The Incision
 There
are different options for the entry incision which creates the space or pocket,
for which the implant is placed. During your consultation, the Doctor will
better explain the different methods and which one might be best for you and why.
Dr. Parker uses primarily two different incision methods when placing an
implant: - Inframammary
- in the crease between the breast and the chest wall
- Periareolar
- at the junction of the dark and light colored skin of the areola
The Implant
Significant
advances and alterations have been made in the prosthesis
itself since the original introduction of the silicone gel
breast implant in 1962. The two main types of implants are
the silicone gel prosthesis and the saline-filled prosthesis.
Both envelopes are made of a solid type of silicone (Silastic),
but the filler differs. There are currently no other types
of implants that are available such as soybean oil or other
types of fillers. This may change in the coming years. There
are two types of surface textures available, smooth and textured.
This texturing was developed to mimic the appearance of a
polyurethane foam implant, now off of the market, which had
a very good record for resisting capsular contracture, or
hardening of the breasts due to scar.
Placement
of implant
 There
are also two basic techniques of breast enlargement, involving differences in
the location of the pocket. In one the pocket is made beneath the breast
tissue, but on top of the pectoral muscle. In the other, more common, method,
the implant is placed beneath the pectoral muscle, between the pectoral and
the ribs. The advantages of placing the implant above the muscle are that it is
less painful for the first few days and the appearance of the implants matures
faster (because skin stretches faster than muscle). Contraction of muscle, more
noticeable in body-builders, has no effect on the appearance of the breast.
The
advantages of placing the implant under the muscle are numerous. First, it provides
a more natural appearing breast with a better transition from the upper chest
to the breast mound. This avoids "upper pole convexity" or roundness
of the upper breast, which does not occur in nature. Second, the rates of scarring
around the implant are significantly lower when the implant is placed beneath
the muscle. Third, the risk of visible ripples or folds in the implant envelope
is diminished because of the greater amount of the patient’s own tissue overlying
the prosthesis. Fourth, the ability to obtain an adequate mammogram is enhanced
with placement under the muscle, as the mammogram technician is better able to
separate the breast from the implant when the muscle is interposed. The
Consultation
 A
consultation is usually around thirty to forty-five minutes
long and is usually an exchange of information between the
Doctor and the patient. Dr. Parker is a very understanding
and caring doctor who will put you at ease and help you make
an informed final decision. Your ultimate happiness with your
decision is his number one goal. You may wish to bring
in photos from publications to demonstrate desired look and
size.
The Doctor will need
to obtain a pertinent medical history, family history, medication history, allergy
history, and also to define the general goals and expectations of the patient.
The patient will walk away a complete understanding of the surgery and process.
A
fill kit used to fill the implant
with sterile saline, usually after
the
breast implant is placed
in the surgical pocket | 
Breast Surgery Information
