- Natural looking is better
Women are choosing a more natural augmentation. In fact, some women who visit Clareo Plastic Surgery have received breast augmentation elsewhere, and are changing their breast implants. This desire for a more natural appearance and believable breast size has been in-demand for several years now, and likely won’t stop any time soon. At our practice, women are most satisfied with their results when they choose an implant size that fits their anatomy: not too big, or too small. Our patients are also offered breast implant sizers so that they can “try on” different sizes until they find what works best for them. - Rapid recovery
Many women put off having breast augmentation because they don’t want to endure a lengthy recovery period. However, newer surgical techniques allow breast implants to be placed more precisely and less trauma to the body. This results in less time on the operating table, fewer unwanted side effects (like pain and bruising), and a faster recovery. Silicone implants require a larger incision than do saline and the more highly cohesive implants require longer incision still. Our patients are typically able to leave an hour or so after their procedure, often only need Motrin for pain control, and are back to most normal activities the evening of surgery or day after surgery. - Customized results
Breast augmentation is not a one-size-fits-all surgery, and there are more options today than ever for a customized result. The array of breast implant sizes, shapes, and styles keeps growing as more women demand more options.
Now, in addition to choosing between silicone or saline, you can choose:
- Implant texture: Breast implants are available in smooth or textured surfaces. The smooth texture allows the implant to move underneath the breast. Textured implants, on the other hand, help hold the implant in place, allow the implant to move with the breast, and are less likely to rotate. Some research has suggested that textured implants may also help reduce complications like capsular contracture.
- Implant shape: Women can choose between either round or anatomical breast implants, depending on their preferences. Round implants are the more traditional style and are often chosen by women who want to enhance the appearance of cleavage. Anatomical implants have a teardrop shape and can offer a more natural, sloped look. Matching the dimensions of the implant to the patient’s anatomy and the volume of the implant to the patient’s soft tissue characteristics are critical to determining the aesthetic outcome, however.
- Implant placement: Implants can be placed in front of or behind the chest muscle. Each has benefits and drawbacks, and deciding which placement is right for you will depend on the amount of breast tissue you have, the type of implant you choose, your available recovery time, and your cosmetic goals and preferences.
- Incision locations: Breast implants can be placed through incisions under the breast or through the nipple, as well as through a remote location – such as under the arms or belly button. These techniques are usually referred to as “no scar” breast augmentation because they leave no visible scar on the breast. However, the type of breast implant you choose and the implant placement will determine the most appropriate incision location for you.
- Fat transfer
One of the most up-and-coming procedures is fat transfer breast augmentation. In fact, according the * American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation using fat grafting increased 72% over the last year. Using your own fat for breast augmentation allows you the best of both worlds: you can sculpt your body while also enhancing your breasts. Extra fat is harvested from an area of your body – such as the buttocks, stomach, or thighs – and then processed and transferred to the breasts. The results are generally limited by one’s own fat and are often more subtle than traditional breast augmentation, and is best for women who want a modest increase in size. Fat transfer does not allow for the control over the final result that implant augmentation does. - Combining surgeries
More women are combining breast augmentation with another surgical procedure, such as a breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction. Combining plastic surgery procedures is often referred to as a “Mommy Makeover.” Mommy makeovers allow you to shape both the breasts and body and is a more efficient, economical choice for body contouring because it consolidates multiple procedures into one.
