The 411 On Breast Implant Surgery

There are a number of important factors to consider when making decisions about breast implant surgery. Which shape is better: round or teardrop? Should the breast implant be placed over or under the chest muscle? How to choose between saline and silicone? And, perhaps the biggest question: how large is too large?

Shape: Round and teardrop are the two main shapes for breast implants. Surgeons generally prefer round breast implants. Teardrop breast implants are more likely to move around inside the chest wall and require follow-up surgery.

Placement: Breast implants can be placed over the chest muscle (subglandular) or under the chest muscle (subpectoral). Subglandular breast implants look higher and tighter and have a shorter recovery period. They are often considered a “quick fix” for mild cases of breast sagging. Subpectoral breast implants are less likely to be detected as implants. This option is best for women with little natural breast tissue and those that would like a more natural look without rippling.

Saline vs. Silicone: After some controversy, silicone breast implants are back on the market and available in the USA by only two FDA-approved manufacturing companies. Some women (and men) report that silicone implants feel more like the real thing. However, it is easier to tell when a saline implant has ruptured and there is virtually no risk with the foreign material because it is easily absorbed back into the body.

Size: When planning breast implant size and shape, lot of women are torn between getting the most for their money and ending up looking unnatural or uncomfortable. You don’t want to have to go back under the knife to repair either unsatisfactory outcome. There are numerous resources available to help you determine your ideal new breast implant size. Many plastic surgeons will let you try on breast implants with a regular or sports bra during your consult. If you still aren’t sure, consider experimenting at home with pantyhose filled with oatmeal or rice. Tuck the bags inside a sports bra and wear them around for a day or two. One cup is about 230cc. Arm yourself with this estimate and photos of what you consider too small or too big when you talk with your doctor. A good plastic surgeon will also be able to tell you how your anatomy, existing tissue and muscle, shape of your chest wall and current weight will affect the final results of your breast implant augmentation.

Overall, size and general shape of breast implants are often based on personal preference. Post-natal mothers and women successful in losing a large amount of weight may just want to go back to the pert and perky chest they had when they were 22. Small-boned or petite women may wish to enhance their natural frame with another cup or two. Many plastic surgeons have computer software with the ability to show your “After” photos before you even enter the operating room.