Today’s implants and surgical techniques allow for natural-looking breast augmentation in women of all shapes and sizes. However, if you have a low BMI and minimal fat tissue, there are some factors you will want to consider when it comes to breast augmentation. To achieve a natural-looking breast augmentation for small breasts and a low BMI, you and your surgeon must consider your lifestyle, the type and size of breast implants, and the placement of your new breast implants.
Implant Size
When looking to achieve a natural-looking breast augmentation, choosing the right size is probably the most important aspect. The size of the implants not only affects the size and appearance of your new bustline but choosing too large of an implant size can contribute to pain and discomfort, especially if you participate in high-impact exercises that contribute to bouncing. If your BMI is low and your frame is small, you would be surprised at how even a small implant size can make a dramatic difference. In addition, those with low BMI often do not have enough natural tissue to provide coverage over a larger implant, making it difficult to achieve a natural appearance.
Type of Implant
Breast implants come in two different options: saline and silicone. For women with low BMI, silicone implants are most recommended. There are multiple reasons that silicone implants are typically preferred. First, saline implants are typically heavier than their silicone options, meaning saline implants can contribute to increased back pain and discomfort for women with a small frame. In addition, many women with a low BMI often have minimal or very thin breast tissue. When an implant is placed, a silicone implant is more likely to maintain a natural shape whereas a saline implant is more likely to ripple.
Implant Placement
For women with a low BMI, the right implant placement can be tricky, and this is one of the reasons it is important to find a plastic surgeon that is experienced in low BMI breast augmentations. In general, surgeons recommend a submuscular (under the muscle) implant placement for a much more natural and supported appearance. This is beneficial for coverage of the implants when breast tissue is thin and provides support when exercising. However, if you have a very low BMI and are a bodybuilder or competitive athlete, submuscular placement can increase the risk of breast animation deformity. This occurs when the implant moves or changes shape when the chest muscles activate.
However, women looking for a more perky breast appearance will want to consider an implant placement above the muscle, known as sub-glandular placement. This placement allows for a much perkier appearance but may not result as natural-looking as the submuscular implant.
Lifestyle Considerations
If your low BMI is the result of an active lifestyle that includes regular exercise, you will want to consider your favorite activities and how breast implants may interfere. When choosing your breast implants, you will want to take these activities and exercise into consideration and choose an implant size that is large enough to provide an enhancement but not too large to get in the way.
If you have a low BMI and have been considering breast augmentation, Dr. Castellano will sit down with you to discuss your lifestyle, evaluate your overall health, and explore your goals when it comes to breast augmentation. With this information, he will explain the best possible choices when it comes to your augmentation and desired results.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
