Breast implants can be placed underneath the breast tissue, between the muscles and tissues (submuscular), or underneath the chest muscle only (subglandular). The choice depends on the cosmetic surgeon’s preference. Breast implant through nipple is the most popularly used method in surgery and patients prefer it because it provides natural appearance to breasts, reduces the risk of infection, it takes less time to perform and recovery period is also short.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Breast Implant Through Nipple, areolar breast augmentation, breast surgery type, and breast augmentation risks.
Breast Implant Through Nipple
A breast implant through nipple can also be called a nipple incision. This procedure is generally performed by an experienced plastic surgeon and is done under local anesthesia with sedation. In some cases, if you have a prior breast surgery, it might require a more invasive procedure. In general, this type of surgery is generally very well-tolerated and the pain is certainly less than the pain that many patients experience when having this done underthe usual conditions (i.e., with a general anesthetic). During the surgery, you will be asked to lie down on your stomach while your chest is being prepared by your surgeon. Then, you will have to stay in bedand relax as your surgeon cuts through the breast tissue and around the nipple/thorax. The incision will then be made just below the nipple (in a vertical line) and then closed after which the implant can then be inserted into the chest pocket that was created during surgery. When inserting an implant through…
A breast implant through nipple can also be called a nipple incision.
A breast implant through nipple can also be called a nipple incision. This is a less invasive procedure than the traditional surgery, so it may be right for you if you’re looking for a more natural look.
You’ll have to decide whether to get this kind of surgery based on your own personal preferences and your doctor’s advice. The benefit of having it done this way is that it allows you to have more control over what type of scarring you will or won’t have after the healing process is complete; however, there are some risks associated with this type of procedure as well (see below).
In some cases, if you have a prior breast surgery, it might require a more invasive procedure.
In some cases, if you have a prior breast surgery, it might require a more invasive procedure. For example:
- If you’ve had a mastectomy and the nipple is gone or damaged and needs to be reconstructed, then your surgeon will likely need to use an advanced technique with tissue from another area of the body (such as fat) or from other donors (skin grafts). This would require additional time and money spent on recovery while healing.
- If you have had breast implants in the past with no damage to your nipples but now want them removed for aesthetic reasons—or perhaps even because they’ve become infected—then it’s possible that your surgeon will be able to make an incision directly through your existing implant pocket without using any additional tissue. However this method can cause scarring under the nipple which may result in less natural looking results since there wouldn’t be any soft tissue replacement covering up those scars like there would with other types of surgery options available today like “nipple reconstruction” procedures (more info below).
In general, this type of surgery is generally very well-tolerated and the pain is certainly less than the pain that many patients experience when having this done underthe usual conditions (i.e., with a general anesthetic).
For most patients, this type of surgery is generally very well-tolerated and the pain is certainly less than the pain that many patients experience when having this done under the usual conditions (i.e., with a general anesthetic). This procedure is often described as being quite comfortable because there is no need for any anesthesia or sedation; in addition, since you are awake and alert during surgery, you can feel your breasts being massaged and manipulated by your surgeon. The hospital stay after this procedure will be shorter than it would be if traditional techniques were used. Because of these factors, I would estimate that most women who undergo nipple augmentation surgery do not require any postoperative pain medication at all; they usually manage quite nicely with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) which are readily available without prescription at pharmacies everywhere in North America.
During the surgery, you will be asked to lie down on your stomach while your chest is being prepared by your surgeon.
During the surgery, you will be asked to lie down on your stomach while your chest is being prepared by your surgeon. If you have undergone a breast augmentation before and have had an implant removed, it will be most convenient for you if the implant is placed through nipple. In this case, it is necessary that the breast tissue around nipples be removed prior to surgery so that they can accommodate new implants comfortably after surgery.
If there are no complications during this procedure, then once everything has been done properly and safely by a skilled surgeon who understands how breasts work and all of their anatomy fully (as well as what kind of medical conditions could affect them), then there should not be any further issues afterwards either
Then, you will have to stay in bedand relax as your surgeon cuts through the breast tissue and around the nipple/thorax.
Once the wound is closed, you will need to relax and rest. You will be in a lot of pain at this point and should stay off your feet as much as possible. It is important that you do not push yourself or do any strenuous activity during recovery. You can also take Tylenol or ibuprofen to help with the pain associated with this procedure, but make sure that it does not interfere with any other medications that you may be taking for pain relief or other ailments.
For the first few days following surgery, it is best if you stay in bed until the anesthesia wears off so that you can rest comfortably without getting up too often or doing anything strenuous (such as driving). After those first few days, though, we encourage our patients to get up every 2 hours for about 15 minutes throughout each day so they don’t fall behind on their recovery progress
The incision will then be made just below the nipple (in a vertical line) and then closed after which the implant can then be inserted into the chest pocket that was created during surgery.
The incision will then be made just below the nipple (in a vertical line) and then closed after which the implant can then be inserted into the chest pocket that was created during surgery.
- This is done by first making a small cut directly under your nipple, and then another cut over each breast on its outer side. The incision will usually be made horizontally on your skin, but it may also be curved or V-shaped depending upon your own anatomy and preferences. An extra layer of skin may need to be removed in order to accommodate larger implants than you currently have; however, this type of procedure uses very little tissue removal because it relies on your body’s own tissues rather than scarring or stretching them out too far from their original positions.
- After creating these cuts above breasts (along with any others needed), doctors will insert an implant through them—into one at a time—and put sutures into place for each one so they stay where they’re supposed to go until fully healed up within about three months’ time frame before being removed again when ready for next stage procedures like replacing missing teeth with dental implants after having lost some due both natural wear over years plus accidental damage caused by accidents such as falling off stairs onto hard concrete surfaces below while wearing loose clothing items like skirts instead pants due lack knowledge about proper attire choices made earlier certain situations–which could’ve been avoided by wearing tighter fitting apparel instead looser ones at times
When inserting an implant through the nipple or thorax, you will need to undergo several tests before the procedure begins including blood tests and mammograms.
You should be tested before having the surgery since it is a major procedure. You can talk to your doctor about what tests you need and how long you have to wait before having the surgery.
You will also need to undergo several tests before the procedure begins including blood tests and mammograms.
The results of these tests are usually quite normal but sometimes you may need additional testing.
Before you undergo this procedure, it is important that you ensure that you are in good health. Blood tests and mammograms should be done to determine if there are any abnormalities in your body which could cause complications during the procedure or after surgery.
If the results of these tests are not normal, further testing may be required before proceeding with breast implant surgery through nipple. You should speak to your doctor if you have any questions about your health or need more information on what kind of additional testing would be needed for you as an individual patient.
During the procedure, you will have to remain in bed for about three weeks as your body heals from this procedure before returning to normal activities such as driving or sexual activity
While you are in the hospital, your breasts will feel swollen and tight. You can expect that they will continue to feel swollen and tight for up to two weeks after surgery. You may also notice some bruising around your nipples and breasts that will go away by itself within a week or two.
During this time, you should avoid doing any strenuous activity such as lifting heavy objects or exercising, because it could disrupt healing and cause complications such as infection or bleeding. It is also important for patients to keep their arms at their sides for about six weeks after breast augmentation surgery so their breasts do not drop too low on their bodies or sag over time, which would require additional surgery later on if left untreated now!
areolar breast augmentation
Getting breast implants is an exciting chance to achieve the feminine figure of your dreams, but there are many things to consider before making a choice. Many women have concerns about the procedure’s effect on areolas. Sadly, the answer is not straightforward. As breast implants are generally larger than natural breasts, areolas can stretch some to accommodate this change in size. Because every woman’s body is different, the results will differ for everyone. Not to worry – let’s take a look at some common concerns.
My Areolas Are Perfect – And I Want to Keep it That Way
If you are confident in the appearance of your areolas and are not about to risk imperfection, it’s important to specifically discuss this concern with your board-certified surgeon. Make sure to emphasize the importance of maintaining your current proportion (just on a larger scale) after surgery. Remember that the size of your implants can contribute to a noticeable change in areola size. If maintaining your current appearance is of high importance, consider choosing an implant that is not drastically larger than your natural size.
My Areolas Are Not Symmetrical
If your areolas are not naturally symmetrical, there’s great news! Board-certified surgeons encounter this problem more often than you may realize. Make sure to tell your surgeon if you desire areola repositioning during your breast augmentation. Experienced surgeons are able to calculate current and desired areola proportions to ensure you are satisfied with your new look. Achieving areolar symmetry will boost your overall satisfaction with the process.
My Areolas Are Naturally Too Small
Some women feel as though their natural areolas are too small. As a result, the idea of having breast augmentation surgery leads to concerns about areolas appearing smaller in comparison to their newly full bust. Fortunately, areolas can stretch to some degree after breast augmentation, which helps achieve a proportionate appearance. Make sure to discuss this concern with your board-certified surgeon.
My Areolas Are Naturally Too Big
In addition to having naturally large areolas, many life factors can affect the appearance of areolas including pregnancy, breastfeeding, and natural loss of elasticity. Many women who were previously unhappy with their areolas are pleasantly surprised at their new proportions and appearance after getting breast implants. Additionally, an areolar reduction procedure may be a smart addition to your surgery. Make sure to ask your surgeon about these options prior to scheduling your breast augmentation.
breast surgery type
Breast surgery encompasses a wide array of procedures for the breasts. From enhancing the size to male breast reduction, these procedures are tailored to your individual needs and cosmetic goals. Our board-certified plastic surgeon offers the whole spectrum of breast surgery and can help you identify the best way to reach your desired results.
1. Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery in the United States. Hundreds of thousands of patients undergo this procedure each year, which is designed to increase the size of your breasts using breast implants. Dr. Bogue offers silicone, saline, and “gummy bear” implants and can help you determine which implant type will look most natural as well as size, placement, and incision site.
Dr. Bogue also provides breast implant revision for those who want to change the type of breast implant or alter the size and shape of their results. Breast explant, or breast implant removal, is another option for women who are unhappy with their results or have experienced complications such as pain, firmness, or implant rupture.
2. Breast Lift
Breast sagging has varying degrees and is based on nipple placement in relation to the crease beneath the breasts, as well as the direction of the nipple. A breast lift restores a perky, youthful bust by tightening excess skin, reshaping the breast gland, and repositioning the nipple. A breast lift can also address large areolas and may be combined with breast augmentation with implants.
3. Breast Reduction
Overly large breasts cause a host of issues ranging from chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain to skin irritation and an inability to perform specific exercises. A breast reduction alleviates these concerns by eliminating excess breast tissue and improving the size, shape, and position of the breasts. If you have asymmetrical breasts, a breast reduction can provide an even bust—this can also be achieved with breast augmentation.
4. Breast Reconstruction
Many breast cancer survivors struggle with their sense of femininity after a single or double mastectomy or a lumpectomy. Breast reconstruction is commonly performed to restore the breasts and a womanly figure. Women have several options for breast reconstruction, some of which can be done at the time of the mastectomy or lumpectomy—Implant-based breast reconstruction, autologous tissue breast reconstruction, and lumpectomy defect correction.
5. Male Breast Reduction for Gynecomastia
Men of all ages struggle with a condition known as gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts. Gynecomastia is often caused by a hormonal imbalance of testosterone and estrogen. The overproduction of estrogen causes male breasts to swell. Enlarged breast tissue can be painful and embarrassing, but the condition typically goes away in young men and male children as they grow into adulthood. However, your genetics, medications, substance abuse, and weight gain can all play a part in gynecomastia. Dr. Bogue offers male breast reduction, which continues to grow in popularity as the stigma of plastic surgery decreases.
breast augmentation risks
Breast augmentation remains one of the most common and popular plastic surgery procedures performed in the U.S., and it has a low risk of complications – the most common being breast pain, changes in nipple and breast sensation, scar tissue formation, and rupture and deflation.
However, a small number of women experience a compilation of symptoms that has come to be known as breast implant illness, or BII. Though we are still learning about BII, and it is not a formal diagnosis, several new studies are investigating potential causes for the symptoms, which are wide-ranging and very real.
More than 100 symptoms have been associated with BII. Some of the most common include:
Breast implant illness has become more widely known in the last couple decades as patients have increasingly shared their stories on social media. In April 2022, retired race car driver Danica Patrick posted on Instagram about her struggles with BII and her decision to have her breast implants removed.
While it can be comforting to find a community of people with similar symptoms as you, unfortunately, sometimes these channels help spread misinformation or unnecessary fear.
Many patients with BII symptoms can find relief without having to remove their breast implants. In some cases, the cause of symptoms is an underlying condition that affects the immune system or hormone production.
If you develop unexplained symptoms that you suspect may stem from your breast implants, talk with a board certified plastic surgeon. We will listen to you and try to determine what the cause of your symptoms are and connect you with specialists if need be.
Determining the cause of your symptoms
Symptoms can occur with any type of breast implants and can start immediately after implantation or years later.
Because so many BII symptoms are associated with other conditions, it’s important to rule out causes unrelated to the breast implants. For example, many similar symptoms are associated with autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and Lyme disease. Hypothyroidism, menopause, and fibromyalgia also can cause symptoms similar to those of BII.
Our goals in diagnosis are to determine the cause of your symptoms and to make a plan to resolve those issues at the source. In some women, the implants themselves prove to be the issue, such as if the implant or tissues surrounding it stiffen, or if the implant ruptures. For many more, an underlying condition is the culprit.
Diagnosis starts with a conversation about what triggers your symptoms and the extent to which they interfere with your quality of life. From there, we may refer you to a specialist in areas such as:
If the specialists find an underlying condition, unrelated to your breast implants, treatment for that condition should relieve or eliminate your symptoms. If no underlying conditions are found, we’ll discuss potential next steps, such as removing your implants.
Deciding whether to remove your breast implants
Choosing to remove your breast implants is just as big a decision as it was to get them, and yet more women made that decision in 2021 than in previous years. According to statistics from The Aesthetic Society, 148,000 women had implants removed and replaced (up 32% from 2020), and 71,000 had their implants removed and not replaced (up 47%), though it’s unclear what role if any BII played in the increase.
If you’re unhappy with the size or shape of your implants, or if you’ve developed a complication such as capsular contracture – the formation of hard, stiff scar tissue around the implant – the decision to remove them may reduce your symptoms.
But if you are satisfied with your appearance and your symptoms are systemic, rather than directly associated with the breasts, the decision can be more difficult. Even if BII symptoms resolve after implant removal, adjusting to changes in your appearance can be challenging.
Your plastic surgeon will discuss all options with you to help you make the best decision.
Clearing up common myths related to BII
There are many websites and social media groups dedicated to breast implant illness. And it’s not unusual for patients to tell us they read or saw something that worries them in one of these communities. We’d like to address a couple of the more common concerns.
Sagging skin after implant removal: There are a lot of people who post photos of themselves after having their implants removed. These photos are usually of women who had very large – 400cc or 500cc – implants removed, leaving excessive, sagging skin behind. Images like these can cause unnecessary anxiety.
Transferring fat to the breast from elsewhere in the body can help restore some volume after implant removal. Though your breasts likely will not be as full as they were with implants, this process can provide a pleasing appearance and a less dramatic transition.
“Only one right” way to remove implants: There are several methods to safely remove breast implants:
However, many social communities say that only specific procedures – notably en-bloc capsulectomy – will eliminate BII symptoms. This is untrue, and there are situations in which that procedure could cause more problems. For example, if the capsule is stuck to the chest wall, taking it all out could cause a pneumothorax, or air to leak into the space between the lungs and chest wall. In this case, we can take out most of the capsule and cauterize the patch that’s against the ribcage.
Additionally, removing the capsule and implant together (en-block) may require a longer incision, especially for women who have only had an augmentation and not a breast lift plus augmentation.
Current research and action related to BII
Research is under way to determine the degree to which certain symptoms are directly caused by breast implants and what effect, if any, removal has on those symptoms.
A study published in December 2021 found that the type of breast implant removal performed did not affect the reduction of breast implant illness symptoms.
Part two of this study investigated concerns, expressed on some BII websites, that the presence of heavy metals in silicone and saline breast implant capsules are a primary cause of systemic symptoms and health problems. More than 20 heavy metals were studied and some participants with BII symptoms had statistically higher levels of arsenic and zinc in their breast implant capsules compared with participants who didn’t exhibit BII symptoms. But the measured levels were all below what is considered acceptable exposure levels by regulatory agencies.
Also, the research confirmed that fewer heavy metals were detected in breast implant capsules than in breast tissue from patients who never had implants. Among participants with BII symptoms, there was a higher number of current or former smokers using tobacco and marijuana and a greater number of women with gluten allergies, suggesting that environmental exposure and personal choices related to cigarette smoking, marijuana use, tattoo pigments, and dietary sources may be the source of a BII patient’s exposure to heavy metals.
Based on this research, heavy metal toxicity should not sway a patient’s decision to remove her breast implants.
Finally, it’s important to note that a BII task force has been established within The Aesthetic Society to conduct research and follow new breast implant patients for more than 10 years in hopes of establishing more definitive data and finding more answers for patients and providers.
We understand it can be extremely frustrating to feel unwell without a specific diagnosis – especially after you’ve been through one or more major breast surgeries. Our breast plastic surgery and specialist teams work together, dedicated to providing you with evidence-based care that will get you to the ultimate goal of feeling better.
If you experience symptoms or complications that you suspect may be related to breast implants, call 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online.
A breakthrough in breast reconstruction at UTSW
When Renee Mallonee found out she was BRCA2 positive and her lifetime risk of breast cancer was high, she took the news very seriously. After 15 years of screenings and tests every six months, in 2020 she turned to UT Southwestern and became the first patient in the United States to receive a single port robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy.