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Breast Implant Revision Articles

05.02.08

Natural Looking Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation can either end up looking dramatic and augmented or look like a natural enhancement to your upper body. If your goal is to have natural looking breasts through breast augmentation, it is possible.

Size

Your first step to natural looking breasts through breast augmentation is to determine which size is best for you. Choosing a size that is in proportion to your body is one of the ways to achieve a natural look. For example, if you have a thin frame or a narrow waste line, choosing a size that is dramatically bigger will look striking and obvious. To avoid this, many plastic surgeons use computer imaging so that patients can get a first hand “virtual peek” at what their implants will look like after the surgery.

Shape

Breast implants can be round or shaped like a teardrop. Women often prefer teardrop-shaped implants so that it can end up looking more natural. However, teardrop-shaped implants could rotate unless they have a textured surface, which increases the chances of rippling in the long run.

Silicone vs. Saline

Silicone implants are known to have a more natural look and feel, since silicone is texturally similar to breast tissue. Saline implants aren’t as natural looking as silicone implants, but they do offer the benefit of changing the size of the implant post surgery to accommodate the patient’s aesthetic or physical desires. In short, saline implants are known to show a rippling effect, unlike silicone implants, which are thicker and more stable.

Placement

Another way to achieve a natural look and avoid rippling is through the placement of the implants. Implants can be placed sub-glandular, sub-pectoral or sub-muscular, depending on which is best for you.

In sub-glandular placement, also known as overs, the implant is placed over the pectoral muscles, under breast tissue. This option gives more visibility of ripples and edges to the implant, especially when a patient has little or no natural breast tissue.

In sub-pectoral placement, also known as partial unders, the implant is placed under the major muscle of the breasts, so that there’s better coverage on the outer and inner area. Most women choose this particular method because instead of a rounded, more pronounced cleavage line, the implants look as natural as possible.

Sub-muscular placement, also known as complete unders, offers a complete coverage and support. The implants are placed under four muscles, which allows almost no rippling to show. This method is not as common as sub-glandular and sub-pectoral, but is getting more widely accepted as a way to achieve a natural look through breast augmentation.

Remember that the less tissue or muscles surrounding the implants, the more likely they are to shift position and begin to sag in the long run. Placing the implants completely behind the muscle does require a longer recovery time and is more painful, but it ensures support and natural looking breasts.

Also be mindful that the results are not immediate upon completing your surgery. Instead of getting discouraged, you need to be patient, as your skin and muscles will stretch and relax, eventually bringing your implants to the right position. Once they are fully recovered, most women report satisfaction with the results.

If you are considering breast augmentation, speak to a Board-Certified Surgeon. It is important to consider how all these options can change the results of your breast augmentation surgery. Your surgeon can be a great resource for going more in-depth about how to achieve a more natural look and the options that you can choose in order to achieve the results you desire.

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