Breast augmentation is performed on women of all ages and sizes. And while the decision to undergo breast enlargement surgery, the selection of the size of the implant, and some of the other choices patients make about breast augmentation are based on their personal cosmetic goals, the patient’s body type is also an important factor to consider during the breast augmentation planning stage.

Thin Women

Women who are on the thinner side and who lack significant breast tissue are often better candidates for silicone implants. Silicone really is a big benefit to people who really have no breast tissue, who are very, very thin. Those people will get the most bang for their buck from the silicone.

As for implant placement, most doctors prefer to place implants under the chest muscle in small-framed women. This approach provides more coverage of the implant, prevents it from looking too rounded on top, and results in a more natural appearance.

The incisional approach used on thinner women depends on their aesthetic goals.

Because silicone implants come pre-filled, the incision will need to be large enough for placement of the implants. While both the inframammary (breast crease) and areolar (nipple) approaches leave scars, the areolar incision may be less noticeable.

Best Breast Augmentation Approaches for Thin Women

Implant Type: Silicone
Placement: Under the muscle
Incisional Approach: Areolar or inframammary

Fuller Women

Women who already have a good amount of breast tissue are good candidates for either saline or silicone breast implants, under- or over-the-muscle placement, and the areolar or inframammary approach. Because larger-framed women have more choices available to them, the breast augmentation technique largely depends on the patient’s individual goals. People who already have breast tissue, they just want to go larger and they have good, thick skin, those people would do well either way – [with] the saline and the silicone.

Some patients prefer saline implants because they are concerned that there are risks associated with silicone implants. Although both types are respected, whichever decision a patient makes regarding implant type, it’s always best to educate each patient on the safety of silicone implants.

Best Breast Augmentation Approaches for Fuller Women

Implant Type: Silicone or saline
Placement: Under or over the muscle
Incisional Approach: Areolar and/or inframammary