Breast Augmentation/Enhancement
For the woman who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small, or not properly contoured, cosmetic breast enhancement can be the answer. Breast enhancement can balance a difference in breast size and improve the body contour. Implants have been used since the 1960s to enhance and enlarge the shape of female breast tissue.
Dr. Hodgkinson encourages his patients to take an active role in not only discussing their desired goal but in communicating more specifically about the size they want their breasts to be, as well as the shape of breast they find attractive, how much cleavage they want to have and even patient input on nipple position can be very important. No two women are alike and so there is no one implant or operation that will suit all women.
After meeting with you to discuss your desired goal. Dr. Hodgkinson will then prescribe the most effective technique to achieve the desired results. This will include selecting the appropriate size and type of implant in proportion to your body contour and chest wall and determining the best incision site to achieve the look sought after. Also, Dr. Hodgkinson will discuss the various types of procedures and implants that achieve the best results for you.
Types of Implant
A breast implant is a silicone rubber shell filled with either medical grade silicone gel or a saltwater solution known as saline. Both types of implants have their advantages and disadvantages. The saline not only has a more natural feel but moves more naturally and has a “shimmy effect”. The saline implant can also be inserted through a smaller incision including the umbilicus. Silicone implants, however, are preferred for women with bony chest walls or who have very thin skin. Silicone implants are also generally preferred for women having implant replacement or reconstruction after mastectomy. The differences between the two implants are best discussed with Dr. Hodgkinson and the aesthetic specialists at The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic at Double Bay will review and discuss the best option for you.
Sizing and Satisfaction
In the over 30 years that Dr. Hodgkinson has been performing breast augmentation surgery and the thousands of women who have benefited from his expertise, he has developed techniques in not only measuring the chest wall of patients but in sizing implants to give them an indication of the end result that they will achieve. This has resulted in patients almost always being satisfied with not only the shape but the size of their new breasts.
Types of Breast Enlargement Procedures/Approaches:
Under the Breast/Inframammary Approach
An inframammary incision is the most common approach for placement of a breast implant. This approach places the incision in or adjacent to the inframammary crease. The inframammary approach provides the most direct route and, in general, requires the least operative time for placement of the implant.
Around the Nipple/Periareolar Approach
Implants placed by an incision within the pigmented areolar tissue are referred to as a periareolar incision. This approach is recommended when our patients desire the least conspicuous scar.
Under the Arm/Transaxillary Approach
Placing incisions in the axilla, referred to as a transaxillary approach, avoids placement of the scar on the breast’ however, the incision may be visible when the patient wears a sleeveless dress and elevates her arms.
Through the Belly Button/Transumbilical Approach
A transumbilical approach commonly known as TUBA(transumbilical breast augmentation), involving placement through the umbilicus/belly button, can be used for augmentation of the female breast. This approach is only used for saline implants.
If you're considering breast augmentation, Dr. Hodgkinson and his highly specialized team can provide you specific information on how he would proceed in your particular situation.
