Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgeries among American women. The popularity of the procedure is based not only on its ability to provide dramatic results, but also on the technological advances that continue to make the process safer, more convenient and less invasive than ever before.
Here, experienced Louisville plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Maguire discusses the benefits of state-of-the-art breast augmentation.
Natural Choices
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 300,000 women received breast implants in the U.S. last year, surpassing liposuction, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty and facelift. These women benefited from an expanding array of choices in implants, with various sizes, shapes and textures available.
Based on many years of experience, Dr. Maguire prefers round, smooth implants for the majority of his patients. Silicone and saline are the basic types of interior materials used for implants. Each of these fillings is contained within a silicone shell.
Patients often report that the silicone variety feels more natural. One type of silicone implant, the popular “cohesive gel” variety, has an especially natural and supple feel. With saline implants, Dr. Maguire may achieve a similar consistency and feel by inserting them behind the chest muscle and stretching the implant shell by filling after insertion. Saline implants might be a good choice for those patients who have concerns about silicone gel or who are concerned about cost, as saline implants are less expensive than silicone gel.
Surgical Techniques
Surgery is performed with general anesthesia, and takes approximately one hour. For most breast augmentation procedures, Dr. Maguire makes an incision in the crease under the breast, and inserts the implant under the pectoralis major muscle, or in some cases above this chest muscle. This is known as an inframammary incision. Periareolar incisions, which are made around the outer perimeter of each areola, are also commonly used in breast augmentation procedures.
A new technique used by Dr. Maguire involves the use of the Keller Funnel*, which allows for a smaller incision when silicone implants are used. This also minimizes trauma when placing the implant and prevents any contact with the skin during insertion.
To learn more about breast augmentation or other procedures offered by Dr. Maguire, we invite you to call (502) 897-7546 or email the Physician’s Center for Beauty, at your convenience.
