It is easy for a surgeon to become comfortable performing breast augmentation in Riverside or Upland, CA using the very same technique every time. However, each patient has their own unique body proportions as well as their own idea of an ideal breast contour. For these reasons, Dr. Wang has developed an expertise in a variety of augmentation techniques.

Choosing Your Incision-Placement Method

Dr. Wang is very comfortable using any of the most effective incision-placement methods — transaxillary (an incision made under the arm pit), periareolar (an incision made along the areola border), inframammary (under the breast crease) or transumbilical (around the inner belly-button).

With the transaxillary approach, an incision is made in the crease of the armpit. As with every technique, there are both benefits and drawbacks for the patient when this method is used. While transaxillary avoids leaving a visible scar on the breast, the downside is that any future breast surgeries would require that a second scar be made at that time on the breast itself.

The inframammary approach places the incision on the lower breast, just above the fold. This placement can make for a well-hidden scar on patients who have some fold in their breasts. Inframammary also gives a surgeon the most direct path for implant placement and adjustment. The drawback is that the patient will have a mild scar directly on the breast - though future breast surgeries could make use of this same entry point rather than having to create a second scar in another location.

A periareolar incision is made along the lower border of the areola, that circle of darker pigment surrounding the nipple. Just as with the inframammary method, the periareolar incision leaves a scar directly on the breast, but provides an excellent path for placing and fine-tuning the position of the implant. Also, a periareolar incision creates an ideal angle from which to perform a breast lift, which many women are apt to desire in the future.

A transumbilical incision, sometimes called a TUBA incision, is well-hidden on the upper, inner border of the belly button. Like the transaxillary approach, a transumbilical incision avoids leaving a scar on the breast, but requires that any future breast surgeries be performed using a second incision on the breast itself.

Under or Over the Muscle

Another procedural choice that must be made prior to undergoing a Pasadena breast enhancement is which method should be used to insert the implant — subglandular (which means above the muscle) or subpectoral (which means under the muscle). A subglandular insertion can make the patient recovery time quicker and more pleasant. This placement is also less likely to interfere with the reading of future mammograms. However, the subglandular style comes with a somewhat higher risk for contour rippling, especially in those patients with thin skin or small breasts. When an implant is inserted using the subpectoral approach, the patient may experience a longer and less comfortable recovery period, but is also likely to find that her implant is less obvious and has a more natural appearance.

Choosing the Right Implant

Exactly which implant should be used in your procedure is yet another important decision to be made before undergoing an Inland Empire breast augmentation. Dr. Wang uses implants from two companies with excellent track records, Inamed and Mentor. Combined, these companies offer a selection of over two hundred implant sizes, shapes (round or anatomical), profile positions (low, moderate or high) and textures. Your skin elasticity, breast tissue type and chest wall dimensions will all play roles in determining which implant is the right one for you. Also, some women will prefer silicone breast implants, while others will be best served by saline-filled implants. Until recently, most breast augmentation candidates had no option but saline (salt water) implants. Recently, the FDA re-approved silicone gel implants for general use, allowing Dr. Wang to offer these popular breast implants to women in the Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley areas. At your consultation, Dr. Wang will discuss which implants are right for you.

Making Decisions about Breast Augmentation

So which incision-placement is best for you? How should your implant be inserted? Which implant should be used? The right surgeon will work with you to determine which strategies can best achieve the results you desire.

Dr. Wang has the experience of performing more breast augmentations than any other procedure. If you would like a consultation with Dr. Wang, we invite you to request a consultation online or call Wang Plastic Surgery at (888) 360-6688.

The following information about Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants is provided for Pasadena, Riverside, and Inland Empire residents courtesy of Dr. Stewart Wang, a board certified plastic surgeon.