Choosing the right breast implants is essential to ensuring that you get your desired look after surgery, so it is important that you understand them all!
Breast augmentation is top of the list when it comes to cosmetic surgery. In the UK, people have turned to breast implants for bigger and perkier boobs. Implants come in all different shapes and sizes, and here is your opportunity to learn about them all.
Deciding the type of breast implants you want is one of the biggest decisions you will have to make, and there are a number of different factors that you need to consider. At Anna Raurell Cosmetics, only breast implants from the leading manufacturers are used. The main differences between implants lie between the shape, projection and size. All breast implants are made of a silicone shell, which can be filled with silicone or saline (sterile salt water). Silicone implants feel better than saline implants, although the difference can be less noticeable if the implant is placed under the muscle.
While there are benefits to choosing saline implants, there are also some drawbacks. Saline implants tend to have a thicker wall/shell so do not always feel as natural. Another drawback is that they are more prone to rippling, this can sometimes be noticed under the skin.
Silicone is a gel-like material, that is similar to the consistency of a gummy bear. Silicone implants are preferred by many as they have a more natural feel.
Smooth V Textured
After choosing your breast implant filler, then you must also decide between a smooth or textured outer shell. Textured implants have less risk of capsular formation (hardening of the implant) compared to smooth implants. However, textured implants have been associated to BIA-ALCL (Breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma). It is thought the incidence of BIA-ALCL to be around 1:20,000 to 1:60,000. It appears related to implants with a coarser texturing on average 8 years after insertion. For more information please look at the BAPRAS website or the BAAPS website.
Shape V projection
You will be asked what shape you want your breast implant to be; either round or teardrop (which mimics the natural look of a breast). During your consultation, we will talk through the pros and cons of each option, and look at your body shape to assess which shape will suit your body the most and get you the desired look that you want.
The projection of the implant refers to how far it comes out from your body (how much it protrudes). The projection that you want will really depend on what your end goal is, but we will also look at other factors such as the quality of your skin and tissue, and what sort of breast augmentation surgery you are having to ensure that you have the best and safest option.
Position of the incision
You should always consider what the scar will be like when deciding to have any surgery. There are four different incision options for breast augmentation surgery; you can decide which incision approach is best for you with your consultant. It is important to understand that where ever your incision mark is, it will fade over time and become less visible. These are the different incision options:
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Inframammary: The incision is placed under the natural fold of the breast. This is one of the most common incisions.
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Periareolar: The breast implants are inserted through an incision around the nipple.
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Transaxillary: The incision is hidden in the armpit.
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Transumbilical (or TUBA): This is the least common incision that is used for saline implants only. The implants can be inserted through the belly button, then filled once it is in the breast pocket
Under the muscle v over the muscle
A pocket is created below the breast (sub-glandular placement) or under the chest wall (sub-muscular placement). Placing the breast implant under the muscle gives more “padding” over the implant. This is often the preferred placement in very thin patients where the ribs are easily noticeable. It reduces the chances of feeling or seeing the implant edge. Sub-muscular placement has also a slightly lower chance of capsular formation. It requires partial division of the muscle, which can be uncomfortable immediately after surgery and increases the risk of bleeding. Implants placed directly under the breast (sub-glandular) fills any skin laxity slightly better. It can therefore give a better lift if needed. It is less painful and frequently there is no need for the use of a drain.
Size of breast implants is mainly your preference, however, I may give you my opinion on what I think would suit best your frame and tissues, so that the result is more natural. The bigger the implants, the more noticeable the edges of the implant will be (especially in thin patients) and the faker the look will be. The bigger the implants, the more the skin will be stretched and the tissues will atrophy sooner.
