When having breast augmentation, it is important to have realistic expectations. This starts from understanding what surgery can and cannot do. First of all, your body’s natural shape will determine much of the outcome. The plastic surgeon will take this into account during the initial exam.
Here are some basics on breast structure and body shape. Understanding this will help explain how the breast augmentation result will vary from woman to woman.
Breast Anatomy
General breast structure, shape, and size
The breast is mostly made up of glands and fatty tissue. The glandular tissue is what produces milk for newborns. This tissue may be referred to as lobes. Within the breast are around 15-20 lobes, each of which contains smaller lobules. These all end in bulbs and they are all connected by thin tubes called ducts. This glandular structure produces milk. The ducts are attached to the nipple for breastfeeding. There are also nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels within the breast. (Lymph nodes are found under the arms).
Fat fills the space between the lobes. The amount of fat is what creates the final size of the breast. Breast size can change often. It changes in response to hormones or changes in weight. This can be from puberty, menopause, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and hormonal changes during the monthly cycle.
Glandular Tissue vs. Fat
The ratio of glandular tissue and fat will vary from woman to woman. It will also vary over a woman’s lifetime. For example, a woman will typically have more glandular tissue than fat during her child-bearing years. This ratio will be the highest during breastfeeding. The ratio will reverse after menopause (more fatty tissue, less glandular tissue). Glandular tissue can feel firmer to the touch than fatty tissue.
This can mean that the firmness of the breast changes over time. As the glandular tissue decreases, the size will also decrease. The exception is when more fat is added to replace the lost glandular tissue; this typically only happens during weight gain. Some women will maintain the heavy breast look yet still desire breast augmentation.
Different Breast Shapes and Nipple Positions
There are many different breast shapes as well. For example, they may be swooped. This results in a nipple that points slightly upward. They may be tubular. This results in a narrow shape projecting outward. They may be quite large or quite small. They could droop or point downward.
In addition to breast shape asymmetries, there can also be nipple position asymmetry after breast augmentation. There may be nipples too low after breast augmentation. The nipples may also become outpointing nipples after breast augmentation.
The important thing to remember is that the nipple positions were actually asymmetric before the surgery. The breast implants only magnified the result.
Breast Position
The Role of Breast Mounds
The breast mounds sit on the chest wall above the pectoral muscle. This muscle sits atop the rib cage. This is the muscle that an implant may be placed above or below. There are no muscles within the breast itself. The breast mound is positioned over the 2nd through 6th rib in most women. The nipple usually resides above the crease and sits over the 4th rib. It is connected with ligaments between the muscle and the skin. The ligaments relax over time, which allows the breasts to sag.
Skin Layer of Breast
The Skin’s Role in Breast Shape
The skin covering the breast, just like skin on the rest of the body, has an outer layer and a dermis. The dermis is the thicker inner layer that provides structure and strength. Elastin is also found within the skin. It affects how much the skin can stretch. It also affects how well the skin and tissue will return to its original position after it has stretched. This can be especially noticeable after major breast changes.
For example, pregnancy and breastfeeding can make the breasts larger. This can in turn make the skin thinner. The elastin may not be able to return the breast to its original shape after breastfeeding stops. The result can be breasts that now sit lower than they did before pregnancy. The skin can also contain stretch marks if it stretches quickly. The mark itself is actually a tear in the dermal layer. This tear is seen at the surface as the stretch mark. Stretch marks after breast augmentation may become irritated and red again. Over time they will fade to their pre-existing condition.
Stretch Marks and Areola Changes
The breast skin also has an areola and nipple. This is a darker section of skin that is connected to the glandular tissue below. The areola can be many different shapes and sizes. The tissue of the nipple and areola is usually darker than the skin around it, but the color may vary from pink to brown. The shape of the areola may or may not be circular. It may be more elliptical. The skin of the nipple and areola is also thinner than the surrounding skin. It will stretch more easily. As the skin stretches, the breast implant settling will be impacted.
The Inframammary Fold’s Role
At the bottom of the breast is the inframammary fold, also called the breast crease. Regardless of breast size, this structure still exists. This structure is very important when considering breast augmentation. This is because the breast implant will sit just above this fold. The strength of the tissues in the inframammary fold can vary. If the tissue is weak, an implant may cause the fold position to lower. The breast folds can also be a different positions on the two sides of the chest. This will result in inframammary fold asymmetry after breast augmentation. If the breast implants settle below the fold this can also cause a problem. When the breast implant settles below the breast fold, a double bubble complication after breast augmentation will occur.
Body Shape
The ribs, chest, and spine all influence results
You may not think of the ribs and spine when considering breast shape. However, these are very important. Since the breast tissue sits atop the rib cage, the curvature of the rib cage matters a great deal. It will affect how the breast mound sits on the chest.
Impact of Rib Cage Curvature
The ribs curve around the chest area; they protect the organs. The degree of curvature also affects how the breasts sit atop them. Rib curvature will influence breast augmentation. The ribs themselves can be flat or curved outward at the front of the body. The two sides could also differ. If the rib cage lies relatively flat in the front, this will create a flat base for the breast. Alternatively, if the rib cage is more curved along the front, this means the breasts will sit further out. This will cause a wide gap breast augmentation result. A difference in the curvature of the ribs can also mean that the breasts may point in different directions. The ribs can also bow inward in the center and this will cause the breasts to have a fuller cleavage look after breast augmentation.
The Role of the Sternum in Breast Position
Where the ribs come together at the front is called the breastbone. It’s also called the sternum. Like the ribs, the breastbone can be flat or curved. It can be level with the ribs, or it might stick out further than the ribs. It could also sit lower than the ribs. Each variation will affect how the breasts sit on the chest. The breasts typically sit next to the breastbone. So, its shape and position make a big difference in the position of the breasts.
Spine Curvature and Breast Alignment
Since the ribs connect to the spine, any curvature of the spine will also affect how the breasts sit. A spine curvature may result in one breast sitting lower than the other. It could also result in ribs that sit at a different angle; this may mean one breast seems to be further back (toward the chest wall) than the other. A spine curvature could also change the alignment of the hip and shoulder. This could cause a shift that makes one breast appear higher than the other as well. So spine curvature and breast augmentation go hand in hand and should be identified before the surgery.
Body Shape and Frame Considerations
The body shape is also very important women of the same height, but different frames will get different breast augmentation results. A thin or skinny woman breast augmentation will look completely different from a full framed breast augmentation. A long torso woman with breast augmentation will be different from a muscular woman with breast implants.
Consulting with a Plastic Surgeon
It is important for the plastic surgeon to go over the overall shape of your body when preparing for breast augmentation. The shape of the ribs, spine, and body can affect the breasts dramatically. Each of these items has a direct influence on how the breast sits. As such, each needs to be considered. If they are not noted, asymmetry is more likely to result after the augmentation. Any subtle change that exists naturally can be even more noticeable after the breasts are enhanced.
Understanding Breast Augmentation Implant Shapes
When considering breast augmentation, understanding the different breast implant shapes is essential. The shape of the implant plays a crucial role in achieving your desired results. The most common options include round and teardrop-shaped implants, each offering unique benefits based on your body type and aesthetic goals.
Different Types of Breast Implants Shapes
There are different types of breast implants shapes available, including round, teardrop, and pear-shaped breast implants. Each of these breast shapes for augmentation serves a specific purpose depending on your goals. Round implants provide a fuller look, while teardrop and pear shapes offer a more anatomically accurate contour.
Breast Augmentation Teardrop Shape
One popular option for many women is the breast augmentation teardrop shape, also known as drop shape breast implants. These implants are fuller at the bottom and taper toward the top, mimicking the natural slope of the breast. They are ideal for those looking for a more natural, subtle enhancement.
Saline vs. Silicone Gel Implants
The type of implant you choose will also affect your results. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, while silicone gel implants contain a cohesive gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Both types are available in the basic breast implant shapes of round or teardrop.
Breast Implant Size and Shape
Choosing the right breast implant size is as important as selecting the shape. The size must be in harmony with your body type and the natural breasts shape you want to achieve. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you decide on the ideal combination of types of breast implants, size, and shape to achieve your desired look.
Customizing Your Breast Augmentation
Ultimately, the breast shapes for augmentation you choose should complement your body. Whether you’re drawn to different breast implant shapes or prefer a drop shape breast implant, your surgeon will guide you in selecting the right type of implant and shape for your unique frame. Together, the right implant shape and size will give you natural, beautiful results.
More Questions? Consult with The Loudoun Center for Plastic Surgery
Choosing the right breast shapes for augmentation is a crucial step in achieving your desired outcome with breast augmentation surgery. With so many options available, it’s essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can guide you through the process of selecting the best implant shape and size for your body.
A professional will ensure that your breast implant surgery is tailored to your specific goals and anatomy, helping you achieve the most natural and satisfying results. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options and start your journey toward enhanced confidence.