Breast Implants Can Increase Your Bust and Confidence
If you are considering breast augmentation, there are a number of considerations that must be weighed before you make a decision regarding your treatment. One of the fundamental decisions that you must make is which type of breast implants you will receive. At our Minneapolis, MN, practice, Dr. Mesna can determine which type of breast implant is right for you. We offer both saline and silicone breast implants - each offers unique benefits while maintaining distinct characteristics that make them well-suited to different body types. We can provide you with personalized care and answer any questions you may have about the procedure and your candidacy so that you are able to make an informed, confident decision. We focus on our patients' needs and are committed to quality care.
Types of Breast Implants
There are two types of breast implants: saline and silicone. We offer both types at our practice and can help you choose the type that is right for your needs and goals.
Saline Breast Implants - These implants are made with a soft, silicone outer shell and a liquid saline solution on the inside of the implant. Saline breast implants are the most popular type of implant, are typically more affordable, and can be placed through all three incision methods employed at our practice. Because these implants are fully inflated after they have been placed, Dr. Mesna can use smaller incisions, resulting in less scarring.
However, there are some drawbacks about saline implants that patients should consider before making a decision. Saline does not have a similar texture to natural tissue as silicone options do. These implants are more susceptible to rippling, which can visually manifest itself beneath the skin. Saline implants also tend to feel less natural and do not come in specialized shapes that are meant to look more lifelike.
The team at our practice can educate you on breast implants so that you are able to make an informed decision.
Silicone Breast Implants - A silicone breast implant also has a soft, silicone outer shell, but is filled with a gel-like silicone solution. The thickness of this material helps these implants to feel and look more similar to breast tissue than saline options. These implants also are not as prone to rippling or tearing as saline implants. In addition, silicone implants also come in specialized teardrop shapes for a very natural silhouette.
While these implants can provide more aesthetic benefits, there are some considerations that patients should understand. Silicone shells are pre-filled before they are placed beneath the breast, so some placement options, such as through the armpit, are not an option with this type of implant. In addition, patients will need to undergo regular mammograms and exams to ensure that no leaks have occurred, because unlike a saline implant, leaks would not be immediately evident.
Size, Shape, and Profile
When choosing implants, you have more options than material to customize a breast augmentation for your needs.
- Size: Patients can opt to increase their bust with a wide range of cup sizes.
- Shape: Round implants are shaped like a circle, while teardrops implants have a thinner top and fuller bottom to mimic the natural breast shape. Silicone implants come in both round and teardrop shapes, while saline implants only come in a round shape.
- Profile: The profile of your implant will affect how far your breast will project from the chest wall. A higher profile will have a smaller base, causing the implant to project more. A lower profile will have a wider base, creating a less pronounced result. High profile implants can help patients achieve significant effects without the need for larger implants.
Fat transfer, or natural breast augmentation, is often used to complement the appearance of implants. Many of our patients also choose to combine a breast lift with breast implants, and this can affect their choice of breast implants.
Placement Methods
We place breast implants via three different incision methods. During your initial consultation, Dr. Mesna and his team can discuss these methods with you in detail, go over your needs and goals, and make a recommendation as to which approach will be best suited to helping you realize your ideal look.
Under the Breast: This is the most common type of breast implant placement procedure, during which an incision is made in the crease of the breast fold. Once the incision is made, a pocket is created, either above or below the pectoral muscle, for the placement of the implant. Both saline and silicone breast implants can be placed using this method.
Through the Armpit: With this technique, the incision is made under the arm, and the unfilled breast implant casing is inserted and slid down to beneath the breast. Once in place, a saline solution is injected into the implant via a catheter. The benefits of this method is that there is no visible scarring on the breast, either underneath the breast fold or along the nipple. Only saline breast implants can be placed via this method.
Under the Nipple: This method eliminates scars from beneath the breast fold, making it a popular choice among women opting for silicone breast implants who want inconspicuous, natural-looking results. By making the incision around the areola, any resulting scars are highly inconspicuous, as they blend in with the transitional area between the areola and the surrounding skin. Women considering this method should be mindful that there may be numbness along the nipple following the procedure.
Breast Implant Aftercare and Maintenance
Receiving breast implants is a life-changing treatment that requires diligent aftercare and maintenance in order to ensure longevity and good health for your new bust line. Dr. Mesna may recommend gentle massaging and compression of the implants for one to two weeks after surgery to help prevent capsular contracture, which occurs when scar tissue develops around the implant. It is also wise to schedule regular mammograms and checkups with your doctor to make sure your implants have not ruptured. Dr. Mesna may also recommend that you purchase newer, more supportive bras to help prevent sagging, breakage, or rupture. In addition, it is important to remember that breast implants are not permanent. You will need to receive new implants in about 10 years time.
Contact Our Office Today
Many women do not realize how many factors must be taken into consideration before deciding upon a breast implant. What type should you choose? What size is right for you? What incision method should be utilized? Should the implant be placed above or below the pectoral muscle? How much do breast implants cost? The team at our practice can educate you on breast implants so that you are able to make an informed decision. To arrange a consultation with our doctor, contact Mesna Plastic Surgery today.