Breast Augmentation
Overview
The size and shape of a woman’s breasts can be enhanced with the placement of silicone or saline implants, known as breast augmentation. While some women are genetically predisposed to underdeveloped breast tissue, other women’s breasts are altered by pregnancy, breast feeding, significant weight loss, or natural aging. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paresi performs skillful breast augmentation for their patients at Contour Plastic Surgery & MedSpa in Downers Grove, IL to enhance a woman’s curves for a natural, proportionate appearance. With over 365,000 breast augmentation surgeries performed in America every year, breast implants help women boost their confidence and self-image.
Breast Augmentation Results
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Saline VS. Silicone
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution and offer no risk to the patient in terms of extracapsular spread or silicone leakage. Saline implants are appealing to many because they generally cost less than silicone implants. In some patients, silicone may be a better option due to the rippling that may occur along the edges of the saline implant that can be visible in thin-chested women. Patients considering saline implants must be at least 18 years of age.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with a gel substance that looks and feels similar to natural breast tissue. They are ideal for women who are thin-chested. Silicone implants are specially engineered so that if the shell should become compromised (a surface crack), the silicone will remain intact within the implant (known as cohesive gel implants). Silicone implant defects are rare and can only be found through an MRI, unlike saline implants which will deflate. Patients must be at least 22 years of age to receive silicone implants.
Product Information
Manufacturers
- Saline: MENTOR® or Allergan (branded as Natrelle®)
- Silicone: Allergan (branded as Natrelle® Gel), Mentor (branded as MemoryGel®) and Motiva by Establishment Labs, all known simply as Silicone Gel Breast Implants
Profiles
An implant profile depicts the distance the breast will project forward from the chest wall. Implants are made in low, moderate, high and extra high profiles.
Shape
Breast implants come in two shapes. Round implants tend to offer more fullness on the top of the breast, while teardrop implants are touted to mimic the shape and look of natural breasts.
Texture
Breast implants are made with a smooth or textured surface. Round implants can be chosen with either surface, while teardrop implants are made with a textured surface only.
Implant Placement
- Submammary (Subglandular): Under the mammary gland, over the muscle
- Subfascial (Retrofacial): Under the fascia of the muscle
- Dual Plane: Along two planes/layers
- Submuscular (Retromuscular): Mostly under the muscle
- Complete Submuscular (Full retromuscular): Completely under the muscle
Incision Type
- Inframammary: The incision is made in the breast crease where the breast meets the torso
- Periareolar: The incision is made just under and along the areola
- Transaxillary: The incision is made in the armpit
Preoperative 3D Simulations
To assist the patient with choosing the appropriate size breast implant, we at Contour Plastic Surgery and MedSpa in Downers Grove, IL use Crisalix 3D Imaging software to simulate the patient’s result with different size breast implants. This involves taking pictures of the patient’s chest (no face) and importing those pictures into the 3D imaging software. We can then simulate different size implants on the patient’s body to help them determine their aesthetic goals. We can also simulate a breast lift, if needed, based on the patient’s measurements. The patient can then compare different size and shape breast implants to decide on which implants they prefer. Crisalix 3D Imaging Software also allows the patient to access the simulations at home on their own iPAD. This allows the patient to review their simulations in the comfort of their own home, and share the images with their significant others to assist them in their decision-making process. All in all, the addition of Crisalix 3D Imaging software to the breast implant decision-making process is a huge advantage for patients seeking breast augmentation.
Surgical Technique
Breast implants are most commonly placed via an inframammary incisions in the submuscular position. In cases where the patient needs a lift in combination with the implant, a periareolar incision is used. At Contour Plastic Surgery, we utilize Keller funnels and Exparel to enhance the patient experience. Keller funnels are used for placement of the breast implant and allow for smaller incisions. They also reduce the risk for contamination of the breast implant using the ‘no touch’ technique. Exparel, or liposomal Marcaine, is a local anesthetic that in injected around the breast at the time of surgery to reduce postoperative pain for five days after surgery.
After Surgery
Breast Implant Ultrasound as a Followup after Breast Augmentation
Patients after breast augmentation often worry about the state of their breast implants after breast augmentation. Most plastic surgery practices will see patients up to one year after breast augmentation surgery, and then only have patients followup if they are having issues. Breast implant ultrasound is a non-invasive method for patients to follow up on the status of their breast implants. At Contour Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, we offer breast implant ultrasounds as soon as one year after breast augmentation surgery. This allows patients the ‘peace of mind’ of knowing their breast implants have no issues. The FDA recommends either an MRI or ultrasound of breast implants five years after breast augmentation, and every two years thereafter. Breast implant ultrasound is an easy, non-invasive, imaging test that can be done in five to ten minutes in the office at a normal followup visit. Whether you had your breast augmentation surgery at Contour Plastic Surgery and MedSpa or at another location, we offer the service to all patients with breast implants. Breast implant ultrasound is a good test to look for potential implant rupture or capsular contracture of the breast implant. Schedule your breast implant ultrasound today at Contour Plastic Surgery and MedSpa!
Breast Augmentation FAQs
Is Silicone Safe?
Breast Aug or Lift?
Breast augmentation will help with size, but it will not correct sagging. If you are happy with the shape and laxity of your breasts, then implants alone may meet your cosmetic goals. If sagging is what is most bothersome to you, then you may be considered for a breast lift. During your consult, we will determine if you are better suited for breast augmentation, a lift, or a combination of the two.
Risk of Rupture?
How Long Do They Last?
Still have a question?
At Contour Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you feel confident in your choices. Contact us today to schedule your consultation — your journey to looking and feeling your best starts here!