Background: Some women seek a natural breast augmentation result. That look is open to various interpretations amongst women but most of the time means a breast mound that is less full on the the top than on the bottom. This is the natural shape of the breast particularly as women age.
Since most breast implant styles are round the early effects after breast augmentation are that of a round or ‘unnatural’ mound shape. This round mound effect will usually dissipate over time as the swelling subsides and the implant settles somewhat lower in the pocket. This is expected as, while the shape of a round breast implant is in fact round while laying on a table for example, it acquires more of the natural shape when positioned on its side. This becomes revealed with swelling resolution and tissue pocket relaxation. This may become less so with the higher implant profiles that are available today and with tighter mound tissues and larger implant sizes.
To avoid the risk of early and persistent breast mound roundness, the use of anatomic implant styles has been developed. These implants have a natural shape with the upper pole less full than that of the lower. Such an implant shape assures that even during and right after surgery the breast does not appear overly round.
The caveat with the use of anatomic breast implants is that they require a textured surface to avoid postoperative malrotation and subsequent breast deformity. Having a textured implant surface also means that the breast will feel a little more firm than non-textured implants and will be more ‘fixed’ into place.
Case Study: This young female wanted breast augmentation of moderate size but feared having a result that look fake. (too round) To eliminate this aesthetic risk, an anatomic implant style was chosen.
Under general anesthesia and through small inframammary incisions 350cc medium profile anatomic silicone breast implants were placed in a partial submuscular position. The implants were inserted with a funnel device and rotated into optimal position manually.
Her one month result showed a natural breast mound shape even in the face of incomplete swelling resolution and tissue relaxation. The only subsequent breast changes that will occur when these issues resolve is that the breast will feel become softer to the touch.
Case Highlights:
1) The anatomic breast implants offers early diminished upper pole fullness after breast augmentation.
2) The textured nature of anatomic breast implants makes them feel bit stiffer ad they also will remain firmly in place.
3) The non-round shape of anatomic breast implants requires that they be placed through an inframammary incisional approach.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana