To this day, breast augmentation with silicone or saline implants remains the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in America. Dramatic results can be achieved, enhancing your figure as well as your self-esteem. Dr. John R. Griffin always aims for natural results, which has made him a leading plastic surgeon in the San Mateo, CA area in terms of patient satisfaction.
Natural results can vary from patient to patient depending on their body type. If you’ve got a broader frame, for instance, the right breast augmentation procedure for you is different than the procedure for someone with a slimmer frame. When performing breast augmentation on female athletes, unique considerations must be made. Let’s cover some of the basics.
What a Plastic Surgeon Must Consider
Genetically, many female athletes tend to have slimmer frames, which means their breasts are usually smaller and they have less breast tissue to work with. In addition, both lean athletes and muscular athletes typically have less body fat than the average person, which contributes to smaller breasts.
Given these factors, plastic surgeons need to think about the size, shape, and placement of the breast implants, and how these decisions will affect the final results of surgery. It’s also important to determine how the implants may affect the patient’s athletic performance. These matters can be discussed with the patients during the planning stages of the procedure.
Size of Breast Implants
For most female athletes, smaller breast implants are usually recommended. Smaller implants will still increase the size of a woman’s breasts, but the results will look more natural. Smaller implants will also not affect the athlete’s movement or performance as much as larger breast implants.
Breast Implant Profile
Breast implant profile refers to the outward projection of the breasts, which can result in more cleavage and greater prominence.
For female athletes who have a narrow chest, high profile breast implants tend to be better at creating outward projection while preventing the breasts from looking too close together. Women with broader chests will benefit more from low profile breast implants, which will fill out a wide chest better and seem more natural as a result.
Placement of the Breast Implants
Breast implants can be placed under the mammary gland and above the pectoral muscle (subglandular) or under both the mammary gland and pectoral muscle (submuscular). Placement of the implants can affect aesthetics.
For most female athletes, submuscular implant placement tends to be better since it’s ideal for women with less breast tissue. Placing the implant under the pectoral muscle and mammary gland conceals the shape of the implant better, making it seem like natural breast tissue.
Returning to Physical Activity
We will discuss the recovery process with you in more detail so you can figure out the best time to undergo surgery. We want to makes sure that the procedure doesn’t interfere with your training or competition schedule, and you can get back to doing what you love with as few hassles as possible.
Learn More about Breast Augmentation
To learn more about breast enhancement surgery and whether or not it’s a good option for you, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic plastic surgeon. Dr. Griffin is here to offer insight and help you make the most ideal decisions for your needs.
