Breast augmentation is performed to enhance the size of the breasts. Women’s breasts may be congenitally small or asymmetric, or they may have changed following pregnancy or weight loss. Breast augmentation can produce a more feminine size and shape to the breasts while maintaining a natural look and feel. Most women report an improved self-image following breast augmentation surgery. - See more at: http://www.naiduplasticsurgery.com/procedures/breast-procedures/breast-augmentation#sthash.irZD5NvA.dpuf

1. HOW TO CHOOSE THE
RIGHT BREAST
IMPLANT

2. Choosing the right breast
implants is not easy. Make sure
that you understand the risks and
benefits of breast implant
surgery, and discuss with your
doctor your expectations. We
have created a list to help you
make sure that all your questions
are answered.

3. ANATOMY OF THE BREAST
› Anatomy of the breast - it is important
that you understand the limitations that
may exist due to characteristics of your
own breast tissue. No woman has two
breasts that match exactly, and therefore
there will still be some asymmetry
following augmentation surgery. The
right implant is the one that will balance
your goals with what your tissues will
safely allow.

4. SILICONE X SALINE
›
Implants: Silicone x Saline – both silicone and saline implants are FDAapproved for cosmetic use. Each type of implant has its own unique
benefits and trade-offs:
− Silicone
a)
b)
c)
d)
contains a safe, cohesive silicone gel
feels more like natural breast tissue
requires a slightly larger incision
more expensive than saline implants
− Saline
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
contains a salt-water solution
feels firmer than silicone
higher risk of visible wrinkling and rippling
can use a smaller incision
lower price than silicone implants

5. LOCATION
›
Location: Subglandular vs. Submuscular – breast implants can be placed
either partially under the pectoralis muscle (submuscular or dual-plane)
or over the muscle and under the breast tissue (subglandular).
− Subglandular
a)
not recommended for thin tissues
b)
more visible and palpable implants
c)
higher risk of capsular contracture
d)
more difficult mammograms
− Submuscular
a)
appropriate for thin tissues
b)
less visible and palpable implants
c)
lower risk of capsular contracture
d)
easier mammograms

6. IMPLANT SIZE
› Implant Size – the best size for a given
patient is determined primarily by the
patient’s measurements and tissue
characteristics. While your goals and
desires are very important, it’s also
important you understand that an implant
which is too large for your tissues can
create additional complications, including
excessive skin stretch. A specific cup size
cannot be guaranteed, as bra cup sizes are
not standardized across manufacturers.

7. IMPLANT SHAPE AND TEXTURE
› Implant Shape – both silicone and saline implants are made in round
and teardrop shapes.
a)
Round implants - most often used in cosmetic breast surgeries.
b)
Teardrop implants - provide additional fill to the upper portion of the breast and
are most often used in reconstruction surgeries.
› Implant Texture – the implant’s surface can be smooth or textured.
a)
Smooth implants - move easily and feel soft.
b)
Textured implants - have a slightly bumpy feel on the surface. Textured implants
do not move as much within the breast pocket, but they are associated with a
higher risk of visible wrinkling.

8. INCISIONS LOCATIONS
› Incision Locations – there are three commonly used incision locations:
within the breast fold (infra-mammary), around the nipple
(peri-areolar) and under the arm (transaxillary).
a)
Infra-mammary – affords the best visualization of your tissues and is wellconcealed; lower risk of difficulty breast feeding.
b)
Peri-areolar – also well-concealed, but it may be associated with a higher risk of
infection and of difficulty breast feeding.
c)
Transaxillary- incision is within the armpit; may be visible in some types of
clothing; there is a risk of injuring important nerves and vessels in the arm; very
difficult to place larger silicone implants through this incision.

9. RISKS AND ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES
› Risks - as with any other surgery, breast augmentation carries risks and
benefits. Some of the risks associated with breast augmentation include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rupture
Capsular contracture
Scarring
Asymmetry
Wrinkling
Implant displacement
Change in nipple and breast sensation
Infection
Possible breastfeeding difficulty
› Additional Procedures - in some cases implants alone may not be
sufficient to address all of your concerns, such as sagging or extra skin.
A breast lift is sometimes recommended at the time of breast
augmentation.

10. BOARD CERTIFICATION
› Board Certification – make sure your doctor is board certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery – board certified plastic surgeons
complete a minimum of 5 years of surgical training following medical
school, including a plastic surgery residency. State laws permit any
licensed physician to call him- or herself a “plastic” or “cosmetic”
surgeon, even if he or she has not been trained as a plastic surgeon or
has had no surgical training at all – be sure to select your doctor
carefully.

11. INDUSTRY RESOURCES
For more information about breast implants:
Additional sources of information about the use and safety of saline
and silicone breast implants can be found online at the following
sites:
Nina S. Naidu, MD, FACS: http://www.naiduplasticsurgery.com
Natrelle: http://www.natrelle.com
Breast Implant Follow-Up Studies (BIFS): http://www.bifs.us
Breast Implant Answers: http://www.breastimplantanswers.com
American Society of Plastic Surgeons: http://www.plasticsurgery.org
Food and Drug Administration: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants
Institute of Medicine Report on the Safety of Silicone Implants:
http://www.nap.edu/catalog/9618.html

12. NINA S NAIDU, MD. FACS
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
1021 Park Avenue,
New York, NY 10028
(212) 452-1230
www.naiduplasticsurgery.com