Asian Breast Augmentation
February 15, 2023
Written By Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure for women who dislike the small size of their breasts. Asian women who are unhappy with the size of their breasts may have low confidence in their bodies and suffer from emotional discomfort. Sadly, it may be difficult for Asian women interested in breast augmentation to locate a doctor who understands the unique anatomy of Asian women and the cultural standards of beauty that apply to them.
Just like any other cosmetic surgery procedure, breast augmentation needs to be customized to each patient’s demands to improve the overall results of the procedure. Even though Asian women come in different sizes and forms, they share some common ethnic traits that necessitate the creation of a surgical plan that is specifically designed for them before a breast augmentation can be carried out. Before you decide to get an Asian breast augmentation, you should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz to get the best advice on the exact procedure that will be ideal for you.
What is an Asian Breast Augmentation?
Asian breast augmentation is a specific form of breast augmentation that adapts to Asian body types and beauty standards. With this procedure, Asian women can improve the overall appearance of their breasts thereby boosting the quality of their lives and figures.
Asian women’s breasts can look attractive and natural when augmented with implants. Breast augmentation, however, can make an Asian woman’s proportions appear out of balance if done incorrectly. Furthermore, employing conventional techniques with an everyday approach may result in disproportionate and undesirable results. Plastic surgeons who have specialized in Asian breast augmentation are always conscious of the cultural identity and physical characteristics of their patients at every stage of the augmentation process.
Asian women are typically more petite and shorter than women of other races. When performing breast augmentation for an Asian woman, an inexperienced surgeon may be tempted to utilize the same type of very large implants that they would use for a Caucasian patient with larger shoulders and a wider chest wall. However, using this implant size on an Asian woman can make her breasts appear abnormally large in relation to her frame. A more seasoned ethnic plastic surgeon will be aware of the benefits of using a medium-sized but higher-profile breast implant.
Where are the Incisions Placed in an Asian Breast Augmentation?
Most Asian women have thin, sensitive skin that is prone to developing elevated or pigmented scars and this plays a major role in determining where the incisions for implant placement are made. There are three possible locations for the incisions:
- The Inframammary Approach (the fold under the breast): This is the method that is used the most frequently because it gives the surgeon the best view and allows for the insertion of implants of any size or shape. A pigmented scar, however, could detract from the beauty of a breast if it were to form in this area.
- Trans-Axillary Technique: This method is the one that women who want to prevent a scar under each breast choose. The incision is usually well hidden by a natural skin crease in the armpit region. Scars in this area are often relatively small, but keep in mind that they could get pigmented and become noticeable if the arms were elevated while wearing a sleeveless shirt.
- Periareolar Approach: The incision is made halfway around the edge of the areola. One disadvantage of this approach is that the incision is typically quite small, making it possible to only use small silicone implants (or saline implants that are filled after they are inserted inside the breasts) with this method. Additionally, there’s still a chance that the area around the areola will develop a brown scar.
What matters most is that you feel comfortable with the location of your incision. Your scars may not necessarily become pigmented, but you should at least be aware of the possibility. Your surgeon will provide you with all the information you need to know about your procedure so that you can make an educated decision.
Despite the variations appearing to be slight, small ethnic differences can have a big impact on cosmetic surgery and this is why it is important to ensure that your Asian breast augmentation is performed by an experienced ethnic plastic surgeon.
How do I Know the Right Implant Size for My Asian Breast Augmentation?
A careful choice of implant size is necessary for an Asian woman who desires a breast augmentation to be more attractive and feminine without appearing overly unnatural. You should opt for implants that match your physique and don’t look fake.
Naturally, a woman’s general shape, her desired cup size, and the size of her breasts will all determine the best implant size for her. Nonetheless, the goal of the procedure should remain the same: to give you a cup size that enhances your femininity and attractiveness, without being excessively huge, unnatural, or “artificial” in any way.
What are the Types of Implants used for Asian Breast Augmentation?
- Silicone breast implants: Silicone gel is used to fill silicone breast implants, giving them a natural feel. Silicone breast implants are more expensive, require a somewhat longer incision, and are considerably less likely to ripple than saline.
- Saline breast implants: These implants are filled with IV fluids. Saline breast implants are less expensive and call for a smaller incision than silicone gel implants. They are more prone to rippling in thin patients. Some women feel that silicone implants feel more real. The newest variety of saline implants, dubbed the “Ideal Implant,” was created to feel better and ripple less just like a silicone implant.
Why Does Asian Skin Scar Differently?
Asians may have distinctive skin characteristics that make their scarring more obvious. Although hyperpigmentation as a result of scars can occur in all ethnic groups, Asian women are usually more affected because of their skin’s higher melanin content.
Asian skin is also more fragile which makes it more susceptible to keloid or hypertrophic scarring. These raised scars can be seen through tight clothing making them far more conspicuous than their flat counterparts. A plastic surgeon with experience in Asian plastic surgery will be able to make accurate incisions that will lessen the likelihood of these unsightly scars. Scars will may gradually fade with the right skin care regimen and maintenance, but never completely disappear.
How Do I Prepare for Asian Breast Augmentation?
A successful Asian breast augmentation procedure begins with the initial consultation. The initial consultation is the first and most crucial stage of your Asian breast augmentation treatment. Be prepared to respond to inquiries from your surgeon regarding your health history, current medications, and general well-being.
You must arrive ready with any inquiries you may have. Choosing a new bra size can be a useful tool for deciding how big you want your new breasts to be. Patients should constantly inquire about the types of implants that their surgeon offers, as well as whether they can “try on” various sizes.
Bringing images of Asian ladies whose breasts you’d like to have will help you prepare for your consultation. Using this information, your surgeon can create a treatment plan that complements both your aesthetic goals and your ethnic background.
How Is the Asian Breast Augmentation Performed
Asian breast augmentation is a relatively short same-day procedure and it usually lasts for about 60minutes depending on your plastic surgeon and the type of anesthesia used for the procedure. The cost of Asian breast augmentation is determined by various factors such as anesthesia fees, the type of correction, and surgical fees. Your plastic surgeon will provide a detailed quote during your consultation. Dr. Joe’s fees are standard for all patients regardless of the incision or the pocket requested.
Asian breast augmentation is performed in the same way as a traditional breast implant procedure. Anesthesia will be administered at the start of the procedure. After this, your surgeon will:
- Make an incision;
- Elevate the breast tissue and create a pocket for the implants;
- Place the implant into the pocket created;
- Close the incision with surgical sutures.
The implants can be placed either below the breast tissue above the pectoral muscles or under the pectoral muscles. The location of the implants in relation to the muscle is determined by several factors, including:
- The anatomy of the patient;
- The type of implants used;
- The size of the implant.
Am I a Good Candidate for Asian Breast Augmentation?
You may be considered for an Asian breast augmentation if you:
- Are in good health;
- Desire fuller breasts;
- Have reasonable expectations;
- Desire a more proportional shape;
- Have asymmetrical breasts.
When assessing the advantages of breast augmentation, keep in mind your plans in case you decide to have more children or experience other drastic weight fluctuations.
Recovery after an Asian Breast Augmentation
After your Asian breast augmentation surgery, your breasts may be covered with bandages or gauze dressings. You may be required to wear a support bra or compression garment to reduce post-surgery swelling. Your plastic surgeon may also use drains temporarily to drain any blood or fluid that may build up at the surgical site.
Your plastic surgeon will provide you with thorough post-operative instructions on how to take care of your surgical site, things to watch out for at the surgical site or in your overall health, the medications to take to reduce the risk of infection and enhance healing, and when to come back for a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon to track your recovery.
You may fully recover after an Asian breast augmentation in only a few days. Remember that you can also ask your plastic surgeon questions about what to expect during your recovery period. You should ensure that you follow the instructions you will receive from your surgeon carefully.
FAQs about Asian Breast Augmentation
Do breast augmentations last forever?
They are not lifetime devices..
Do breast implants age you faster?
Your natural breast aging process may be impacted by breast implants. Since the implants support your natural breast tissue, you will appear younger.
What happens to breast implants as you age?
Older implants have the highest risk of rupturing. The implants may deteriorate and become more vulnerable to rupturing or leaking over time. The good news is that modern implants are designed to be as secure as possible in case there is a rupture or leak.
What are the cons of breast augmentation?
Some of the downsides of breast augmentation include scar tissue formation that may affect the shape of the breast implants (capsular contracture), infection, breast pain, changes in the position of implants, changes in nipple and breast sensation, and implant leakage or rupture. You can reduce the likelihood of developing complications by ensuring that your breast augmentation procedure is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon.
Further Reading about Breast Procedures
Medical References for Asian Breast Augmentation
