Breast Augmentation Methods! What Are They? Let's Find Out at Melon Plastic Surgery

Hello, this is Melon Plastic Surgery, your breast specialist.

Today, we've prepared the advanced installment, the final part of our confusing breast terminology series. We've previously uploaded the introductory, intermediate, and special appendix editions. Have your questions about breast surgery been somewhat resolved so far?! In this advanced section, we'll explore how breast surgery is performed! We'll delve into breast augmentation methods. We'll clarify what might have seemed complicated, all at once!

Subfascial, Dual-Plane

Subfascial and dual-plane are surgical methods distinguished by the implant insertion position.

I'd like to explain this based on the large chest muscle called the pectoralis major. Depending on whether the implant is placed above the pectoralis major muscle or partially beneath it, it's categorized as subfascial or dual-plane.

First, subfascial is so named because the implant is inserted beneath the fascia. The implant goes under the fascia, which is above the pectoralis major muscle.

Pros and Cons of Subfascial

1. Since it's covered only by the fascia, the implant is often more noticeable. The thickness of the muscle covering the implant determines the naturalness.

2. Subfascial recovery is fast.

3. Animation phenomenon is less likely to occur.

Dual-plane is a surgical method where the implant is primarily positioned under the pectoralis major muscle. To improve shape and naturalness, only a portion of the implant is placed under the muscle.

Pros and Cons of Dual-Plane

1. The implant is less noticeable. This is because the shape and form become more natural as the implant is covered by thicker tissue. Most Koreans, unlike Westerners, tend to have thinner soft tissues covering the implant. Therefore, those who desire natural-looking breasts often opt for dual-plane.

2. Since a portion of the implant is located under the muscle, the animation phenomenon may occur.

So, what is the best surgical method? There is no single answer. It's crucial to remember that a decision can only be made after comprehensively considering various factors such as the patient's physical condition, desired size, and shape.

Breast Pocket, Accessory Breast

Breast Pocket

The space where the implant is inserted, meaning the size of the breast framework, is called the breast pocket. The size of the breast pocket is highly correlated with the implant size, making it one of the important factors to consider during consultation and surgery.

Accessory Breast

An accessory breast refers to the presence of additional breast tissue beyond the two main breasts. The most common form is a bulge, like a lump, located in the armpit. While accessory breasts can appear and disappear due to hormonal changes or weight fluctuations, if they persist for a long time, accessory breast removal may be performed concurrently with breast augmentation.

Drain, Drainage Bag

What is commonly referred to as a ‘drain’ or ‘drainage bag’ means a drainage tube, which is a thin tube connected to the operated area of the body. In most cases, it's not worn, but if it's deemed medically necessary, a drainage tube may be inserted before the end of the surgery.

Reconstruction ≠ Revision Surgery

Sometimes, I meet people who think reconstruction and revision surgery are the same. In the case of reconstruction, it's not within the realm of breast augmentation but rather a surgical treatment to restore a breast that has undergone breast cancer surgery. In breast cancer cases, mastectomy is often involved, and patients suffer greatly from the sense of loss of their breast. Rebuilding a lost breast is precisely what breast reconstruction is.

For reconstruction, there are methods using autologous tissue and methods using implants, which vary depending on the patient's prognosis, condition, and circumstances. I hope you consult sufficiently with a specialist who can perform reconstruction and beautifully restore both your mind and your breasts.

The terms I've explained will be encountered not only when searching but also during consultations at the clinic and even after surgery. I hope this helps when you feel confused and wonder what these terms mean. While it's good to study the surgery you're going to receive in advance, rather than worrying and deciding based solely on internet information, I hope you seek professional and clear methods through consultation with a specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are implant insertion positions distinguished in breast augmentation?

In breast augmentation, implant insertion positions are broadly divided into subfascial and dual-plane. This distinction is based on the pectoralis major muscle: whether the implant is inserted under the fascia above the muscle, or if it's positioned under the pectoralis major with only a portion of the implant going beneath the muscle.

What are the advantages of the subfascial surgical method?

The subfascial surgical method involves inserting the implant beneath the fascia. Its advantage is faster recovery because the implant is covered only by the fascia. Additionally, the ‘animation phenomenon’ is less likely to occur.

Is the dual-plane surgical method more suitable for Koreans?

Yes, the dual-plane surgical method has the advantage of making the implant less noticeable, as the shape and form become more natural when the implant is covered by thicker tissue. Koreans tend to have thinner soft tissues covering the implant, so many who desire natural-looking breasts often prefer the dual-plane method.

What does ‘breast pocket’ mean?

The ‘breast pocket’ refers to the space where the implant is inserted, which is the size of the breast framework. The size of the breast pocket is closely related to the implant size, making it one of the important factors to consider during consultation and surgery.

Can an accessory breast be removed during breast augmentation?

Yes, an accessory breast refers to additional breast tissue beyond the two main breasts, often appearing as a lump in the armpit. If an accessory breast persists for a long time, its removal can be considered concurrently with breast augmentation.

Are breast reconstruction and revision surgery the same thing?

No, breast reconstruction and revision surgery have different meanings. Breast reconstruction refers to a surgical treatment to restore a breast lost due to breast cancer surgery or similar reasons, while revision surgery refers to a procedure performed within the realm of breast augmentation.