Breast Augmentation

As of November 2006 when the FDA approved the reintroduction of silicone breast implants, there are now three available implant options on the US market for first time breast augmentation candidates -- saline, silicone, and cohesive silicone “gummy bear” gel implants. Saline is still the most commonly used though some feel that it does not feel nor look as natural as silicone.  In Europe, silicone is preferred nearly nine times out of 10 over saline for breast augmentation procedures.  In exchange for this “naturalness”, silicone implants generally cost $1,000 more a pair than saline implants which start at about $1,000 for a pair as well as require additional surgery time and costs.  The “gummy bear” implant may offer the best compromise for those concerned about possible silicone leakage, yet desire a more natural feel, but keep in mind these implants require a larger incision area, are typically $1,500 more than saline implants, and does not work with all body types.  Only a handful of surgeons in the United States are currently able to offer silicone cohesive gel implants.

Another important breat augmentation decision to consider is the placement of the incision. The most common placement is under the breast because it leaves a minimal scar and allows the surgeon to have the most control over placement of the implant in the breast area cavity or pocket created during surgery.  Some patients opt for an incision under the arm which doesn’t leave a scar around the breast but, nonetheless, potentially leaves a visible scar. This selection also means your surgeon is that much farther away from your chest cavity when placing the implant.  An incision around the nipple leaves minimal scarring, but can cause a patient to lose sensitivity.  The last option is the TUBA procedure where a surgeon will make an incision through a woman’s navel and guide the implant up to the chest cavity. While this is the only incision that leaves no scarring on or near the breasts, few doctors will use this method as it carries the highest risk of complications, can sometimes lead to poor placement of the implant, and cannot be performed with silicone breast implants.  Furthermore, since implants will likely be replaced at least once a lifetime, the removal and replacement of breast implants will likely require an incision on or near the breast as TUBA is best suited for first time breast augmentation patients.