For a woman who has lived her life with breasts that she feels are too small or are disproportional to her figure, the decision to have breast augmentation is life changing. The procedure can dramatically change a woman’s self-image. That’s probably why more and more women are opting to have the procedure every year.

But making the big decision to have augmentation with Dr. Rosenthal doesn’t end the decisions you’ll need to make.

Saline or silicone?

You will, of course, choose the type of implant: silicone, saline, or cohesive silicone. Silicone implants are generally thought to feel the most like natural breast tissue. However, if they rupture, the silicone needs to be removed.

Saline implants don’t need as large an incision because they are filled once placed into the breast pocket. They also are less worrisome if they rupture, as the body simply absorbs the saline water. Saline implants do have a higher incidence of wrinkling, however. Dr. Rosenthal also now offers the Ideal Implant, a new type of saline implant that behaves more like silicone.

A few years ago another type of implant, colloquially known as “gummy bear implants” came on the market. These cohesive silicone implants are filled with thicker gel, think gummy bear, and are shaped like a teardrop. If these rupture, the thicker gel usually stays within the shell and doesn’t leak into the surrounding tissue.

Implant size and shape

You’ll decide the size and shape of your implants. Beyond the size (measured in cubic centimeters of the filling substance), you also decide on the projection and the shape of your implants.

Incision location

You may not have considered this, but you will also choose where you want your incisions made to place the implants. Implants can be placed through an incision in the armpit, at the base of the areola, on the undercrease of the breast, or through the belly button. Each choice has its own pluses and minuses and you will discuss these in detail with Dr. Rosenthal.

 

These decisions may seem daunting, but Dr. Rosenthal will help you with each one, so that you’re very comfortable heading into your augmentation surgery. Call us at 408-559-4700 to set up your consultation.