The Decisions You’ll Make with Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a life-changing experience, and the decision to have the procedure isn’t one to make casually. But if you’ve lost volume and shape due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, or if you’ve never been satisfied with the size or shape of your breasts, augmentation can change your self-image.

The initial decision is a big one. But once you make the decision to go ahead, there will be a host of other choices you’ll need to make before your surgery is even scheduled. The decisions may seem daunting at times, but your experienced UMass Memorial plastic surgeon will guide you through each one to be sure you’re satisfied with every choice you make.

Obviously, the first step in the process is your consultation. You’ll discuss your goals for your augmentation. It’s important to have realistic goals because, although breast augmentation will change your body image, it’s not a panacea.

Once you decide to go forward, there will be four additional decisions you’ll need to make. Your UMass Memorial surgeon and the rest of our team will help you with all these decisions.

Implant type. Your first choice will be the type of implant — silicone or saline. Both options have pluses and minuses. Most people feel that silicone implants have a more natural feel than saline. However, if a silicone implant ruptures, you’ll need to have any silicone that has leaked into the breast pocket removed. Today’s denser gels, however, usually keep the silicone within or adjacent to the ruptured implant.

If a saline implant ruptures, your body will absorb the salt water. But it’s important to remember that you’ll still need to have the now-empty implant removed and replaced. So, as with silicone, some replacement surgery will be necessary.

Implant position. You’ll decide on the position of the implant, whether it will be placed atop or underneath the breast muscle. Many people believe implants placed under the muscle have a more natural look, but this is all personal preference.

Incision location. Where you want the incision will affect your scarring. Implants can be placed through incisions either at the bottom of the breast, at the base of the areola, or in the armpit. Obviously, incisions in the armpit leave the least visible scarring, but large volume silicone implants can’t usually be placed through this incision. 

Implant style. The last of your decisions will be the size and shape of your implants. You’ll decide on the projection of your implants, where more of the volume sits higher in the implant. Most implants are round, but others, such as gummy bear implants, are teardrop shaped. Implants can also be smooth or textured.

Having breast augmentation is an exciting time. It can be stressful to consider all the choices you’ll make, but we’ll help you have the information you need to be happy with your choices. Ready for your consultation with one of our six plastic surgeons? Call our team at UMass Memorial, (508) 334-5990, to set up your appointment.

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