If you are considering breast implants, no doubt you will have lots of questions. When it comes to breast implants, there are certain options and choices you have to make. Things like body type, health, and size of your implants all factor in when choosing the best incision site and implant placement. Keep reading to find out the different types of breast augmentation procedures and implants.
A Quick Overview of Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation is a type of breast enlargement surgery. During the procedure, your surgeon inserts implants to make your breasts bigger. Breast implants are a hugely popular type of plastic surgery. You can read our quick guide on breast augmentation to find out more about the procedure.
What are the Different Types of Breast Implants Available?
Let’s start with the various types of breast implants you have available. You have a range of options to choose from when considering breast implants. Here are the choices you have available:
Breast Augmentation: Implant Considerations
- – Size (cc) – breast implants are sized in volume in cc (cubic centimetres). The volume you have will depend on the actual size and shape of your breasts.
- – Shape – you have round or anatomical implants. Anatomical implants are shaped like a teardrop with more volume at the bottom. Round implants are the same shape on all sides and are the most popular choice in the UK.
- – Textures – you have different textures available, including macro, micro, nano, and smooth. The texture refers to the outer layer of the breast implant. The surface can influence the feel of the implant as well as the long-term success rate.
- – Profiles – the profile is how far the implants will project from the chest wall. You have low, moderate, and high projections.
- – Breast implant manufacturers/brands – there are a surprising amount of breast implant companies available. We would recommend:
- – Nagor – made in Britain
- – Sebbin – made in France
- – Motiva – made in Costa Rica
- – Mentor – made in Belgium
Breast Augmentation: Surgical Considerations
Incision and Placement (plane) Options
On top of the implant options, there are also different techniques for the implants’ incision and placement. So, the area your surgeon will cut and place the breasts can change.
When it comes to placement of the implants, you have the following choices:
- Over the muscle – this is suitable for those with enough natural breast tissue to cover the breast implant.
- Under the muscle – this tends to give the implant more covering, but it can result in a longer recovery time. You also have the option of a dual plane which essentially combines the two techniques.
Next, you have the incision site. Incision planning is a crucial part of the breast augmentation pre-op checklist. The incisions will dictate where your scars will be. Here are your incision location options:
Inframammary Fold
The most common incision is within the inframammary fold. This is the crease on the underside of the breasts. You can use any size of implant, and it reduces the risk of breastfeeding difficulties. The downside is that the scar isn’t as hidden as other incision sites.
Nipple
Your surgeon will make the incision halfway around the lower part of your nipple. The benefit of this incision site is that it’s great for concealing scars and allows for accurate implant positioning. But, the drawback is that it may present difficulty in breastfeeding and changes in nipple sensation.
Armpit
The incision is made in the armpit. With this technique, the scar will be in the armpit; however, there is less control over what tissues your surgeon can modify.
Umbilical
Finally, the least common approach is to make an incision in the belly button. While the scar is very well hidden, it can result in poorly positioned implants.
There is no one formula that suits everyone. It always comes down to your natural shape and breast size, as well as the results you’re looking to achieve. Seeking the advice of an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon will help you make the best decision.
