Breast augmentation is one of the most popular and satisfying procedures in cosmetic surgery. It has undergone an evolution since its introduction thirty years ago.

The modern approach to breast augmentation, which is the technique we employ, is multidimensional and incorporates many different variables in attempting to create the ideal result. The main priority is the patient’s desires. This is determined only after a very thorough and detailed conversation about wishes for size, shape and contours. The examination requires detailed analysis of the chest size, the amount of breast tissue present, the elasticity of the skin, and the three dimensional appearance of the breast. By incorporating the patient’s wishes with the three dimensional analysis, a range of sizes of implants can be chosen that will create the desired result. The final decision is made in the operating room by examining the size, shape and slope of the breast implant from every angle. It is only after this meticulous process that the final result is achieved.

Breast augmentation can be performed through the nipple, the armpit, underneath the breast, or through the belly button. The implant can be placed under the muscle, above the muscle or in a “dual,” or double, plane. Implants can contain saline or silicone. Our preferred technique is insertion through the nipple or under the breast, with placement in a dual plane, using a silicone implant. The technique used will vary based on the individual and can only be determined after a full consultation.

Saline Implants

Saline implants will provide a very aesthetically pleasing result.

Silicone Implants

In selected patients, silicone implants may be a superior choice. If you are considering getting silicone implants, you should be aware that the current guidelines require that you must be at least 22 years old. Also, current guidelines recommend screening MRI examinations every two years, which may not be covered by insurance.

Cosmetic surgeons undergo special training to use silicone implants. Make sure you consult with a surgeon who is up to date with the current guidelines.

Results

This patient had 325 cc, high profile, silicone implants inserted under the muscle through an inframmary approach.

This is a woman who wanted breast augmentation. She brought many pictures of breast augmentation results she liked. We spend a considerable amount of time with each patient so that we may understand exactly what each person would like. We take numerous measurements and pictures and together with the patient decide on the appropriate size and style of implant to give the result desired. We inserted saline implants through the nipple and placed the implant under the muscle in a “dual” plane. The implants were filled to 370 cc. She has a result that matched exactly the pictures she liked.

The patient below wanted some fullness over the upper portion of her breasts, but not an excessive amount. She wanted an augmentation result that would be versatile in all kinds of clothing styles. We inserted the implant through the nipple and placed them underneath the muscle. As you can see in the “After” pictures, she has a good size augmentation with some fullness in the upper portion of her breasts. She also has smooth and round contours. Notice how well the scar around the nipple has healed. It is almost imperceptible. The pictures were taken approximately 3 months after surgery.

The patient below also request a natural looking result. We used 325 cc saline implants and inserted them through the nipple and under the muscle in a dual plane. The “After” pictures show a good size augmentation which compliments her frame and is natural looking.

The patient below requested breast augmentation. She wanted maximum fullness for her size. She also desired fullness over the upper portion of her breasts. After we obtained all of her measurements, it was clear that the regular implant that would fit on her chest was not going to give her the result she wished for. In order to provide her with more fullness, we selected what is called a “High Profile” implant. This is an implant which provides more fullness than the “Moderate” size but in a smaller diameter size. In other words, one is able to obtain greater volume and projection of the breast in a smaller or same size diameter implant. As you can see in the “After” pictures, she has maximum fullness of her breasts. There is also fullness over the upper portion of her breasts, as she desired. The shape is round and smooth. Again, our goal in breast augmentation is to carefully listen to each patient’s wishes and then safely and predictably give them the result they desire.

The patient in the pictures below requested an improvement in the appearance of her breasts. She wanted greater volume of her breasts and also wondered if anything could be done to improve the position and shape of the breasts. We performed a careful examination and determined that a breast lift was not necessary. We felt that an implant would be able to accomplish her goals. We reviewed her measurements and available implants and together we selected a range of sizes that would fit her well. A 350 cc silicone implant was inserted through the nipple and under the muscle in a dual plane. Her augmentation is proportional to her frame. The size compliments her very well. Notice also the improvement in the shape and position of the breasts. She has the effect of a “breast lift” with implants only. Her breasts have very smooth and round contours. Her incision is almost impercepible.