The 7 S’s of Breast Augmentation
Once you’ve decided you want breast implants, there are a lot of additional choices you must make. These “7 S’s of Breast Augmentation” will help you keep track of the most important points when you are preparing for your breast augmentation.
1. Silicone vs. Saline
All breast implants have a silicone shell, but the substance inside the shell is either saline or silicone. Silicone implants are best for women who are more concerned about a natural look and feel, implant longevity, and minimizing the chances of rupture or rippling. Dr. Conrad is pleased to offer Sientra® High-Strength Cohesive Silicone Gel breast implants, which have even greater durability and reduced chance of rippling than traditional silicone implants.
2. Size
“One size fits all” is certainly untrue with breast implants. Implant size is measured in volume (cubic centimeters). When choosing your size, be sure to consider both your preferences and your anatomy. If you want a subtle or natural enhancement, choose smaller implants. If you want a bold change, choose larger implants. If you have naturally small breasts, smaller or moderately sized implants may produce the best aesthetic results. Dr. Conrad will help you determine which implant size best meets your anatomic needs and personal preferences.
3. Shape and Profile
Implants can be anatomically shaped (fuller at the bottom) or round (uniform fullness). However, the shape you choose may not actually matter in terms of the results, as recent research has suggested that not even surgeons can tell breast implant shape apart after surgery. What may be more important is the profile of your implants. High profile implants have a narrow base with significant forward projection, while low profile implants have a wide base and little forward projection. Your anatomy should be the biggest factor here, as the wrong profile selection could look very unnatural. For instance, if your chest wall is wide and your breasts are spaced far apart, high profile implants could make it look like your breasts are stuck or glued onto your chest. Conversely, if you have a narrow chest wall, low profile implants could have lateral overflow.
4. Surface Texture
Breast implants can have either a smooth or irregular texture. The key argument in favor of textured implants is that they may have a reduced rate of capsular contracture because they bind to the breast tissue and are less likely to shift or rotate. Arguments in favor of smooth implants are that they are more affordable and have a lower risk of rippling.
5. Surgical Incision
Your surgical incision with Dr. Conrad could be either the inframammary incision or the periareolar incision. The inframammary incision is below the breasts along the crease. Even though it can leave noticeable scarring, this incision is the most popular choice because it has the least amount of risk and does not limit implant selection. The periareolar incision goes around the outside of the areola, usually just around the lower edge, and it leaves a smaller scar that blends with the edge of the areola. This incision type carries a slightly higher risk and may limit implant selection for women with smaller areolas.
6. Submuscular vs. Subglandular Placement
Some surgeons offer either submuscular or subglandular implant placement. With subglandular placement, the implant is inserted below the breast tissue but above the pectoral muscle. This technique leads to an easier recovery, but it offers less tissue support and carries greater overall risk. Dr. Conrad performs only submuscular implant placement, in which the implants are placed beneath the pectoral muscles, because it has less risk, produces better support, and yields the best results.
7. Surgeon
When selecting your surgeon, choose one that is certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. You should also choose a surgeon with extensive experience who can show you plenty of before and after pictures of his patients. It is important that you and your surgeon have a good rapport so you know that your surgeon understands your desires. Be sure to ask plenty of questions and meet with multiple surgeons before making your final decision. Dr. Conrad is a board-certified, talented, and experienced breast surgeon who would be more than happy to help you reach your beauty ideals.
If you would like to learn more about breast enhancement through breast augmentation or any other breast procedure, schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Conrad. To make your appointment with us, please call (316) 681-2227 or complete our online contact form today.
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