Breast Augmentation

Your incisions will be made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. You and Dr. Emory will discuss which incision options are appropriate for your desired outcome. Incision options include inframammary, transaxillary and periareolar. Incisions vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy, and patient-surgeon preference.

There are two types of breast implants offered today. These are saline and silicone. Implant type and size will be determined not just on your desired increase in size but more importantly on your breast anatomy, skin elasticity and body type. Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water and FDA approved for women 18 years and older. They can be filled with varying amounts of saline which can affect the shape, firmness and feel of the breast. Should the implant shell leak, a saline breast implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed by the body.

Silicone breast implants are filled with an elastic gel and are approved for women 22 years and older. The gel feels and moves much like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel may not collapse. If you choose these implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly. An MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants.

After the incision is made, the breast implant is inserted into a pocket either:

• Submuscular Placement (under the pectoral muscle)
• or Submammary/Subglandular Placement (directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle)

The method for inserting and positioning implants depends on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your body type, and Dr. Emory’s recommendations.

More information about breast augmentation, can be found at: www.breastimplantsafety.org