New Jersey Breast Augmentation Techniques

When researching cosmetic surgeons in 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 breast enlargement procedure. Dr. Sorokin combines innovative techniques and unparalleled training to offer his patients premium, individualized results. Other Philadelphia and New Jersey plastic 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.

A few of the considerations that will lead to successful breast enlargement surgery are discussed below. To schedule a personal consultation at Dr. Sorokin's Marlton office, call 856-797-0202 or contact us online.

Choosing the Breast Augmentation Incision Site

Depending on the type of breast implant our New Jersey patients select, there may be up to four 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, the majority of our saline breast enhancement patients from New Jersey communities like Cherry Hill, Mt. Laurel, and throughout the Tri-State area have chosen 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 many 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 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

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 shown actual implants to get a sense of how they feel. Patients who have handled saline implants often comment that the 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 the more natural feel of these implants. 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.

Dr. Sorokin encourages you to schedule a consultation at his office in Marlton, New Jersey, to discuss breast augmentation. Call us today at 856-797-0202 to set up an appointment.