Why Women Choose Breast Enlargement
For many women, breast enlargement, or breast augmentation, is more than a cosmetic procedure—it’s a personal decision rooted in confidence, body image, and lifestyle. At Golden Isles Center for Plastic Surgery on St. Simons Island, Dr. Diane Bowen provides expert guidance and compassionate care for women considering this type of surgery. Whether you hope to restore fullness after having children, achieve better body balance, or correct asymmetry, understanding your options is key to making an informed decision.
In this post, we explore the most common reasons women pursue breast augmentation, explain the difference between implant placement techniques, and break down the choice between saline and silicone implants.
Women choose breast augmentation for many different reasons, and each choice is personal. However, several common goals lead patients to consider surgery.
- Restoring volume after pregnancy or weight loss
Breast volume often decreases after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or major weight loss. Many women choose augmentation to restore lost volume and achieve a more youthful shape. In some cases, a breast lift (mastopexy) is also recommended to improve position and contour. - Enhancing naturally small breasts
Some women are born with smaller breasts that don’t match their desired body image. Breast augmentation can increase volume and improve body proportions, helping women feel more confident in and out of clothing. - Correcting noticeable asymmetry
While slight asymmetry is natural, more pronounced differences in breast size or shape can make it difficult to find properly fitting bras or clothing. Implants can be customized to correct this imbalance and create a more symmetrical appearance. - Reconstructive needs after breast surgery
Women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy often choose breast reconstruction with implants to help restore their natural appearance. Dr. Bowen approaches this process with care, designing a plan that supports each woman’s physical and emotional healing. - Revising previous breast surgery
Over time, older implants may need to be replaced, or patients may wish to update their results. Revision procedures can address changes in the body, correct complications, or refine previous outcomes using newer, more natural-looking implant options.
Essential to cosmetic breast surgery is a thorough assessment to discuss the goals and wants of a woman’s breast size and shape. With bathing suit weather right around the corner, having a consultation with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Diane Bowen, is essential to determine if cosmetic breast surgery is right for you.
Implant Placement: Above or Below the Muscle?
Another decision to consider with breast augmentation, is where the implant will be placed. Dr. Diane Bowen will help you choose the best approach based on your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.
Subglandular (above the muscle) placement
In this method, the implant is placed behind the breast tissue but in front of the chest muscle. It can create a more dramatic upper breast curve and allows for a slightly faster recovery. This placement works best for women who already have enough natural tissue to cover the implant well.
However, above-the-muscle implants can be more visible in thinner patients and may carry a higher risk of visible rippling or capsular contracture over time.
Submuscular (under the muscle) placement
This technique involves positioning the implant beneath the pectoral muscle. It offers a more natural slope to the upper breast and is often preferred for women with minimal existing breast tissue. Placing the implant under the muscle can reduce the risk of visible rippling and make mammograms easier to read.
The recovery process for submuscular placement can take slightly longer, with more initial discomfort. Still, many patients feel the aesthetic benefits are worth it.
Saline vs. Silicone Implants: What’s the Difference?
Another key decision is the type of implant used. Both saline and silicone implants are FDA-approved and widely used in the United States. Each option offers unique benefits, depending on your goals and anatomy.
Saline implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water after insertion. Because they are inserted empty, they typically require smaller incisions. If a rupture occurs, the implant deflates, and the body safely absorbs the saline. This makes leaks immediately noticeable.
However, saline implants may feel less natural, especially for women with little natural breast tissue. They are more likely to show rippling or wrinkling under the skin. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides a detailed comparison of saline and silicone options.
Silicone implants
Silicone implants are pre-filled with a cohesive gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Patients often choose silicone for its more realistic texture and lower chance of rippling. Even if a silicone implant ruptures, it usually maintains its shape, which is why some are referred to as Gummy Bear implants.
Because silicone ruptures can go unnoticed, the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants receive routine MRIs or ultrasounds to monitor their condition. Despite this, many women consider silicone the better option for achieving a soft, natural look.
How to Choose the Right Option
The right implant type and placement depends on your unique anatomy, personal preferences, and long-term goals. During your consultation at Golden Isles Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Bowen will conduct a full evaluation and guide you through every aspect of your options.
She may also recommend 3D imaging tools to help you visualize how different sizes and profiles would look on your body. You’ll have the opportunity to try on model implants to see what size feels right for you. You will also be able to ask questions, view before-and-after photos, and gain clarity about what’s possible with modern breast augmentation.
Dr. Bowen’s office, located on St. Simons Island, welcomes patients from across the Golden Isles, including Brunswick, Jekyll Island, and Sea Island.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re considering breast augmentation and want personalized, compassionate care, schedule a consultation with Dr. Diane Bowen today. She brings years of experience and a commitment to helping each woman feel more confident in her own body.
Contact us today to request your appointment:
Golden Isles Center for Plastic Surgery
Call: 912-634-1993
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