Planning a breast augmentation is incredibly exciting! There are so many ways this procedure can be adjusted to fit your needs, lifestyle, and desired aesthetic—it can feel overwhelming to determine which breast implant option is best for you. This blog will cover all the ways breast implants can be customized, from implant material to implant placement and even incisions, so you can feel informed and empowered before you even set foot in your breast augmentation consultation.
5 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- What Are My Breast Implant Options?
- Saline vs Silicone
- Breast Implant Size and Dimensions
- Types of Implant Placement Options
- Breast Implant Incision Options
- Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Birmingham, AL
What Are My Breast Implant Options?
Breast augmentation is not only transformative— it’s one of the most customizable plastic surgery procedures available. The implants themselves can be modified in several ways:
- Material: Do you prefer the feel of saline or silicone?
- Dimensions: What size and shape will help you achieve your desired aesthetic?
- Implant Placement: Will over- or under-the-muscle fit your lifestyle and anatomy better?
Saline vs. Silicone
When it comes to breast implant material, you have a choice between saline and silicone implants.
Saline implants are encased in a silicone shell and are filled with sterile saltwater solution. An advantage of saline implants is that in the event of rupture, saline implants deflate noticeably and make surveillance simple.
Silicone implants also feature a silicone shell, but they are filled with silicone gel. Many patients find silicone feels more natural and moves more naturally.
At your consultation, you’ll be able to feel different types of implants firsthand and discuss the pros and cons. Your surgeon will help you determine which implant material best suits your goals.
Breast Implant Size and Dimensions
In addition to the implant material, you can customize the size or dimensions of your implant. This includes the volume, diameter, and projection.
- Volume: Most women tend to understand this as bra cup size, but for breast implants, it’s measured in cubic centimeters. Breast implant volume can range from 80cc to 800cc, but the most popular range is 300 to 400cc. For reference, 200 to 250cc is generally understood to be the equivalent of one cup size increase. At your consultation, you and your surgeon will look at breast implants and discuss your vision for size to determine the ideal implant volume for you.
- Diameter: This is the width of the base of the implant. A larger diameter typically means a flatter, more natural-looking breast implant, while a smaller diameter yields an implant with more projection and upper pole fullness. The best diameter size for you depends on your chest size and aesthetic goals.
- Projection: The distance the implant extends from your chest wall. This determines how prominent your breasts will look. You’ll have the choice between low, moderate, and high projection.
At your consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss which implants will best suit your goals.
Types of Implant Placement Options
There are two options for breast implant placement: above the chest muscle (subglandular or subfascial) and below the chest muscle (submuscular or subpectoral).
Subfascial Implant Placement
Having your breast implants placed above the muscle often results in a more pronounced or rounded look, which many patients love. This placement also involves a shorter recovery period. Because this placement does not interfere with chest muscle contractions, it’s an excellent option for more active patients or those who participate in sports.
Drawbacks of subfascial (or subglandular) placement include the potential for visible rippling, which is when you can see the implant wrinkling or undulating through the skin. This is especially true for patients with minimal breast tissue, though not all patients experience implant rippling. Subglandular implants may also interfere with mammograms.
Submuscular Implant Placement
Having your breast implants placed below the muscle often yields more natural-looking results. There’s less chance of visible rippling, and because the implants are under the chest muscle, there is less chance of interfering with mammograms. It’s a great placement option for patients with very little or thin natural breast tissue.
Cons include a longer recovery period, with more time needed for the breast implants to settle into their final position. There is also the risk of animation deformity, which is when the implant moves with chest muscle contractions—so this placement may not be suitable for bodybuilders, patients who frequently exercise their chest muscles, or those who participate in sports.
Breast Implant Incision Options
Where your surgeon makes the incision during surgery is where your scars will be. There are two main types of incisions:
- Inframammary: This is the most common breast augmentation incision, placed along the lower breast crease. Scars tend to fade very well and are hidden in the natural fold under the breast, and the incision location can be used for future surgeries.
- Periareolar: This incision encircles the areola. It’s best for smaller implants or saline implants, and the scar blends into the naturally darker skin of the areola. This incision may not be suitable for women with very small areolas.
Ultimately, incision placement will depend largely on your anatomy and the type of implant you choose.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Birmingham, AL
If you’re considering breast augmentation, entrust your transformation to only the most highly qualified board-certified plastic surgeon you can find. At Plastic Surgery Specialists in Birmingham, our surgeons have the experience and skill to help you achieve your goals, with warm, inviting personnel and a safe environment you can trust.
To book your appointment with Dr. Jack or Dr. Oliver, call (205) 298-8660 or fill out our online contact form.