Choosing the Right Breast Implants: Things to Consider

Breast augmentation is a popular procedure that can help women achieve the look they desire. It is important to be informed about the different types of implants available and what factors should be taken into consideration when making a decision. This article will provide an overview of the key elements to consider when choosing breast implants, including body measurements, body frame and shape, implant profiles, implant materials and textures, and incision placement. By understanding these factors, you can make an educated decision on the type of implants that will best suit your needs.

It is also important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can provide professional advice on which type of implants are most suitable for your body type. The surgeon can also explain the risks associated with breast augmentation and answer any questions you may have. With this information in mind, you can make an informed choice about which implants are right for you.

Body Measurements

Accurately measuring your body is the first step in determining the right breast implant size for you. To begin, you should measure your chest circumference and the width of your chest wall. This will help you understand how much space is available for an implant and how much projection you need to fill out your chest.

Your doctor may also take measurements of your breasts to determine the volume and shape that will best fit your body type. These measurements can include the base width of each breast, the distance between them, and their overall height from top to bottom. If you have asymmetrical breasts, these measurements can be taken separately for each side.

Rib Cage Measurements

In addition to measuring your breasts, it’s important to consider how wide your rib cage is and where it ends relative to the bottom of your breasts. This will help you decide if a high or low profile implant is best suited for you. It’s also helpful to measure any existing tissue on top of your rib cage as this can affect where an implant needs to be placed.

Your doctor may also take additional measurements such as the distance between your nipples, the amount of skin below each nipple, and whether there are any irregularities in either breast that need to be corrected with surgery. All these factors will play a role in determining which type of implant is best suited for you.

By taking accurate body measurements before undergoing surgery, you can ensure that you get an implant size that fits naturally with your body frame and gives you a look that suits both your aesthetic goals and lifestyle needs.

Body Frame and Shape

When considering breast implants, it is important to take into account the body frame and shape of the patient. This is because different implant sizes and shapes will look differently on different body frames. For example, a tall, slender woman may require a larger implant size than a shorter, heavier woman. It is also important to consider the patient’s existing breast shape. If the breasts are already sagging or have an asymmetrical shape, then a different type of implant may be needed in order to achieve the desired results.

Factors to Consider

When determining the body frame and shape of a patient, there are several factors to consider:

• Height: Taller women may need larger implants than shorter women.
• Weight: Heavier women may require smaller implants than lighter women.
• Breast Shape: If the breasts are sagging or asymmetrical, then the surgeon will need to choose an implant that can help restore their natural shape.
• Chest Width: Wider chests may require larger implants than narrower chests.

It is important for patients to communicate with their surgeon about their desired results in order to ensure that they get the best possible outcome from their procedure. The surgeon should be able to recommend an implant size and shape that will best fit the patient’s body frame and shape. Additionally, they should also provide information about potential risks associated with various implant sizes and shapes.

Trying on Implants

In some cases, surgeons may offer patients the opportunity to try on various implant sizes before committing to surgery. This can be beneficial as it allows patients to get an idea of what each size would look like on their body frame and shape before making a final decision. However, it is important for patients to remember that these samples are not exact replicas of what their final result will look like after surgery.

Ultimately, it is important for patients to take into account their body measurements when considering breast implants in order to ensure that they get the best possible outcome from their procedure. By communicating with their surgeon about their desired results and taking into account factors such as height, weight, chest width and existing breast shape, patients can make an informed decision about which type of implant is right for them.

Low profile implants for subtle enhancement; moderate for balanced look; high profile for fuller, rounder look.

Implant Profiles

When selecting the right breast implants, it is important to consider the implant profile. Implant profiles refer to the amount of projection from the chest wall that an implant has. The three main types of implant profiles are low, moderate, and high profile. Low profile implants are flatter and have less projection from the chest wall than moderate or high profile implants. Moderate profile implants provide a more natural look with some projection from the chest wall. High profile implants have more projection than moderate or low profile implants and create a fuller, rounder look.

Low Profile Implants

Low profile implants are best suited for women who have a wider chest width and want a subtle enhancement. These implants provide a more natural look with less projection from the chest wall than higher profiles. They also require smaller incisions than higher profiles due to their flatter shape.

Moderate Profile Implants

Moderate profile implants provide a balance between low and high profile implants by providing some projection from the chest wall without being overly full or round. These implants are best suited for women who want a balanced enhancement without looking overly augmented or unnatural.

High Profile Implants

High profile implants offer maximum projection from the chest wall and create a fuller, rounder look on narrower chests. These implants may require larger incisions due to their size and shape but can give women dramatic results if desired. Women should be aware that these types of implants can appear unnatural if not chosen carefully.

Silicone and saline implants provide different looks and feels; smooth implants provide a soft, natural feel, while textured implants reduce capsular contracture risk.

Implant Materials and Textures

When selecting breast implants, the material and texture of the implant should be taken into consideration. The most common materials used in breast implants are silicone and saline. Silicone implants are filled with a gel-like substance that is designed to mimic the feel of natural breast tissue. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution and provide a firmer feel than silicone implants.

The type of implant material chosen will depend on personal preference as well as the desired results. Silicone implants tend to provide a more natural look and feel, while saline implants may be better suited for women who want a more defined shape or increased fullness.

In addition to choosing between silicone and saline, women will also need to decide on the texture of their implant. Smooth implants provide a soft, natural feel while textured implants help reduce the risk of capsular contracture, which is when scar tissue forms around the implant and causes it to harden.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants come in both smooth and textured varieties, so women can choose the one that best suits their needs. Smooth silicone breast implants are made from a thick gel-like material that closely mimics natural breast tissue. This type of implant is designed to move naturally with the body and provide a very natural look and feel. Textured silicone breast implants have an outer shell that is slightly rougher than smooth silicone implants. This helps reduce movement within the implant pocket, which can help reduce capsular contracture over time.

Saline Implants

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater solution instead of gel-like material like silicone implants. They provide a firmer feel than silicone but still offer some flexibility for natural movement within the body. Saline implants come in both smooth and textured varieties as well, but they tend to have less visible rippling than silicone due to their firmer consistency.

No matter which type of implant material or texture you choose, it’s important to discuss your options with your doctor so they can recommend the best option for you based on your individual needs and goals.

Incision Placement

When considering breast implant surgery, incision placement is a critical factor to take into account. The most common incisions for breast augmentation are inframammary (under the breast), periareolar (around the areola), and transaxillary (in the armpit). Each of these incisions has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Inframammary Incision

The inframammary incision is made in the crease beneath the breast, where it can be easily concealed by clothing or a swimsuit. This type of incision offers direct access to the implant pocket and allows for precise placement of the implant. However, this type of incision may be more visible than other types, and may also be associated with a slightly higher risk of infection.

Periareolar Incision

The periareolar incision is made around the perimeter of the areola. This type of incision offers an inconspicuous scar that can blend with the coloration of the areola. It also provides direct access to the implant pocket and allows for precise placement of the implant. However, this type of incision may cause temporary changes in sensation in the nipple area, as well as a higher risk of complications such as infection or nipple distortion.

Transaxillary Incision

The transaxillary incision is made in the armpit. This type of incision offers an inconspicuous scar that can easily be concealed by clothing or a swimsuit. It also provides indirect access to the implant pocket, allowing for less disruption to existing tissue structures and less risk of complications such as infection or capsular contracture. However, this type of incision may not provide as much control over implant placement as other types, making it more difficult to achieve a symmetrical result.

Ultimately, it is important to discuss all available options with your plastic surgeon before making any decisions about which type of incision is best for you. Your surgeon will be able to explain each option in detail and help you choose one that best meets your individual needs and goals for your procedure.

Conclusion

Choosing the right breast implants is a very personal decision. It is important to consider your body measurements, frame and shape, implant profiles, materials and textures, and incision placement when making this decision. Ultimately, the goal is to choose an implant that will create a look that you are comfortable with and that fits your body type best.

When considering all of these factors, it is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can help guide you through the process. Your plastic surgeon should be knowledgeable about the different types of implants available and can provide advice on which implant might be best suited for your individual needs. Additionally, they can provide you with information on safety precautions and potential risks associated with breast augmentation surgery.

Takeaway

Breast augmentation surgery can be a great way to enhance your figure, but it is important to make sure that you take the time to carefully research all of your options before making any decisions. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon can help ensure that you select the right implant for your body type and desired outcome.