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Breast Augmentation Techniques

When researching breast enlargement surgery with implants in Philadelphia and New Jersey, you need to find a doctor who not only is skilled in surgical technique, but who also understands the artistry involved in a successful procedure. Other cosmetic surgeons may suggest there is no way to achieve a custom look or minimize discomfort that may accompany breast augmentation surgery, but nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, Dr. Sorokin uses innovative technology and proven methods to tailor the surgery to meet your needs, keeping an eye on your comfort and convenience.

Why Us for Your Breast Enhancement

Here are a few of the many reasons women visit us from throughout New Jersey and Philadelphia for breast augmentation:

• Dr. Sorokin offers a "rapid recovery" technique so you can enjoy your results sooner.
• Our practice is known for its specialization in breast surgery – from breast augmentation to complex revision cases.
• Dr. Sorokin is a trusted, board-certified plastic surgeon who takes the time to understand your goals.

To find out how breast augmentation could enhance your look, request a consultationrequest a consultation with Dr. Sorokin, a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast specialist, at our office in Cherry Hill or call (856) 872-4158.

Choosing the Breast Augmentation Incision Site

Depending on the breast implants our south New Jersey patients select, there may be up to 4 possible locations for the small incision where the implant will be inserted. During your consultation, Dr. Sorokin will review the methods with you and help you select the best option for your unique needs and desired outcome.

Transaxillary

When using the transaxillary approach, Dr. Sorokin inserts the implant through an incision in the crease of the armpit. The benefit of such an incision site is that any scarring that remains following recovery is discretely hidden, and patients generally have less pain and shorter recovery. Dr. Sorokin often recommends this site for saline breast enlargement. While surgery using this approach may take longer than other incisions, and any future surgeries may require a second incision site, patients choose transaxillary incision sites to avoid having a scar on the breast.

Inframammary

This approach places the incision in the fold below the breast. An inframammary incision gives Dr. Sorokin the most direct path for implant placement and adjustment. Any future breast surgeries you select can make use of the same incision, thus minimizing scarring. The disadvantage is that this approach leaves a minute scar under the breast that can be seen upon close examination. Patients considering silicone breast implants should note that the inframammary approach is the preferred method for inserting this type of implant, since these implants are filled prior to the surgery, rather than after being placed inside the breast. About a quarter of women who opt for saline implants choose an inframammary incision site.

Periareolar

A periareolar incision is made along the lower edge of the areola, the circle of darker skin surrounding the nipple. As with an inframammary incision, the periareolar incision leaves a scar directly on the breast, but patients usually report that such scarring is almost undetectable once recovery is complete. Several factors may influence scarring, including the size and shape of the areola, skin type, and surrounding skin color. The periareolar approach provides Dr. Sorokin with excellent access to breast tissue and muscle, and the incision site is ideal for use during future breast surgeries, such as a breast lift.

Transumbilical

This incision point is hidden on the upper, inside border of the belly button. Once the incision is made, Dr. Sorokin inserts the implant through a narrow pathway to the breast under the patient's abdominal skin, positioning the implant underneath the nipple. Like the transaxillary approach, a transumbilical incision leaves no scar on the breast, but requires that any future breast surgeries use a second incision on the breast itself. Dr. Sorokin does not encourage use of this incision site, as he believes it may not result in accurate placement of the implant.

Breast Implant Positioning

During breast augmentation surgery, implants can be placed either above the pectoral muscle ("subglandular") or below the muscle ("submuscular"). With subglandular positioning, only the mammary gland and skin will cover the implant, causing the implant to be more easily felt, especially in thinner women with little existing breast tissue. Submuscular placement allows extra tissue to cover the breast implant.

At your consultation, you will be able to handle actual implants to get a sense of how they feel. Patients often comment that saline implants feel like water balloons, rather than natural breast tissue. In addition, saline implants can suffer from "contour rippling" when placed above the muscle on thinner patients. For these reasons, Dr. Sorokin generally prefers to place saline implants below the pectoral muscle to give you the most natural look possible. Silicone implants receive much more positive feedback from patients, who comment on their more natural feel. When placed above the muscle, silicone implants do not exhibit as much rippling and are less obvious than subglandular saline implants. In either placement, implants will be felt, but the breast will feel much more natural when submuscular positioning is chosen.

Mammography can be performed regardless of where the implant is placed, though there is some research suggesting that mammography is more successful for submuscular implants. Obviously, this is an important consideration, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer.