Op Notes: Scottsdale Plastic Surgery Blog

Breast augmentation scars are a concern for anyone considering   breast implants or a breast lift procedure. Patients often wonder how noticeable their breast implant scars will be. Ultimately, the answer depends on a many factors including the type of procedure performed, the type of implant used, and some genetic factors regarding scar healing.

What are the types of procedures associated with breast augmentation scars?

Surgical procedures associated with breast augmentation are associated with some minimal scarring. Breast augmentation will increase or restore volume to the breast, most often through the placement of breast implants. There are many implant types available, including silicone and saline, along with a variety of shapes and profiles that bring desired results based on your specific cosmetic goals.

In some cases, the surgeon performs a breast lift during the procedure which elevates the breast to a more youthful position. Your specific breast implant scars will depend on the procedure you undergo, but in all cases, your surgeon will minimize the appearance of scars for the most beautiful, natural result.

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, it is likely that you have questions about the different options available to enhance your physique. Whether you are considering breast implants, a breast lift, or a Mommy Makeover procedure, it is a fact that no two patients are identical. Indeed, each patient brings a unique set of questions to every appointment. As a top plastic surgical practice in Scottsdale, we sometimes encounter the question “Can I get breast implants if I have a nipple piercing?”

In short answer, yes.

Nipple piercing is a type of body piercing, often at the base of the nipple, which creates a small hole through the tissue. Often jewelry is inserted through the piercing with many sizes and styles available. In fact, the practice of nipple piercing dates back hundreds of years.

Because a breast implant placement is well beneath the tissues of the nipple, there is no interference between a piercing and an implant. There are, however, factors to consider when considering breast implants after a nipple piercing.

Breast implant rippling is a relatively common, yet unintended finding following breast augmentation surgery when implant edges are visible beneath the skin. Implant rippling is more noticeable when a woman’s frame is very thin, although there are additional associated co-factors that contribute to some cases.  Some women feel distressed by the look of their breasts with ripples and may seek a solution depending on the severity of their symptoms.

The term “asymmetrical breasts” refers to the condition where one breast has a different size, shape, position, or volume than the other. Breast tissue, in general, is dynamic and changes through a woman’s life, most dramatically at puberty, and then again with the hormonal changes of pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause.

Similarly, breast tissue can change each month during ovulation, as breasts sometimes appear temporarily larger due to water retention and increased blood flow. A small variation between the breasts is completely normal, but when there is a significant difference, a woman may feel self-conscious or unhappy with her body.

In this article we will address some concerns women may have about their asymmetric breasts. We will also discuss available procedures that impact the aesthetics of this condition.

Tubular breasts are a condition in which the breast tissue lacks volume in both the horizontal and vertical direction, leading to tubular or tuberous breasts. Some doctors also call this condition breast hypoplasia. In general, the breast tissue does not proliferate properly during puberty, leading to a breast deformity that impacts breast shape and at times the ability for a woman to breastfeed. Important to note, there is no health risk associated with tuberous breasts, however, some women seek to correct the condition by undergoing breast augmentation surgery.

In this article, you will learn what tubular breasts look like and how to treat the condition. Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Howarth is an expert plastic surgeon known for correcting tubular breast deformity with breast augmentation surgery in Arizona.

Saline breast implant rupture occurs when the implant used in a breast augmentation procedure sustains a leak, and the implant itself deflates in size. In general, saline implants have very long-lasting, durable qualities and most women will never experience an implant rupture. However, even when placed under perfect circumstances, implant rupture and deflation can occasionally occur.

The saline implant consists of a soft silicone shell filled with a saltwater solution called saline. The silicone shell of the implant can experience tearing or damage under extreme conditions. In rare cases, just as with any other medical device, the implant itself is faulty. Once ruptured, the saline leaks into the body, where it gradually, naturally absorbs over time. This is known as saline implant deflation.

There are a few different procedures that can address saline implant rupture, but the treatment of choice always involves surgical removal of the ruptured implant. Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Howarth is an expert at removing and replacing ruptured breast implants.