Breast Implant

A breast implant alters the size and shape of a woman's breasts. There are two primary types of breast implants: saline-filled and silicone-gel-filled implants. Saline implants have a silicone elastomer shell filled with sterile saline liquid. Silicone gel implants have a silicone shell filled with a viscous silicone gel.


Breast augmentation surgery involves using breast implants for fuller breasts. Women choose to have breast augmentation surgery to improve their self image. Some feel dissatisfied because their breasts never developed to a size that meets their expectations. Others want to bring balance to a breast that is somewhat smaller than the other. Often women want the procedure to restore their natural breast volume, which may have decreased as a result of pregnancy, weight loss, aging or even breast cancer surgery.


The surgery lasts from one to two hours and is usually performed in a surgical facility under a light, general anesthetic administered by an anesthesiologist. A long acting, local anesthetic is also added to help eliminate discomfort following surgery. The breasts are enlarged by placing soft implants through a small incision, using one of three different approaches: axillary (armpit), around the nipple, or under the breast. Various types of implants are now available including saline and silicone. There are several procedures for inserting the breast implants.


Endoscopic is the most modern technique for breast enlargement surgery. A small incision is made in the axilla (underarm) and a small endoscope is used to introduce the implant either under the pectoralis muscle or the breast tissue. Absorbable sutures are used through the procedure to assure your comfort. The unique features of this technique are the small incisions necessary to perform the procedure, and the location of the incisions in the axilla or armpit. Therefore, no scars are visible on the breast or at the breast crease leading to excellent aesthetic results. It is ideal for those patients with smaller breasts where the scars on the breast would be visible, and for those who have a predisposition to abnormal scarring.


Axillary approach is utilized when a patient's breasts are small, in good position, and relatively symmetrical. The implant is introduced through a 1 to 1 1/2" incision in the center of the axilla, and is generally placed under the muscle mass. In patients who are extremely muscular, this placement may show movement of the implant; in such cases, the implant is placed over the muscle tissue. Absorbable stitches are placed in the underarm area, and a small tubular drain may be used to collect fluid for a day or two in order to decrease swelling.


Nipple is commonly used approach involves a 1 to 1 1/2" incision on the lower border of the pigmented areola and allows not only enlargement but some correction of shape and position discrepancies. The incision generally heals well with minimal scarring. Although blockage of nipple ducts is a theoretical problem, it rarely occurs. Most women are able to breast feed after this procedure.


Inframammary incision is used in a small number of cases where the areola is very small. An incision is made at the crease below the breast. This approach may be suitable in women with prior breast surgery or with the most complicated breast augmentations.