest. Implants placed above the muscle, especially in women with very thin skin, are more likely to have a far less natural appearance sometimes giving that “bolted on” look.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding after breast augmentation is a common concern for patients. Many women want breast implants but still want the ability to breastfeed when they have children. Fortunately, breastfeeding is possible, and likely, after undergoing breast augmentation surgery. The only way any breast surgery would affect your ability to breastfeed is if the milk ducts are severed. Breast augmentation, unless done through the periareolar approach, should not affect the milk ducts. If breastfeeding is a concern of yours, it is always wise to let Dr. Turkeltaub know that during your consultation so the appropriate techniques are used.
Revision Surgery Is Possible
Some women think that they only have one shot to select their perfect implants. While it is always preferable and the goal to select the most ideal implants for you right out of the gate, you do have options if that isn’t the case. After your incisions have healed and your implants have settled, you may realize that the implants you chose don’t quite provide you with the look you were seeking or thought that you wanted. They may be either too small or large, too wide or narrow, or too over or under-projecting. If this occurs, you can always go back and have your implants switched out—a procedure known as an implant exchange. The implant size and profile can be altered, as well as other variables.
If you are ready for breast augmentation surgery, contact Dr. Steven Turkeltaub at the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery by calling (480) 451-3000 to set up a consultation.