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Breast Augmentation in Phoenix
Breast augmentation (enlargement) at our Phoenix, Arizona practice can provide dramatic improvement in the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. In addition, the silhouette and proportion of the upper body is often improved, allowing clothes to fit better, giving the whole body a more balanced look.
Whether breast augmentation is performed alone or in combination with other available breast enhancement procedures such as breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction, or correction of the nipple or areola, the goal will always be to help you feel better about the appearance of your breasts and the overall look of your body.
Breast Enlargement Considerations
Breast augmentation is performed through the use of breast implants. There are a number of implants to choose from including saline filled as well as implants filled with a cohesive silicone gel, sometimes referred to as "gummy bear" implants. The type of implant selected, the incision location, and whether the implant is placed under or on top of the muscle can be varied to suit the individual goals of each patient and to achieve the best result possible. One of our surgeons will help you make these decisions during your consultation.
Implant type
There are a variety of implants that are available for breast augmentation at our Phoenix practice. The first decision is whether your implants will be filled with saline (salt water) or gel (silicone). Regardless of whether you choose saline or silicone gel, the outer portion of the implant will be made of a flexible silicone shell. Silicone gel implants are safe and fully cleared by the FDA for use in cosmetic breast enlargement. Even when they are cut in half and squeezed the gel does not come out of the implant shell.
Additional implant type decisions will be regarding the surface of the implant (textured wall or smooth wall), the dimensions of the implant (low profile, medium profile, medium plus profile, or high profile), and finally the implant size.
Incision location
The location of the incision is, in part, determined by patient preference, but also by body type, implant type, and implant size. It is not hard to imagine that a very large gel implant will be difficult or nearly impossible to place via a small incision at the border of a small areola. The different locations of the incision include under the breast (inframammary fold), at the border of the areola (periareolar), in the armpit (transaxillary), and through the belly button (transumbilical). Each incision has certain benefits, drawbacks, and limitations. Dr. Prichard, Dr. Repta, and Dr. Andres will be able to discuss the ideal incision location for your body and breasts during your consultation.
Implant position
The earliest breast implants were placed under the breast gland (sub-glandular). These were performed during the 1960's through the 1980's. Most of the implants used during this time were silicone. When silicone implants were temporarily taken off the market, plastic surgeons began placing saline breast implants under the muscle (sub-pectoral).
Currently there are three options for implant position. These include under the breast (sub-glandular), under the muscle (sub-pectoral), and under the connective tissue covering the pectoralis muscle (sub-fascial). This last option is a relatively new technique that combines some of the benefit of both sub-pectoral and sub-glandular breast augmentation. Which breast implant position is best for you depends on your body, the implant, and the result that you would like to obtain.
If you would like to explore your breast augmentation options further, click here to request a consultation at Advanced Aesthetic Associates today. Or you can call our office at (480) 752-7874 to schedule your appointment.
