Choosing Breast Implant Size: A Matter of Aesthetics
Surgical breast enlargement enables a woman to choose the breast size that she feels will enhance her body image and self-confidence. However, some women find that, following breast augmentation, their conception about the ideal breast size have changed, and this can lead them to request additional surgery. Additional breast surgery means added risks and complications. It is important that women sit down with their plastic surgeons at the time of their initial breast augmentation consultation to try to assist women to make better choices about determining their “ideal” breast size.
Even though implant size usually is best determined by measurement of the breasts, patients who are actively involved in the decision process about implant size may be more likely to be satisfied with the surgical results.
The implant is placed in a pocket either directly behind the breast tissue (right) or underneath the pectoral muscle which is located between the breast tissue and chest wall.
Surface of the Implant
Teardrop or anatomic implants were introduced to better simulate the natural contour of the breast. Many surgeons like these implants and use them both for reconstruction and augmentation.
Many surgeons prefer smooth round implants for augmentation and often use the anatomic implants for reconstruction. Much of the choice in implants is surgeon-preference. You can trust that your surgeon will recommend the implant with which she or he can get the best aesthetic result.
One of the disadvantages of the contoured implants is that they are textured. In the saline-inflatable implants, this sometimes means that they will be more palpable and there may be more visible rippling.
