Undergoing a breast implant cosmetic surgery is only the first step of the process, in which you have to make different kind of decisions.

Once you’ve decided to improve the appearance of your breasts with the help of an expert surgeon, there are different considerations you should take into account that will have an impact in the result you always dreamed.

Among them are: the size and incision approach of the implants, texture and material they are made of, even the diet you should follow before entering the OR, and if you are willing or not to follow accurately the post-operative care in order to achieve a perfect breast augmentation.

Regarding the material of the implants, you can choose between two that have already been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), which are: saline solution and silicone implants.

Saline Solution Implants

These implants contain a silicone outer shell. They are placed in the breast area with a small incision and then are filled once placed inside the breast

Advantages:

• The volume can be customized during surgery
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  If the implant is ruptured the saline solution will be absorbed by the body
• They are recommended for women of all ages.
  
  Disadvantages:

• Their texture is firm and could feel unnatural to the touch.
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  They have a higher probability of creating undulations in the breast’s skin.
• If they rupture, saline solution implants will deflate immediately and will make the breast look smaller, flat or saggy.

Silicone Implants

These implants are made of a highly ohesive gel (a thick liquid with a texture similar to human fat) and a shell of several layers cor sheets. These implants come with a predetermined volume and they are distributed by manufacturers this way. The volume can vary from 125 to 1200 cubic centimeters (cc).

In order for you to select the implants’ volume, it is important that during your consultation with your surgeon you share the results you want to achieve.

Advantages:

• They feel more natural.
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  It is less likely that they cause skin undulations.
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  They are guaranteed for life by manufacturers against contractures, ruptures, or manufacturing defects.
  
  Disadvantages:

• You must be sure of the implant volume you want before the surgery.
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  The incision size may depend on the implant volume.
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  If the implant is ruptured (although is highly unlikely), silicone will not spill.
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  They can have silent ruptures (without symptoms), so you should have periodic monitoring with MRI.

Implant Incision Approach and Placement

For breast implants, there are 4 possible incision approaches:

• Periareolar (It is an incision in the areola, that leaves a hidden scar in its union with the nipple)
• Inframammary (The incision is done in the lower crease of the breast.)
• Axillary (The implants are introduced by an incision in the armpit)
• Transumbilical (a small cut (incision) about 1-2 cm long in the belly button area) With an endoscopy, the surgeon creates two ducts to introduce the implants). It can only be done with saline solution implants.
  
  
• The breast implants’ placement is a subject that concerns and confuses all women that want breast augmentation. 
• The surgeon is the one to advise and suggest the proper placement for each person. The placement is an important factor for a good breast augmentation result. There are two areas where implants can be placed to increase the size of a woman’s breasts.
• Subglandular (when the implant is located completely under the muscle).
• Submuscular (over the chest muscle and under the mammary gland)
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  Regardless of the type of implants you choose, you should check the SSED issued by the FDA to carefully consider your options based on these guidelines.
• Fortunately, this is not a decision you have to make alone. With the help of a certified surgeon, you can assess your options and determine which type of implant best fulfills your expectations.
• Remember to visit to a clinic that complies with standards and certifications, so achieving perfect results is guaranteed.
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