Posted February 02, 2016 in Breast Augmentation
The breast augmentation procedure has several options to choose between. Each option has pros and cons, and what is best for one woman may not be best for another. Some of the options include implant type, implant placement, and incision location. During your consultation with Dr. Morales, he will discuss these and other options with you in greater detail to help you determine which options will be best for you.
Implant Type: Saline vs. Silicone
A saline breast implant is a silicone shell filled with a saltwater solution. A silicone breast implant is a silicone shell filled with silicone gel.
Saline: Pros
- More affordable than silicone
- Less scarring because the implant can be filled after insertion
- Flexible fill volume that can be adjusted during surgery
Saline: Cons
- Results tend to look and feel less natural
- Greater chance of rippling and showing visible rippling
- Implant deflation is immediately noticeable and requires immediate correction for aesthetic reasons
Silicone: Pros
- Results tend to look and feel more natural
- Lower chance of visible rippling
- Lower chance of rupture or leakage
Silicone: Cons
- More expensive than saline.
- Slightly longer scar as the implant must be pre-filled before insertion
- Implant rupture may only be detectable by an MRI
- Size is final and cannot be adjusted during surgery
Implant Placement: Submuscular vs. Subglandular
Breast implants can be placed under the pectoral muscle (submuscular) or over the pectoral muscle but beneath the breast tissue (subglandular).
Submuscular: Pros
- Results tend to look more natural as the implant is more hidden
- Lower risk of visible implant rippling
- Lower risk of capsular contracture and some complications
- Easier to read mammograms
Submuscular: Cons
- Recovery is somewhat longer and more difficult
- Decreased implant visibility may create less cleavage
Subglandular: Pros
- Recovery is easier and shorter
- Greater implant visibility may appear to create more cleavage
Subglandular: Cons
- Results may not look as natural because the implant is closer to the surface
- May be more likely to show visible rippling
- Greater risk of capsular contracture and some complications
- Greater risk of sagging over time
Incision Location: Periareolar vs. Inframammary vs. Transaxillary
Breast implants can be inserted through a periareolar incision (around the areolas), an inframammary incision (along the breast crease), or a transaxillary incision (within the armpit).
Periareolar: Pros
- Scarring blends with the natural edges of the areolas
- Increased ability to control implant placement
- Good for most necessary reoperations
Periareolar: Cons
- Greater risk of changes in nipple sensation and breastfeeding complications
- Scarring is at a focal point and possibly more visible
- Increased risk of capsular contracture due to exposing the implant to bacteria from the milk ducts during insertion
Inframammary: Pros
- Scarring can be hidden by bras and bathing suits.
- Good visibility and control of implant placement
- Excellent option for inserting silicone implants
- Good for any necessary reoperations
Inframammary: Cons
- Scarring may be noticeable without clothing
- Scarring is more noticeable with smaller, tighter breasts
Transaxillary: Pros
- No visible scarring on the breast
- Scarring blends into the creases of the underarm
Transaxillary: Cons
- May not be able to use silicone implants or subglandular placement with a transaxillary incision without avoiding extensive scarring
- Decreased ability to control implant placement
- Reoperation to correct complications is difficult
- Scar may be inconvenient for shaving
Patient satisfaction with breast augmentation is high regardless of implant type, implant placement, and incision location. In addition to these, there are multiple other breast augmentation options to choose between, such as implant shape, size, and profile. During your consultation, Dr. Morales will help you determine which options will be best for you.
To schedule your breast augmentation consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Morales, please contact our office at (214) 827-8407 or fill out our online contact form today.
