When a woman receives breast augmentation, she is using an implant to increase the size or look of her bosom. There are many different reasons that a woman may decide to accept the procedure, including correcting physical deformities, repairing cancer-ridden breasts, and enhancing physical appearance. The practice is so widely accepted that it is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States with more than 300,000 performed on a yearly basis.

How Breast Augmentation Works

To receive the material that will increase the size and shape of your breasts, an incision will be made around this part of the body. The cut into the skin is often performed below the breasts so that scars will be hidden. Depending on the type of skill your surgeon possesses, there could be no physical evidence that a surgery even took place. Once the incision is opened to a reasonable size, implants are inserted close to the muscles located in the chest. When the surgery is complete, sutures close the incision. When choosing alternative insertion locations, the procedure will differ, as well as the visibility of scars.

Breast Implant Materials

There are numerous decisions associated with the process of breast augmentation, including selecting the shape and size of breast implants that will best complement your body and personal preferences. The materials that they are made from also make a difference in both appearance and cost. There are two main types of implants a plastic surgeon will most likely discuss with you. The first is a saline filled option that is filled with a sterile liquid. The second and most controversial throughout the years is made from silicone: a silicone shell that is filled with a gummy silicone gel.

Types of Incisions

Depending on your muscle build, type of implant, and personal preferences, a number of incision selections are available to choose from. Some incision approaches may cut into various parts of the body, such as underneath the breast or the armpit. This also means that some patients may encounter minimal to prominent scarring, as well as virtually no signs of surgery. Sometimes an endoscope is used to help the surgeon properly place implants through an incision.

The most common incision choice is called inframammary, which is located below the breast. It is here that the placement of an implant is easiest. Since silicone gel implants require a lengthier incision, this is the option many women tend to choose. When an implant is inserted through the areolar border, the incision approach is called periareolar. Larger silicone gel implant patients rarely choose this method. When a patient wishes no visible breast scars, they may choose transaxillary (armpit) or transumbilical (naval) incisions.

Implant Placement

After the incision is made, the insertion and placement of the implant follows. The major muscle involved in this step of breast augmentation is called the pectoralis. When the implant is placed between the breast tissue and the pectoralis muscle, it is called subglandular. A subfascial placement is positioned underneath the fascia of the pectoralis muscle. When inferior muscular attachments are released, a subpectoral implant is placed underneath the pectoralis major muscle, while submuscular placement involves insertion without the release of the inferior muscles, which mainly accommodates breast reconstruction patients.