Breast augmentation surgery involves the use of artificial breast implants. Two primary options for breast implants include silicone and saline implants. Dr. Edmund Kwan prefers to use silicone implants rather than saline. The silicone implant feels more natural, is more resilient, and it can last for a lifetime. The implant is done either under or over the muscle, depending on the patient’s needs. For younger people who do not suffer from sagging breasts, Dr. Kwan prefers to do it under the muscle. Under the muscle is the best location if it is done well.
Dr. Kwan usually prefers to do it through the armpit, but also performs the procedure around the nipple area or just below the breast. This is known as the inframammary approach, or surgery underneath the breast. These are the locations where the breast implants can be placed. Sometimes it depends on the patient’s choice, or sometimes it is the anatomy of the patient that allows one area to be easier to place the implant. In most cases, Dr. Kwan recommends that it should be done under the muscle.
The over the muscle location should be used only for patients who have sagging breasts. If the implant is placed under the muscle, in such cases, it can lead to a situation where the implant rides very high, while the breast sags low. This will still make the breasts look bigger, but not necessarily shapely. But again this is a case of optimizing the shape. An optimized shape over the muscle will give the patient a more lifted appearance and a bigger breast that is aesthetically more pleasing.
The breast augmentation procedure can be performed at an outpatient facility. In most cases, the patient is able to go back home the same day. The procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia and sedation. But some surgeons may also opt for general anesthesia to perform the surgery.
