Breast Augmentation: You Have Options!

Advances in breast augmentation enable patients to go beyond simply choosing between silicone or saline: they now have the option of selecting not only the shape and texture of their implant, but also the placement depth of the implant, as well as their preferred incision.

These options can make the breast augmentation you’ve been dreaming about seem like an overwhelming decision, but rest assured, there is help. Dr. Anna Wooten wants to eliminate any doubt or confusion patients may have about their choices for breast augmentation. She is happy to apply her years of experience to each patient’s unique case in order to help them select a type of breast augmentation that both meets their body modification goals and delivers ideal, attractive results.

The first major question for most patients is: Silicone Or saline?

Silicone Vs. Saline Implants

Saline and silicone are both still popular choices for breast augmentation implants. Which you choose depends on how you want your breast to feel and sit on your chest, as well as how comfortable you feel with the implanted substance in your body. Saline is a solution of salt and water, while silicone is a processed form of silica. Silicone is characterized as a stable polymer, with strong chemical and temperature resistance. Both saline and silicone implants are encased in a silicone shell.

The two solutions achieve a different feel and appearance in the breast. Saline implants tend to be firmer and sit in a higher, structured position than a silicone implant. Patients also like the fact that saline implants are empty when inserted and filled once inside the breast. This enables Dr. Wooten to make a relatively smaller incision to perform the augmentation, which reduces the chance of scarring the breast. While saline implants are an aesthetically-pleasing, effective option for increasing the size and roundness of the breasts, they have a slightly higher chance of being detected, as it is rare but possible to feel the edge of the implant. Saline implants also come with a slightly higher chance of creating skin wrinkling or “rippling.”

Silicone implants are filled with a gel-like material that accomplishes a more natural feel within the breast. Dr. Wooten inserts silicone implants using a horizontal incision made at the base of the breast, ensuring any potential scarring will be concealed. She also uses a Keller Funnel, a device which ensures sterile transfer and insertion of the silicone implant. Silicone implants imitate a more natural appearance in the breasts as well and have a reduced chance of causing skin ripples.

Silicone is the most commonly selected implant choice for patients today. However, patients also still regularly selecting saline implants: every woman has different preferences and expectations for their breast augmentation. The more informed a patient is about her augmentation options, the greater the chances are of her achieving the body modification results that make her feel more confident and attractive.

Is It Safe?

Women may worry about a “foreign object” in their bodies, or remember the negative media coverage of silicone implants in the 80s and 90s. Thankfully, silicone implants are now, in fact, one of the most-studied devices in medical history! An FDA-directed study in 2006 confirmed that the connection made between silicone implants and autoimmune diseases was unfounded and inaccurate. Also, studies have shown that silicone implants do not cause or link to autoimmune disease in patients.

Both saline and silicone have a small chance of rupturing while in the breast. If a saline implant does rupture, which can happen because of trauma to the body, such as from a fall, the saline will leak into the patient’s body, and be absorbed without doing any harm. The breast will likely appear smaller calling it to the attention of the patient. Dr. Wooten will be able to safely remove and replace the emptied implant shell. A rupture in a silicone gel implant can be harder to detect, it is recommended recipients of silicone implants get an MRI scan every two to three years. In the unlikely chance that a patient encounters a rupture in their silicone implant, Dr. Wooten will remove the implant, as well as any leaked silicone.

Women should also be mindful that a breast augmentation can reduce sensation in the breast.

What Shape Do I Want?

Implants come in two shapes: round and “natural,” or more teardrop-shaped. While the round implant is the most popular, some patients prefer the shape achieved by the teardrop implant.

What Texture Do I Want?

Patients have the option of choosing an implant surface which is smooth or textured. Patients who prefer a round implant can select a smooth-surfaced implant. A smooth-surface, round implant moves in the breast pocket without affecting the appearance of the breast. Some patients may prefer the feeling or effect of a textured or anatomical implant, which is more form stabilized and gives shape to the breast. A textured implant is an option for both round and naturally-shaped implants.

Implant Size

Let’s talk about implant sizes. Patients often come in wanting a specific bra size. Bra sizes are not standardized and we are not a bra company, so we talk in CC’s or centimeters. Patients often see a friend who has had augmentation surgery and they would like to look that same way. What we don’t often consider is that our body is not exactly like our friend. What may fit well and look great on our friend, may not look similar on our anatomy. We must always remember how unique we each are!!

Asymmetry is normal and there is no need to correct every asymmetry. Dr. Wooten will measure the patient’s torso and cleavage, so that she and the patient will be certain the augmentation will best compliment the patient’s proportions, while achieving the desired increase in breast size.

When determining implant size, it is also important to consider how larger breasts might affect your ability to participate in your usual activities. For example, patients who enjoy exercise may find breasts which are larger than a certain size make running less comfortable.

Implant Placement

Another decision women who are considering breast augmentations can discuss with Dr. Wooten during their consultation is the placement of the implant within the breast.

Dr. Wooten will educate you about the placement and incision types of your surgery, discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of each.

There is no one-size-fits-all type of breast augmentation. Dr. Anna Wooten takes great care to inform her patients of all their options, as well as to provide her expert advice to guide patients to the ideal, respectful breast augmentation experience that’s right for them.

Consultation