One of the most common concerns of a patient undergoing breast augmentation is the possibility that their breasts may look “noticeably fake” following surgery, and that they will end up looking “overdone”. It is certainly more common nowadays for patients to actively seek a more enhanced look, but for those that are hoping to achieve a subtle change that leaves their peers guessing, the decision-making can be more complex than just choosing a smaller implant. This blog post aims to provide a preliminary guide to obtaining a natural breast augmentation result.
One of the most important considerations for women seeking a natural look breast augmentation is that no guarantee can be made that your results will be “undetectable”. Your breasts cannot look totally natural, as you are of course enhancing them surgically with a silicone implant. There are many anatomical factors that will contribute to your final aesthetic result, such as the amount of existing breast tissue you have, how wideset your natural cleavage is, and the integrity of your skin. This being said, there are a few key decisions that are within the control of yourself and your surgeon that can help achieve the most natural result for you.
IMPLANT PLACEMENT FOR A NATURAL BREAST AUGMENTATION
The decision of whether to place the breast implant under the muscle, over the muscle, or in a dual-plane position is a factor that will impact your final aesthetic outcome, and longevity of results. Dr. Richardson from Brisbane Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery says that implant placement is a strategic mix of both anatomical and lifestyle considerations. For example, patients that engage in bodybuilding will benefit from an over the muscle placement, as contraction of the chest muscles can cause visible distortion of a sub-muscular implant. The majority of patients will however more likely benefit from a sub-muscular or dual plane position to achieve the optimal outcome they desire. This implant placement tends to provide a more natural look, given that the implant is covered by both the breast tissue and pectoral muscle.
IMPLANT TYPE FOR A NATURAL LOOK BREAST AUGMENTATION
As expected, the type of breast implant used will also play an integral role in your aesthetic outcomes following breast augmentation. There are many different considerations when choosing a breast implant, from the gel, to the shell, shape, and size. This blog article provides a nice summary of the different implant varieties and their various pros and cons.
Implant Gel & Shape
While the recommended implant type varies depending on patient anatomy, generally for women seeking a natural look, Dr. Richardson recommends a Motiva Ergonomix implant, in a moderate profile.
Motiva Ergonomix is a unique implant that boasts an ultra-cohesive gel that moulds to the natural shape of the breast. The goal is to mimic the appearance of a “teardrop” or anatomically shaped implant. In the past, teardrop shaped implants were said to produce the most natural results, as they are shaped in a sloping fashion with fullness in the lower pole. The shortcoming of teardrop implants however is that they are prone to rotation within the breast pocket. This causes a visible distortion of the breast:
In response to this dilemma, Motiva implants developed Motiva ergonomix, a highly cohesive gel round implant that moulds to the natural shape of the breast. This is Dr. Richardson’s implant of choice. This video provides a nice explanation of what this looks like and how it work.
Implant Shell
While there are both textured and smooth surface implants on the market, Dr. Richardson recommends a smooth surface only. In recent years, a link between textured implant varities and ALCL has been identified. This is a very rare occurrence, and you can find more about this link here. Despite the very small risk factor, Dr. Richardson avoids the use of textured implant to avoid potential complications and uphold the highest safety standards for patients. Thankfully, the nano-textured smooth surface of the Motiva implants uphold all the great benefits of textured implants. They boast stability within the breast pocket, while mitigating the risks of ALCL, with no evident link between these implants and any risk of ALCL.
IMPLANT PROFILE
There are a variety of different implant profiles which range from low to extra-high. Higher profiles generally offer more upper pole fullness to produce an enhanced look. This said, outcomes can vary greatly between patients. A high profile may produce a natural result for one, and an ultra-enhanced aesthetic for another. Consultation with a plastic surgeon is the most appropriate way to determine the right implant profile for you.
FAT TRANSFER
There is a growing trend of women opting for fat grafting to the breasts. There are a number of reasons patients choose to undergo fat grafting, with some choosing to avoid breast implants altogether. For the best results however, Dr. Richardson recommends a combination of both breast implants and fat grafting. As the name suggests, this procedure involves the removal of fat from one area, and transfer to the breasts. It is most suitable for women with implants seeking a more natural look by enhancing the natural tissue surrounding the implant. You can find out more about this procedure here.
EXPERIENCED SURGEON
The most important aspect to consider in the pursuit of a natural look breast augmentation is the surgeon you choose. Of course, it’s important to choose a surgeon that specialises in breast surgery, and is a plastic surgeon. This blog post provides a comprehensive guide to choosing the right plastic surgeon for you. Always keep in mind the important distinction between cosmetic and plastic surgeons. You should research the experience of whichever providers you are considering. Dr. Phillip Richardson from Brisbane Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery has over 19 years experience as a practising surgeon, an additional 12 years specialist training, and has performed over 6,000 breast surgeries.
Ultimately, there is no straight answer to achieving a natural breast augmentation result, as each patient is highly subjective. The most important thing to consider is the expertise of your surgeon and their knowledge of outcomes. From there, you can take the knowledge from this blog post as a guide to discuss options. It is a great foundation of understanding to achieve the best results for you.
If you have any questions or would like to make a consultation with a fully qualified breast specialist and plastic surgeon, do not hesitate to contact us today.