07 Aug Breast Augmentation: Choosing The Right Size & Shape For You
Choosing To Enhance Your Aesthetic
Breast augmentation surgeries have been popular for decades. These cosmetic procedures enhance someone’s appearance by augmenting the size and shape of the breasts. Surgeons use implants or fat transfers to give the breasts a fuller appearance. This surgery is a personal journey, and the patient works with doctors to select the type of implant used for the procedure.
The fat transfer breast augmentation
This surgical procedure is not as common as an implant augmentation, but this technique has the most natural looking results. Fat transfer augmentations work best for surgical candidates with unwanted fat in another area of the body. Surgeons use liposuction to remove excess fat before placing the fat into a centrifuge device to extract impurities. The purified fat is placed into a special syringe and injected into the breast tissue for augmentation.
Silicone breast implants
There are two types of silicone breast implants: traditional and gummy bear. Traditional silicone implants are made with a silicone outer shell and filled with loose silicone gel. The implant is soft and pliable and mimics the feel of breast tissue. Gummy bear implants are also made with an external silicone shell and filled with a cohesive silicone gel. These implants have a teardrop shape similar to the natural breast shape. The silicone shell can also be textured to reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
Saline and structured saline implants
Saline implants are medical devices filled with a saline solution inside an exterior silicone shell. These implants tend to be round and firm to the touch. The saline solution is harmless and easily absorbed by the body if the implant ruptures. A structured saline implant contains the saline solution, but the implant device is comprised of nested shells to reinforce the outer shell. With this internal baffle structure, the saline solution moves freely, and the breasts look and feel more natural.
Choosing the right size
Patients will discuss desired breast size and shape with the surgeon. Doctors will measure a woman’s current bra band and cup size before discussing implant options. Round and teardrop are the most common implant shapes. Round saline implants are inserted into the breast while empty and filled with solution during surgery. Silicone implants are shaped and filled before surgery, so women select the size before the procedure.
Consulting a surgeon
A board-certified plastic surgeon is the best resource for women interested in breast augmentation. Surgeons understand the importance of selecting the right size and shape based on the person’s weight, body type, breast shape, and other factors. Surgeons will also guide patients through the procedure to help alleviate any concerns.