Hilton Head Island, Bluffton SC, Beaufort SC and Savannah GA
Breast Augmentation
An Informative Article by Frederick G. Weniger, MD

Continued from Page #1
Augmentation Choices
At this time, the vast majority of breast implants used are smooth, round implants, as opposed to textured or shaped devices which were more popular several years ago.  Most implants are now placed underneath the pectoralis major muscle, giving the advantage of a hiding the implants better, making mammography easier, and in many cases, giving a more natural result.  More than 90% of breast implants are placed through small incisions in the fold underneath the breast (inframammary fold), although implants can also be placed through incisions in the armpit as well as through incisions around the border of the areola (pigmented skin around the nipple).  Placement of implants through a belly-button incision has not gained popularity with either surgeons or patients.

Patients must also choose between silicone-filled and saline-filled breast implants.  Silicone implants have the benefit of being softer and more natural-feeling.  In contrast, silicone implants are also more expensive and require a slightly longer incision to insert the implant.  Also, the FDA requires that an MRI be done to evaluate for silicone implants rupture every 2 years which can be expensive.  Finally, the chance of forming hard scar tissue (capsular contracture) around the implants is higher with silicone implants than with saline as well. 

Finally, patients must choose the size of implant.  Often patients can often “shop” for their new breast size by trying on different sizer implants, which can be both fun and confusing for some patients as it is difficult to make a final decision about size.  Although one study showed that 90% of women wished they went bigger, it is important to keep in mind that larger implants increase the risk of certain complications.  Additionally, not any size implant will fit reasonably for any patient.  For this reason, the sizing process is something to be worked through with your Plastic Surgeon and his/her staff.

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