Breast Augmentation Articles 4

Evaluation of the Breast Augmentation Surgery Patient

Dr. Hughes will evaluate the patient’s chest wall and breast form. He will point out chest wall asymmetry or deformity as well as breast asymmetry or deformity and nipple areola asymmetry as well as NAC deformity. Chest wall issues cannot be changed, and Dr. Hughes will advise the patient on what breast issues can be affected for the better. He will also comment on relative level of breast droop or ptosis, and he will advise the patient as to whether a breast lift is necessary and the type of breast lift needed.

Dr. Hughes will point out if the skin envelope is loose and whether or not stretchmarks are present. Stretchmarks frequently remain the same or become worse with breast augmentation. Very few breast augmentation patients have enough breast tissue to permit a subglandular augmentation. Most patients with small breasts or hypomastia are better served by a submuscular augmentation to permit a more natural breast takeoff and better camouflage for the implant.

Dr. Hughes will determine your preference for saline or silicone implants. He will inform you of the positives and negatives of each so that you can make an informed decision about the type of implant. In general, silicone implants are more expensive than saline implants. Silicone implants require MRIs to monitor for rupture. Silicone implants feel more natural and show less rippling through the skin. The rippling is frequently only observed after years of having implants, as the implants thin the breast and subcutaneous tissue. Conversely, saline implants are cheaper. If the saline implants rupture, the body will absorb the saline and the deflation will become evident to the patient. During the consultation, Dr. Hughes will explain the differences in as much detail as you wish.