Breast Augmentation Photos

Breast implants

Breast implants are used in breast augmentation and breast reconstruction surgery, to build and shape the breast to it's new size or form. There are several considerations in breast augmentation, including the the placement of the breast implant and the type of breast implant used.

Breast implants can be placed either under the chest muscle or directly under the breasts. Placement considerations include the anatomy of your breasts, soreness after surgery, exercise activities (upper body strength and conditioning sports such as weightlifting, tennis, volleyball and others) and interference with mammograms.

Incision Placement

The incision for breast augmentation may be placed underneath the breast, around the areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple), in the armpit, or in the belly button. Not all plastic surgeons perform all of these approaches because it may not have been a part of their training. If you have a specific preference with regard to incision placement, make sure your plastic surgeon is experienced with that approach.

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Breast implant placement - Subglandular vs. Submuscular

Breast implants may be placed beneath the tissue of the breast (subglandular), or may be placed even deeper, beneath the muscle of the chest wall (submuscular). The decision is a very individual one, and it is determined by the natural shape of your breasts and chest wall muscles. Whenever possible, I prefer to place the implants in a submuscular position. This is for two main reasons. First, mammography is easier when the breast implant is separated from the breast tissue by the additional layer of muscle. Secondly, there is a lower incidence of capsular contracture when the implants are placed beneath the muscle. Capsular contracture occurs when the body produces scar tissue around the implant. This may change the shape of the implant and make the breasts asymmetric.

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