Shankar Lakshman, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Call Today: 1(626) 683-9080

Southern California

Pasadena Breast augmentation under or over the muscle?

November 17th, 2011 admin

 Breast augmentation: should your plastic surgeon go under or over the muscle?

The decision to go over or under the pectoralis major muscle when performing breast augmentation is a hotly debated topic amongst plastic surgeons.  Recent studies reported that capsular contracture or scarring around the implant was decreased when performing breast augmentation under the muscle.  While this may be true in some situations, it may also cause deformities such as the “double bubble.”

When there is enough breast tissue, I like going over the muscle.  There is less distortion of normal anatomy, less pain, and a more natural appearance. I find that there is no significant difference in capsular contracture especially when following my special exercises after surgery.

When patients have very flat breasts with little tissue, I recommend performing breast augmentation under the muscle. This provides the needed padding between the implant and the skin to avoid feeling and seeing the implant edge.

Breast augmentation over the muscle

Breast Augmentation Over The Muscle

 

 breast augmentation under muscle

Breast Augmentation Under The Muscle

Breast Implants in Pasadena, Silicone or Saline?

October 20th, 2011 admin

Silicone or Saline Breast Implants in Pasadena

An important decision when considering breast augmentation, is whether to go with saline or silicone gel breast implants.

breast implants in pasadena - saline or silicone

Saline implants cost less.  They can be placed using a smaller incision.  They are more adjustable and can correct for differences in size more precisely.  If they rupture, the saline leaks out and the breast becomes flat.  They have a firmer feel then silicone gel implants. You have more chance of noticing the implant against the breast skin. This gives a slightly “faker” look.  The rates of internal scarring are higher then silicone gel implants.

Silicone gel implants are more expensive but they are lighter and softer.  They hang more like natural breast tissue.  They require a larger incision to place in the body.  They are not as adjustable as saline in correcting differences in breast size.  Studies have shown decreased rates of scarring.  If they rupture, the silicone gel can sometimes “leak” outside the breast pocket.

Both silicone and saline breast implants are safe, FDA approved devices that do not cause cancer or prevent cancer diagnosis.  Please contact my office with any questions or to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Dr. Shankar Lakshman