With breast augmentation, some treatment approaches work best on certain body types, while others can be chosen based on an individual's aesthetic goals.
Breast augmentation surgery is not a "cookie-cutter, one-implant-for-all" type of thing. It is very much an individual thing; based on your anatomy, desires, goals and what makes you look and feel the best overall!
Implants — Silicone -vs- Saline Implants
Silicone implants are generally considered the superior implant because they offer a more natural feel and appearance than saline implants. They are also less likely to cause rippling. Silicone is a little bit softer, feels more like breast tissue, and feels a little more natural overall. So silicone is certainly an upgrade over saline implants. Women with little breast tissue benefit most from silicone -vs- saline implants.
Saline implants boast their own benefits. They generally cost less than silicone implants. And, in many cases, saline implants produce a shorter scar than silicone implants because the implants are filled after they are inserted into the breasts (requiring a smaller incision). Conversely, silicone implants come pre-filled (requiring a slightly longer incision through which the implants are placed).
Placement — Above-Muscle -vs- Below-Muscle
Placement of implants really depends on the anatomy of the individual, and what is going to make you look good. Because the quality of breast implants has improved greatly in recent years, both above-muscle and below-muscle implant placements are appropriate breast augmentation techniques. Dr. Light recommends placements based on the body type and your expectations.
For example, women with breast laxity will benefit more from above-muscle implants because implants placed below the chest muscle will ride higher than the sagging breast tissue; which can result in a "double-bubble" effect.
However, women who lack breast tissue may be best suited for below-muscle implants because the chest muscle will provide additional implant coverage; which results in a more natural appearance.
Size
Of course, all breast augmentation patients are concerned with the resulting bra size. Dr. Light can tell you how big you can go (and still be able to safely close the incision) as well as answering your questions and providing other important and helpful advice. Because many breast augmentation patients wish they had gone a bit bigger after the swelling from surgery goes down, he encourages his patients to think a little big. In the end, however, it is up to you to make the final decision.
Incision — Incisional Approaches
Dr. Light can use several techniques to insert breast implants; including the transaxillary (underarm), areola (nipple) or inframammary fold (breast crease) techniques. The areolar incision approach is a great solution for women who desire as little scarring as possible. This is Dr. Light's preferred technique as well. The scar discreetly blends in with the surrounding skin. Breast implants placed through the crease may leave more prominent scars. When you lift up the breast, you will see a white line in the crease of the breast. But it's not unsightly. The scars cannot be seen straight on, and their appearance will continue to fade over time.
Making the Right Choices
Dr. Light stresses the need for patients to understand the procedure they are to undergo, and to be as educated as possible about their surgeon's credentials. It is important that the surgeon is a member of a professional organization such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons (AACS) that specializes in cosmetic surgical procedures.
