Breast Implant Choices

damon thomas

A breast augmentation can help women who are currently concerned with the appearance of their breasts. Childbirth and breastfeeding can change a woman’s breasts substantially, as can the natural process of ageing, leading to diminished breast volume, breast drooping and the loss of their youthful shape. These changes can also affect the position and projection of a woman’s breasts. 

Breast augmentation can improve many of these problems and can be tailored to address the specific concerns that a woman has. If drooping is of particular concern, for example, a breast lift can be the focus. Alternatively, a woman can have a breast lift and implants for more rejuvenation. 

Dr Damon Thomas, listening carefully to his patients’ needs, can guide women through the many breast augmentation choices they have, ensuring they select the right options for their desired outcome.

TYPES OF IMPLANTS

Among the most important choices a woman will make after deciding to have breast augmentation is which type of implant to choose. Women have three main types to choose from, each with unique qualities.

SALINE IMPLANTS

Saline implants contain a saltwater solution which gives them their volume. They are inserted into the breast pocket empty and then volumized to the pre-selected size after placement. While these implants remain available on the market, Dr Thomas strongly believes that women will be better served by silicone implants, and he uses silicone implants exclusively in his practice.

SILICONE IMPLANTS

Silicone implants consist of a soft, liquid silicone gel which feels very natural. Women will have a lot of choice with regards to silicone implant size, and silicone implants will come pre-filled for insertion into the breast pocket. Women can choose round or teardrop shaped silicone implants to get the look they want.

COHESIVE GEL IMPLANTS

Cohesive-gel silicone implants consist of a soft, semi-solid variety of silicone. If cut in two, each half will retain its shape. These implants often earn the name “gummy bear” implants because of their similar consistency. In firmness, these implants are somewhat softer than silicone implants and have the advantage that they cannot leak if ruptured since they contain no liquid.

Each of the three primary implant types can improve the size and shape of the breasts, and which implant to choose remains mainly a question of personal preference. Your goals and desired final look will play a significant part in determining which implant to select.

IMPLANT SIZE AND SHAPE

Implant size is an extremely personal decision, and making the right size decision is impacted by many factors. The final look you want to have is one of the most important factors. Some women may want only modest improvement, while others seek a much larger size than they initially have. Women should take plenty of time to consider all aspects of this decision before choosing an implant size.

Dr Thomas will take many informed measurements of your body and help you narrow your options to those which will suit your anatomy and goals. Once you have refined your choices to two or three options, you can try on “sizers” to make your final decision.

Today, women can also select between traditional round implants and teardrop-shaped implants to further personalise their look. Round implants come in both silicone and cohesive-gel varieties, while teardrop-shaped implants will be made from cohesive-gel silicone.

IMPLANT PLACEMENT

Women have a major choice to make when it comes to implant placement: whether to have their implants placed above or underneath the breast muscle tissue. These two options are medically referred to as subglandular or submuscular placement, respectively.

Submuscular placement, for example, may help your breasts feel softer after your procedure. However, women selecting smaller implants or who have more breast tissue present can get a good result from subglandular placement. Dr Thomas can help you weigh all considerations and make the placement decision.

INCISION LOCATION

Just as women have many choices to make regarding implant type and location, women also can choose — with their specialist plastic surgeon’s guidance — where to locate their incisions. A woman may decide where to have their specialist plastic surgeon locate their incision based on both practical and aesthetic reasons.

The most common types of incisions women have to choose from include peri-areolar incisions, inframammary incisions and trans-axillary incisions. The peri-areolar incision is made around the areola, while the inframammary incision is made along the breast crease underneath the breast. A third option, the trans-axillary incision, puts the incision in the patient’s armpit.

Each incision location has advantages and disadvantages, and the type and size of the implant chosen will play a role in determining which will work best. For example, an inframammary incision is the commonest option for consistent results, peri-areolar works better for women who want to avoid a scar on the lower part of the breast. A trans-axillary incision keeps the incision away from the breast but may leave a visible scar elsewhere. Your specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Thomas, can help you select a suitable option for your needs.

RELY ON DR THOMAS FOR A CARING APPROACH TO BREAST AUGMENTATION RESULTS

Dr Damon Thomas takes a consultative, personalised approach to patient care. With careful attention placed on your concerns and goals, Dr Thomas will translate those into a caring treatment plan aimed at giving you long-lasting results.

To learn more about breast augmentation, contact Dr Thomas’ office today on 03 9034 7738. Our helpful staff can make your appointment for an in-person consultation and also help answer any initial questions you may have about breast augmentation.

 


MAKING AN INFORMED DECISION

Our website is intended to provide general information about breast augmentation and should not be used as a substitute for personalised medical advice. It is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if breast augmentation is the right procedure for you. The following considerations should be part of your decision-making process.

Risks

All surgical procedures carry risk. The potential risks and complications associated with breast augmentation include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, implant rupture or leakage, asymmetry, poor scarring and the need for additional surgery. It is important to understand the risks involved and weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of surgery before undergoing breast augmentation.

Recovery

Recovery time after breast augmentation may vary depending on the individual, the extent of the procedure, and the type of implant used. In general, patients should be prepared to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after surgery. Patients must also be prepared to take time off work and other activities (including exercise) and follow Dr Thomas’ post-operative instructions to promote proper healing and minimise the risk of complications.

Results

Individual results may vary depending on a number of factors, including the patient’s natural breast tissue, the size and type of implant used, and the surgical technique employed. It is critical to have realistic expectations about the outcome of breast augmentation and understand that each patient’s outcome will be unique. It is also important to know that breast implants are not lifetime devices and may require replacement in the future.

If you have any questions or concerns about breast augmentation, please do not hesitate to contact us.