Indianapolis Institute for Plastic Surgery

Breast Enlargement (also breast contouring)

When should I consider breast enlargement?

Smaller than desired breasts
One breast is considerably smaller than the other or asymmetric
Loss of fullness following pregnancy or breast feeding
Loss of volume in the upper portion of the breast/chest

Anticipated Results:

Larger, more shapely breasts
More full, youthful, uplifted breasts

See also Featured Procedures discussion of Breast Augmentation and the Breast Augmentation Photo Gallery.

Dr. Short will discuss options for implant selection, incision types, placement of the implant and desired cup size at the consultation. Every surgery is individualized to best fit each patient's specific needs. The implants available are saline (salt water) or silicone. A small incision may be made under the breast crease (inframammary breast crease), around the inside part of the areolar (periareolar), or in the axilla/armpit (transaxillary). The implant may be placed under the muscle (subpectoral), under the fascia (subfascial), partially under the muscle (dual plane), or above the muscle (subglandular). Dr. Short will find the right size implant by taking breast and chest measurements during the consultation, visual pictures selected by you, and by placing "sizers" in the operating room and evaluating the sizers' appearance in an upright position.
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SALINE ANATOMICAL TEXTURED IMPLANT EXAMPLES:

These patients demonstrate the contour which can be achieved with the anatomic implants. Note the settling of the breasts and the more natural appearance. The anatomical implants are required to be textured to maintain the position of the implant in the breast pocket; however this also makes the implant feel more hard and firm after surgery. The textured component on the implant can also increase the risk of wrinkling or rippling of the implant edges.


Before		After

Before		After

SALINE SMOOTH ROUND IMPLANT EXAMPLES:

The round implants also enhance breast size and are likely to give you a more rounded curve to the upper breast area. The smooth surface of the implant design makes this implant feel softer and is likely to wrinkle compared to the anatomical implant. Round implants can still achieve a natural contour, especially if placed under the muscle. (see patients below).


Before		After

Before		After

SILICONE SMOOTH ROUND IMPLANT EXAMPLES:

For a patient with minimal breast tissue, the smooth round silicone implant may prevent implant wrinkling otherwise felt with a saline implant. If "feel" is a priority to a patient, the silicone gel filled implant is the more natural "feel" implant available for patients. Silicone implants are now FDA approved in the United States for all breast patients seeking an augmentation surgery.


Before	After

Before	After

Even with using a silicone gel filled implant, a periareolar incision can still be utilized for implantation. You can refer to the close-up incision of the periareolar incision at 6 weeks after surgery (see below). The patient was able to achieve increased volume and maintain softness with a silicone implant.


Before	After
	Close up of Periareolar Incision 6 weeks post-op

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For a patient (below) with minimal breast tissue, the anatomic implant may reflect a more natural slope of the breast. However, the anatomic implant may not feel as soft to the patient. This patient's main goal was to enhance her breast volume, but she wanted to maintain a very soft, natural feel. Therefore, she chose to have the round implants placed under the muscle.


Before		After

Since this patient (below) chose an armpit (transaxillary) approach, a round implant was used to enhance her breast volume and maintain a very soft, natural feel. Anatomical implants are not recommended with this incision approach.


Before		After