It will be more helpful to know the anatomy of the breast to first explain the functioning of breast implants. The milk-producing, tear-shaped glands that cover a woman’s pectoral muscles and hang over her rib cage are called breasts. Supporting muscles and ligaments hold them in place.
Understanding A Female Breast Anatomy
Female Breast Anatomy
For patients to fully understand how breast implants work, they need to understand the fundamentals of breast anatomy. The breast is a complex structure primarily consisting of:
- Glandular Tissue: Glandular tissue is responsible for milk production during lactation. It forms lobes and ducts within the breast.
- Fatty Tissue: Adipose tissue (fat) makes up a substantial portion of the breast, contributing to its size and shape.
- Connective Tissue: Ligaments and connective tissue help support the breast and maintain its position.
- Blood Vessels and Lymphatics: Blood vessels supply the breast with nutrients and oxygen, while lymphatic vessels drain excess fluids and waste products from the breast.
- Nipple and Areola: The nipple is the protruding part at the center of the breast, and the areola is the pigmented area surrounding it.
The development of breasts and all of these fundamental parts of their anatomy can vary significantly among individuals due to genetic factors, age, pregnancy, and lifestyle.
Breast implants are great options for women seeking to enhance their natural curves and achieve their desired aesthetic goals. But how do breast implants actually work?
Find out the answer to this question in this blog. We’ll also talk more about breast implants and provide you with the information that you need to make an informed decision about getting breast implants.
Understanding Breast Implants & How Breast Implants Work
Breast implants are medical devices that are surgically implanted to augment the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. They are primarily composed of a silicone shell filled with either saline (sterile saltwater) or silicone gel. These implants come in various sizes, shapes, and profiles to cater to individual preferences and anatomical differences.
How Breast Implants Fit Within the Breast?
Breast Implants Placement in the Breast
Breast implants are designed to work in harmony with the existing breast tissues to create natural-looking results. Breast implants fit within breasts through various placement options like:
- Subglandular Placement
In this method, the implant is positioned beneath the breast tissue but above the chest muscle (pectoralis major). This placement is often chosen for women with sufficient breast tissue and minimal sagging.
- Submuscular Placement
With submuscular placement, the implant is positioned beneath both the breast tissue and the chest muscle. This placement is suitable for women with thin breast tissue or those seeking a more natural appearance.
- Dual Plane Technique
The dual plane breast augmentation technique involves positioning the upper part of the implant beneath the pectoral muscle while allowing the lower half to rest directly under the breast tissue. This approach combines aspects of both ‘under the muscle’ and ‘over the muscle.’
There are several advantages of opting for this technique, including a natural-looking appearance. By placing the upper portion ‘under the muscle,’ the technique conceals any visible edge of the implant, avoiding an unnatural appearance.
Beyond this, the patient gets a better breast lift because of the lower position of the implant that is covered by breast tissue only. This results in aesthetically pleasing contours that show ample cleavage and curves.
The dual plane method also enhances breastfeeding success rates. It minimizes the risk of damaging milk ducts, nerves, and breast tissue crucial for breastfeeding.
It also provides longer-lasting results. The pectoral muscle helps secure the implant, preventing premature sagging. This is particularly beneficial for anatomical (teardrop) breast implants, as the dual plane approach allows the most projecting part of the implant to shape and lift while benefiting from the stability provided by the pectoral muscle coverage.
Other Factors To Consider While Getting A Breast Implant
There are also other considerations that one should keep in mind while getting a breast implant. Some of these considerations are:
- Feel and Appearance
Modern breast implants are designed to mimic the natural feel and look of breast tissue. Silicone gel implants, in particular, closely resemble the consistency of natural breast tissue. However, there are other breast implant options available in the market as well. A patient should discuss which option might work best after consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon.
- Filling Material
Breast implants can be filled with saline or silicone gel. Silicone gel implants are known for their natural feel and movement. Saline implants, while less common, are also an option. They provide a different texture and firmness compared to silicone.
- Implant Shape and Profile
Implants come in various shapes, including round and teardrop (anatomical). Round implants are symmetrical and provide fullness all around, while teardrop implants mimic the natural slope of the breast, with more fullness at the bottom.
- Size and Proportion
The size of the implant is carefully chosen based on the patient’s aesthetic goals and body proportions. A skilled surgeon assesses the patient’s anatomy and helps select the appropriate implant size to achieve the desired look.
- Incision Sites
Surgeons utilize different incision sites to insert the implants, including the inframammary (beneath the breast), periareolar (around the areola), and transaxillary (in the armpit). The choice of incision depends on factors such as patient preference and the type of implant.
Watch this video where I explain in more detail how to put a breast implant.
The Role of the Implant Pocket
The implant pocket refers to the space where the breast implant is positioned within the breast. The creation of this pocket is a crucial step in achieving natural results. The surgeon carefully dissects the breast tissues to create a precise pocket based on the implant placement method and the patient’s unique anatomy.
Here’s how the implant pocket is established:
- Subglandular Pocket
In cases of subglandular placement, the implant pocket is created between the breast tissue and the chest muscle. The implant rests beneath the breast tissue. This placement can work well for women with sufficient breast tissue and minimal sagging.
- Submuscular Pocket
For submuscular placement, the implant pocket is created beneath the chest muscle. The implant is positioned deeper within the chest cavity, offering more coverage. Submuscular placement is often favored for women with thin breast tissue or those seeking a very natural look.
The creation of a precise implant pocket ensures that the implant is appropriately positioned, centered, and secured within the breast, allowing it to interact harmoniously with the surrounding breast tissues. This careful placement plays a significant role in achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes.
Get Breast Implants At Divine Cosmetic Surgery
Divine Cosmetic Surgery is India’s most trusted plastic surgery center. And to make sure that we continue deserving your trust, all the medical experts at Divine Cosmetic Surgery go above and beyond to make sure that our patients receive the best possible treatment.
And to make sure that you get the breast implants you want, you can schedule your first 3D consultation. Throughout this consultation, patients will learn what the final results will look like for them without having to get anything done. This is a great way to be sure that you wish to get breast implants done at Divine Cosmetic Surgery.
Conclusion
Breast implants are remarkable plastic surgery procedures that have enhanced the lives of countless women, helping them achieve the curves and confidence they desire. They work by seamlessly integrating with your natural breasts.
