Breast enhancement with saline or silicone breast implants has obvious physical results, and a new study (1) in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery evaluates the potential psychological benefits of the procedure. In its review of over 200 cases of breast augmentation, the plastic surgery study found that in over 98% of cases, patients’ expectations were met or exceeded. In addition, self-esteem improved in 9 out of 10 patients, and quality of life in about 2/3. Self-reported breast self-consciousness dropped dramatically from 86% to just over 12%. Interestingly, despite the large number of surgical and implant options available for breast augmentation available, the vast majority of the surgeries performed in this study were very similar: almost all women had saline filled implants, placed under the pectoralis muscle (submuscularly), and incisions in the crease under the breasts (inframammary).
When considering breast augmentation for cosmetic purposes, it is important to discuss with your plastic surgeon your aesthetic goals and anticipated results from surgery. Besides saline filled round implants, a number of alternatives may be considered, including silicone gel-filled round and shaped implants. Silicone gel implants are further classified by degree of cohesiveness and resultant firmness. Traditional silicone gel is more malleable and most closely resembles the feel of normal breast tissue, whereas highly cohesive gel implants, which may be tear drop shaped, have a firmer consistency, sometimes referred to as “gummy bear” implants.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board certified aesthetic female plastic surgeon in NYC and performs breast augmentation with saline and silicone implants in her AAAASF certified Operating Room on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. She also offers revision breast augmentation surgery as well as breast lift (mastopexy) combined with breast augmentation. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hutchinson, please contact us or call us at (212) 452-1400.
1. Swanson, Eric. “Prospective Outcome Study of 225 Cases of Breast Augmentation”. Plast. Recon. Surg.: May 2013 – Volume 131 – Issue 5 – p 1158–1166
