Report: Breast Augmentation Is Now a Widely-Accepted Science

US plastic surgeons have convalesced around widely accepted standard techniques for breast augmentation surgery. A new survey published in the April issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that surgeons agree on one of the best implant types, sizes, incisions and placements of implants.

They also found that surgeons are slow to adopt some of the newer technologies due to “a perceived lack of evidence or safety or effectiveness.”

Breast augmentation survey

According to the survey, plastic surgeons prefer:

• Implant type – Round-shaped, smooth silicone implants are preferred over teardrop-shaped or textured implants.
• Implant size – To determine one of the best sizing, most surgeons use rice bags or silicone forms to assess aesthetic appearance. A few recently introduced 3D imaging. The most common sizing is 300 to 350 cc (or 10-12 fluid ounces).
• Implant incisions – Most surgeons place the incision beneath the breast (inframammary positioning).
• Implant placement – Most surgeons place the implant under the muscle (partial submuscular pocket positioning).

Surgeons also agreed on the benefits of the biomaterial acellular dermal matrix for revision surgeries. This two-stage breast reconstruction process lays down a tissue expander to increase the skin surface and adding the breast implants later. Studies show the risk of capsular contracture is reduced from 10-20 percent down to just 2 percent with the use of this product.

Surgeons also agree on the management of common complications (like contracture scar tissue around the implant) as well. Post-operative massage as a technique to prevent complications was favored by half of all respondents. If capsular contracture does occur, surgeons generally treat it with anterior capsulectomy the first time, and either total capsulectomy or anterior capsulectomy with acellular dermal matrix subsequent times.

New breast surgery trends

Despite a lot of media attention in recent years, the majority of ASPS surgeons are still reluctant to implement fat grafting – the practice of transferring fat from other parts of the body to the breast area. Many have not yet invested in 3D modeling technology because they aren’t convinced it’s more effective than low-cost methods of aesthetic assessment. Surgeons are uncertain about the safety with regard to possible interference with breast cancer screening results.

Consultations for breast augmentation in NYC

“I think this report suggesting common standards for augmentation, in addition to the fact that there were 280,000 breast augmentations performed in 2015, should give patients greater confidence,” says Dr. B. Aviva Preminger MD. “Safety and positive outcomes have soared along with the procedure’s rising popularity over the years,” she adds.

The amount of research and abundance of procedures done in recent years has boiled down breast augmentation to a widely-accepted science. However, there are many individual factors that affect the decisions along the way, as well as the final outcomes; so one of the best way to approach breast enhancement surgery is always with a one-on-one consultation with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like New York’s Dr. Preminger. Call 212-706-1900 to schedule yours today.