Fast facts
Breast Augmentation
What it is: a plastic surgery procedure to enlarge breast size by inserting saline or silicone breast implants

What it addresses:

- Dissatisfaction with small breast size
- Changes in breasts post-pregnancy
- Breast asymmetry
- Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction
MORE INFORMATION

 

Was it worth it?

Percent of consumer reviews saying "Yes":

87% Tummy tuck
87% Breast implants
85% Silicone breast implants
85% Pixel laser
83% Invisalign
81% Blepharoplasty
81% Smart Lipo
80% Saline breast implants
79% VASER Liposelection
79% Facelift
76% Laser hair removal
75% Laser resurfacing
75% Lasik
74% Botox
74% Rhinoplasty
73% Fraxel Repair
73% Permanent makeup
70% Deep FX
68% Active FX
66% Chemical peel
64% Juvederm
62% Microdermabrasion
61% Restylane
61% Perlane
58% Sculptra
56% Liposuction
55% IPL
53% Fraxel Laser
53% Radiesse
50% Accent XL
49% Mesotherapy
41% Zoom teeth whitening
41% Lifestyle lift
40% TITAN
37% Lipodissolve
37% Thermage
33% Brite Smile
18% Velashape
14% Thread lift
10% Velasmooth

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Question

After breast implant surgery will I have visible scars?

I want larger breasts but I'm afraid that the scars will be obvious when I wear a swimsuit. Where and how big would the scars be if I got breast implants? 

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Asked by: B.L. from Miami, FL

Answers (3)

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1
August 13, 2008

Transumbilical approach masks scars the best

Edmond A. Zingaro, MD
Edmond A. Zingaro, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

If you prefer saline implants you might elect to have the transumbilical procedure (T.U.B.A.). The belly button is the only scar you are born with so, essentially, no new scar is made.

The actual incision is quite concealed. Patients have told me that even if someone were to notice something, since the belly button is used for so many abdominal procedures these days, that they could easily explain it away as something else, especially since it is far away from their breasts.

Silicone implants cannot be placed through the umbilicus.

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2
March 26, 2008

Breast implant scars are usually hidden

Kim Meathrel, MD
Kim Meathrel, MD

Breast augmentation can be completed using several different incisions:

  • Periareolar (around the areola)
  • Inframammary crease (under the breast)
  • Transaxillary (through the armpit)
  • Transumbilical (through the belly button)

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, with proper implant placement being easier through certain incisions. As well, the length of incision varies with the type of implant being placed - silicone requires a longer scar than saline, and silicone can't be put in through the armpit or belly button.

Regardless of which incision you choose, there are some scar methods that can help you get the best possible scars after the surgery:

  • Massaging your scar will help soften and flatten the scar
  • Using silicone sheeting or gel (Cicacare or Kelocote) have also been shown to improve the appearance of scars
  • Avoid exposing fresh scars to sun, as sunburn or tan can permanently discolor your scars.
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3
March 19, 2008

Most Patients Are Not Bothered By Their Breast Augmentation Incisions

Gregory A. Buford, MD
Gregory A. Buford, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

As the title reflects, most patients are truly not bothered by their breast implant incisions.  Your incisions (and their length) will be determined by several factors:

  • location (in the breast fold, around the areola, or under the arm)
  • type of implant (saline vs. silicone)

The most popular incision site nationwide is the inframmamary crease approach where the incision is placed at or slightly above the breast crease.  This incision tends to heal very nicely and is nicely hidden beneath your swimsuit top.  For those patients who may want an even less conspicious incision, the axillary incision (armpit) approach can hide the incision is better.  The downside is that it may be slightly noticeable when you raise your arms.

Another determinant of incision appearance is the type of implant.  Because silicone gel implants are pre-filled, they require a slightly longer incision (generally 2 inches) while the saline implants can be placed through an incision as small an inch in length.

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