Beautiful results from breast implant surgery results from excellent surgical technique, but it also relies on informed decisions by our patients. One decision you must make is the location of the incision for insertion of the implant. Incisions on the edge of the areola or across the areola (Pitanguy) are worth of consideration, but have the disadvantage of damaging milk ducts, exposing the implant to duct bacteria, and compromising nipple sensation.  Also, a bad scar here is a rare but conspicuous problem. Patients with very small breasts and no infra-mammary fold are good candidates for an armpit (axillary) incision.  The scar from this surgery is invisible, but does not allow…

Beautiful results from breast implant surgery results from excellent surgical technique, but it also relies on informed decisions by our patients. One decision you must make is whether to go under (sub-pectoral) or over (sub-mammary) the pectoral muscle. Implants put under muscle will cause more discomfort for the first few days, as the muscle is partially divided and must stretch over the implant. The implant is also pushed away from the midline by the pectoral muscle as it attaches to the sternum (breastbone), and this appearance will be exaggerated by exercise. This is a problem for patients who are looking for ‘lots of cleavage’, or are concerned with their appearance…

Consultation for breast implant surgery (augmentation) is a challenging process, as there are many options to be considered. This 7-part series is intended for those of you interested in the surgery but confused by the choices involved. Breast Augmentation: Textured vs. Smooth (part 2 of 7) Beautiful results from breast implant surgery results from excellent surgical technique, but it also relies on informed decisions by our patients. One decision you must make is Textured vs. Smooth implants. Smooth implants require smaller incisions and can be inserted through an armpit incision. They may be more prone to shifting over time, or capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is the process in which the…

Consultation for breast implant surgery (augmentation) is a challenging process, as there are many options to be considered. This 7-part series is intended for those of you interested in the surgery but confused by the choices involved. Breast Augmentation: Saline vs Silicone (part 1 of 7) Beautiful results from breast implant surgery results from excellent surgical technique, but it also relies on informed decisions by our patients. One decision you must make is implant composition. Both Saline and Silicone implants have an outer silicone shell. Saline implants can be inserted through a very small incision and are then inflated via a tube with sterile salt water, but they feel ‘fake’,…