Breast augmentation is one of the most popular and frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the United States and around the world. In America today the size, shape and symmetry of a woman’s breasts receives significant attention. Many women who feel they have inadequate breast size or shape as a result of underdevelopment or post-partum changes desire breast augmentation to increase the level of their own personal confidence.
Patients who present to my practice desiring breast augmentation undergo a thorough consultation to explore their concerns and desires, review treatment options and formulate a surgical plan to achieve their specific goals. At this time complimentary procedures such as Mastopexy (breast lift), Liposuction and Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) are discussed to allow the patients to take full advantage of their surgical experience.
With the current popularity of breast augmentation and its wide exposure in the media patients are much more informed on this subject and present with several common important questions.
Patients often consider breast augmentation to correct a life long problem with volume inadequacy in their breasts or to correct changes that occur with pregnancy and childbirth. It is very important that every patient’s clinical situation and requests for improvement be individually evaluated.
The choice of the correct breast implant size and shape, the most appropriate surgical approach and the need for any additional procedures are very important in helping assure the best possible surgical result.
I have preformed in Mansfield, Texas.
Who is a good candidate for an above the muscle or subglandular breast augmentation?
– Women with an average to fuller body build with a relatively normal body fat percentage.
– Women with a B-cup size or larger breast that desires further size augmentation.
– Women who participate heavily in sports or aerobic type of activities.
Pros of above the muscle approach.
– Less immediate post-op pain
– Faster recovery time.
– Minimal movement of the implant with physical activity.
Who is a good candidate for below the muscle or submuscular breast augmentation?
– Women with thin body builds or low body fat percentages.
– Women with less than B-cup size breasts.
– Women who are athletic or participate in regular exercise.
Pros of below the muscle approach.
– Improved look and contour for thinner patients with smaller breasts.
– Less chance of seeing wrinkles of the breast implant along the superior and medial edges.
– Mammograms may be a little easier to read.
What is my philosophy?
I prefer to place breast implants above the muscle when the patient is a good candidate. In thinner patients or patients with very small breasts, I feel below the muscle is the better approach.
What incision site for breast augmentation do I recommend?
The incision sites commonly used are below the breast, below the nipple areolar complex (periareolar), and under the arm (transaxillary).
Inframammary fold approach
– The scar is completely hidden when you look in the mirror or view your breast in an upright position.
– The incision heals very well if correctly placed.
– This incision is a good choice for current gel filled silicone implants which require a little larger access site.
Periareolar approach
– The scar usually heals very well.
– There is no visible scar under the breast.
– The scar is less visible in patients with smaller breasts or darker skin tones.
Transaxillary Approach
– There is no scar on the chest.
– The scars usually heal very well.
What is my philosophy?
I have used the three most common approaches extensively over the last 20 years. I discuss all options with each patient and if there are no contraindications, I try to honor the patient$#39;s preference. With the current use of silicone gel implants that require a slightly larger access site, the inframammary fold approach is most commonly used in my practice. Patients are also very happy with the results of the periareolar approach, as long as the diameter of the nipple areolar complex is adequate for access. The transaxillary approach is now being used less in my practice due to the size of scar that is required.
“In my practice, I spend a lot of time listening to my patients’ desires and concerns. My greatest desire is to help patients achieve their goals. I feel this can be achieved if the patient and surgeon work together to make the important choices related to this surgery. The added self confidence that patients can derive from an excellent breast augmentation result is always very gratifying to the patient and her surgeon.”
To see Breast Augmentation before and after images, please click here.
