Different Breast Implant Shapes

Because every woman is unique, implants also exist in different shapes and sizes. Some implants are round, while others are shaped more like a teardrop, closely resembling the natural shape of a breast (sometimes these are called anatomical).

Round implants

In general, round immplants will make the upper part of your breast appear round at first. However, in the course of time, as a result of gravity and the ageing of the skin, the upper part of the breasts will become "emptier", which means they will droop more.

Anatomical implant

Implants shaped more naturally like a teardrop follow the body's natural lines. This means that the upper part of the breast still remains filled over the long term. This gives your breast a more natural shape.

Both types of implants can increase the size of your breasts. It is up to you which shape you prefer to achieve the look you desire.

The Surgical Incision and Placement Choices

The procedure of augmentation is simple, where the implant is placed behind the breast tissue in a number of ways. The following are the four different ways:

- Through the axilla (armpit)

- Through the nipple

- Through the submammary fold of the breast

- Through the belly button

Usually breast implants are surgically inserted utilizing one of three traditional incision: The inframammary incision, the periareolar incision, or the transaxillary incision. All of these incisions allow the implant to be placed either submuscular (below the chest muscle) or subglandular (between the chest muscle and your breast tissue).

No one incision and placement is right for every woman. Therefore, by knowing your options and discussing them with your doctor, together you can decide upon the best combination for you.

The inframammary incision is made in the skin fold below the breast, and the breast implant is inserted through this incision. The breast tissue is minimally disturbed, and the remaining incision scar is concealed within the fold of skin under the breast.

The periareolar incision is made along the edge of the colored area around the nipple, and the breast implant is inserted through this incision. The incision scar is well camouflaged in this area.

The transaxillary incision is made in the armpit and the implant is inserted through this incision.

An additional option that patients with ptotic or sagging breasts may elect to have during the breast implant surgery is a mastopexy (breast lift)

The Procedure

A pocket is created behind the breast tissue and an implant is then inserted.

The doctor makes an incision in the skin either in the fold of skin under the breast, around the areola (the area around the nipple), or the armpit. If the incision is made in the armpit, an endoscope (a tube for visual examination) is usually used in order to make a larger area visible. An endoscope is also sometimes used with an incision in the fold of skin under the breast. Through the incision, the doctor creates the pocket where the implant will sit. Your implants will be paced in one of two places:

• Directly below the breast tissue; in this case the implant lies above the greater pectoral muscle.
  Advantage: the pectoral muscle does not rub against the implants, which means optimum retention of the original shape of the breast implant.
  Disadvantage: a greater risk of marked tightening of the scar tissue around the implant (called "capsular contracture"), although with the latest implants this occurs ever less frequently. Palpability may also be of greater concern if your existing breast tissue is thin.
  
• Below the greater pectoral muscle.
  Advantage: this method involves less risk of capsular contracture.
  Disadvantage: you will usually have a longer recovery period. Until the wound has completely healed, you will have difficulty in raising your arms, and your doctor will probably advise you to restrict your arm movements as much as possible in the early days. As a result of pressure from the pectoral muscle and constant arm movements, the implants may also shift or become misshapen more quickly.

How long does the operation take, and how long does it take to recover?

The operation normally takes one to two hours. The recovery period is usually brief. You will have to remain in the centre for four hours after the operation, although this can vary. You return home the same day.

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