09 Mar 2024 | by Sean Doherty, MD, FACS
A breast augmentation can be a fantastic procedure for improving your body contour. Many patients don’t realize that it’s about more than just increasing volume in your breasts. Properly performed, this is a procedure that can rejuvenate your entire torso — making your waist look smaller and your stomach appear longer and leaner. The key to achieving all of this, however, is choosing the right implants for your anatomy. I love how the internet enables my patients to come in for their initial consultation having already done their research. The downside of the web is that this information is often homogenous while your body is completely unique. So, here is some breast implants 101 to help clarify a few common misperceptions.
Anatomy Is Driving Force Of A Breast Augmentation In Boston
The first thing to keep in mind with any aesthetic procedure is that your anatomy is the driving force. It is what determines which procedure or procedures are right for achieving your goals. With a breast augmentation, it is literally the deciding factor when it comes to choosing the right implant. This is why it is imperative that you schedule an in-person consultation with a Board-Certified plastic surgeon who has extensive breast surgery experience. During our initial meeting, I will listen closely to what bothers you about your body contour. Since this is one of my areas of expertise, I am focused on hearing what’s said and also what’s not said. I will ask about your family history, medical history and any other procedures you may have had done. I’ll then perform a thorough physical exam to assess your:
- Skin texture
- Native breast volume
- Degree of laxity, if any, in breast skin & tissues
- Position of nipple in relation to inframammary fold
I also take precise measurements of, for example, the distance between your nipple and your inframammary fold which is the crease beneath your breast. It is only once I’m armed with all of this information that we can begin to discuss which breasts implants may be right for achieving your desired outcome.
Inspiration, Not Imitation
One of things that I tell my patients about researching breast augmentation online is that it should be about inspiration, not imitation. I want you to look for photos of breasts that you admire. This is one of the best ways to convey the aesthetic that you want to achieve and ensure that the two of us are on the same page. What I don’t want is for you to think that the size, shape and projection of your friend’s breasts implants are going to necessarily work for you. Chances are that they won’t. Every patient’s body is different. What we are looking for is a range of breast implants that will restore harmony to your body contour. Not only will this deliver the most natural look, but it’s also the best way to prevent complications. And the icing on the cake is that the results will be longer lasting.
Cleavage Can Be Tricky
I typically use a smooth, round silicone gel breast implant as I’ve found it to deliver the safest, best-looking result. If you are someone who prefers the idea of a saline implant, I have a number of options in my arsenal. Regardless of the size, shape and type of implant that we choose, any breast implant must be centered behind your nipple. This is why cleavage can be tricky. It is something that almost every patient that I see desires more of, but this does not mean that your anatomy will allow you to have exactly what you want. At least not without placing an implant that is too large and which will result in all kinds of complications down the road.
One of the methods that I use for improving cleavage and delivering more upper pole fullness is fat grafting. This is a procedure in which we remove fat via liposuction from an area where you have an abundance and place it into the upper third of your breast to improve shape. If this is something that is right for you, we will discuss it in detail during your initial consultation.
To find out more about a breast augmentation, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.
