Today, a growing number of women choose to improve their body contour with breast augmentation surgery. Because there is so much interest, patients should be informed about the different options which are available.
During a discreet consultation, board-certified Dr. George H. Landis will devise a surgical plan designed to make your breasts look natural and aesthetically pleasing. Together, you will choose the size, shape, and type of the breast implants to be used in your breast augmentation procedure. Placement is also a topic which is discussed during your initial meeting.
Here is some basic information you may find helpful before your consultation:
Implant Type
Breast implants are manufactured using two essential materials; silicone and saline. The major difference between silicone and saline implants is found in their core. Saline implants are silicone shells filled with a saltwater solution (saline). Silicone implants are silicone shells filled with a viscous silicone gel. Some silicone implants known as gummy bear implants are filled with a firm silicone which holds its shape more intact.
Incision size and placement is dependent on which type of implant is chosen. Because saline implants are filled after they are positioned in the body, they require a smaller incision. Silicone implants are placed pre-filled, so the incision will need to be larger than with the silicone. Because of their shape and size, gummy bear implants require the largest incision.
Another factor in choosing implants is how the implant will feel after surgery. Saline implants feel harder and less natural than the silicone implants and their edges may ripple which can be visible with women who have little breast tissue. Gummy bears have the most natural, anatomic look and feel to them.
Implant Size
Probably the most important option for many patients of breast augmentation is the size of their breast implants. This often proves to be one of the tougher choices as well. Gone are the days of asking for a cup size like shopping for a bra. Sizers or digital imaging are now utilized to find the optimal size for your body type.
Comfort is an important factor when choosing a size. Choosing a size too large may produce back discomfort and posture issues.
Implant Placement
Lastly, when weighing your breast augmentation options, the position of the implant in relation to the muscle should be considered. Dr. Landis will choose implant placement and clearly explain his choice.
He will either place a breast implant above or beneath the chest muscle. He will likely choose sub-muscular placement for patients with a small amount of breast tissue, as the muscle will help conceal the implant with natural tissue for a natural-looking outcome.
For women with more natural breast tissue, placing the implant over the muscle will create an optimal result. This over-the-muscle placement will provide the most natural result.
Since there really is no one-size-fits-all option for breast augmentation, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Landis and learn more about all the options. He is a highly skilled plastic surgeon and experienced in providing women the breast contour they need and desire.
To schedule your consultation, call (952) 562-5940 or contact us today.