You know you would like a change, but simply deciding to get breast implants is not the only decision you have to make. Breast augmentation is an incredibly variable procedure that comes with several different options.

The fist variable in breast enhancement surgery is the type of implant. There are two main types of breast implants; silicone and saline. Talk of silicone implants generally comes with a stigma that they are dangerous. This is a controversial issue that you need to research on your own as well as speak with your doctor about. A good place to begin research is at the Food and Drug Administration’s website. Saline implants should also be researched and discussed before you decide which is right for you. As with all medical procedures, neither is without risk. You should be well-informed about both types of breast implants before you make a decision.

Beyond silicone versus saline, breast implants also come in many shapes and textures. Implants can be textured or smooth, round or contoured in a “tear drop” type shape. Usually, it is suggested that textured be shaped and smooth be round. The textured implants may have a higher risk of rippling or deflating, but that is something you need to discuss with your doctor.

Next, is the placement of the implants. Most commonly, implants are inserted with an incision that is inframammary (just above the fold of the underside of the breast) or periareolar (in the outside of the areola around the nipple). The incision can also be through the navel (TUBA- Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation) or through the armpit (axillary or transaxillary), both using an endoscope. The breast implants can then be placed three different ways. Subglandular is just above the muscle and just below the mammary glands, subpectoral is halfway under muscle (the pectoralis major muscle will not cover the lower half of the implant), and submuscular is positioned fully under the pectoralis major muscle and surrounding muscles.

The final variable is the anesthesia used and time of procedure. Your doctor may use a general anesthetic so you sleep through the surgery, or he may use a local anesthetic to numb the area and a sedative to keep you drowsy. Surgery time varies from 35 minutes to 5 hours depending on the type of procedure being used.

Ultimately, there is no set guideline for each person to follow. Do your homework and find a trusted surgeon to work together with, to discover what will work best for you.

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