When you’re considering breast augmentation, your consultation with your plastic surgeon is an important step toward achieving your desired outcome.
This post will discuss what you can expect during a breast augmentation consultation, including trying on sizers and deciding your implant options.
Discussing Your Medical History and Desired Outcome
A breast augmentation consultation often begins with a discussion of your medical history, including your overall health, any past surgeries, medical conditions, allergies, and medications you may be taking.
Your surgeon will answer your questions about the procedure and thoroughly discuss your goals and options with you.
Trying on Sizers
During the consultation, you’ll be provided with a special bra that helps you choose your implants by trying on different sizers.
Sizers are pre-filled saline implants in a range of sizes and shapes. You’ll place them inside the bra to see how the different sizes and shapes look in proportion to your body and under your clothes. This process allows you to visualize the outcome of your surgery and helps you choose implants that fit your personal preferences and lifestyle.
Deciding Your Implant Options
You’ll have several other decisions to make about your implants in addition to size and shape—implant material, profile, placement, and the location of incisions.
Material
Two main types of breast implants are available: saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, while silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Both types have an outer shell made of silicone.
Saline implants can be inserted into the breast pocket empty, then filled with saline once in place. This allows your surgeon to make minor adjustments in size during the surgery. However, saline implants can make breasts feel unnaturally firm and are more prone to rippling or wrinkling than silicone implants.
Silicone implants tend to feel more like natural breast tissue than saline implants, and most of our patients choose silicone implants. Form-stable or “gummy bear” implants are a type of silicone implant with a denser filling and a higher silicone concentration than traditional silicone gel implants.
Your surgeon can advise you about the advantages and disadvantages of each type to help you make an informed decision.
Profile
Several profile types are used in our practice, including low, moderate, moderate plus, and high. Implant profile names vary by manufacturer but generally fall within the categories below.
- Low-profile implants have a broader base and less projection, making them ideal for patients who want a more subtle increase in breast size. They’re often used in patients with a wider chest or those who prefer a more natural look.
- Moderate-profile implants have a slightly narrower base and more projection than low-profile implants. They’re a popular choice for patients who want a modest increase in breast size and a natural-looking shape.
- Moderate-plus implants fall between moderate- and high-profile implants in terms of projection.
- High-profile implants have a narrower base and more projection than moderate- or moderate-plus profile implants. They’re often used in patients seeking a significant increase in breast size and a more noticeable curve.
Your surgeon can help you determine which profile type is best for you based on your body type and desired outcome.
Placement
Two traditional placement options are available: subglandular (above the muscle) and submuscular (beneath the muscle).
- Subglandular placement positions the implant behind the breast tissue in front of the chest muscle. This option can provide a more noticeable increase in breast size and may be suitable for patients with sufficient natural breast tissue.
- Submuscular placement positions the implant beneath the pectoral muscle. This option can provide a more natural-looking result by reducing the risk of visible implant edges, rippling, or wrinkling. It can also offer better support for the implant and reduce the risk of capsular contracture (a complication that occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to harden).
- Sub-facial placement inserts the implant into a pocket created underneath the fascia of the pectoralis muscle and the breast tissue. The implant is supported by a piece of bio-resorbable mesh that functions as an “internal bra,” which is naturally absorbed by the body over time and replaced by your own collagen. It’s a good option for those who lead very active lifestyles and want a quick recovery.
We typically prefer submuscular or sub-fascial placement in our practice because we feel those options provide the best results for most patients.
Incision Location
During the procedure, your surgeon will place incisions strategically to minimize the appearance of scars.
Breast augmentation incisions are typically made in 1 of 4 locations:
- Inframammary incisions are made in the fold beneath the breast, where the breast meets the chest.
- Periareolar incisions are made around the edge of the nipple.
- Transaxillary incisions are made in the armpit.
- Transumbilical incisions are made through the bellybutton area.
We favor inframammary and periareolar incisions at our practice. Your surgeon can help you determine which location will likely give you the best results.
If you decide to proceed with the surgery, the next step is to schedule your procedure. Our staff will work with you to find a convenient date and time.
Browse my breast augmentation before-and-after gallery to see the results I’ve achieved for previous patients and get an idea of what to expect.
Request a Consultation
If you’re interested in speaking with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon about breast augmentation, call our Scottsdale, AZ, office today at (480) 423-1973 or request a consultation.
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