Breast Augmentation Definitions

There are certain words that a breast augmentation candidate will frequently come across while doing their homework. In order to better aid the individual’s learning experience, we have provided a list of commonly associated words with breast augmentation procedures.

Saline, or salt water is used as a filler for breast implants. Saline breast implants are encased in a silicone shell.

Silicone is a plastic material that forms into gel for breast implant fillers. In the past silicone was the main type of implant used for breast augmentation until the FDA removed the use of silicone in 1992 for safety measures.

Capsular contracture is a risk associated to breast augmentation that results in the hardening of the tissue surrounding the breast.

Areola is the dark skin that surrounds the breast’s nipple.

Pectoralis major is the large chest muscle referred to as ‘pecs’, which is the place a breast augmentation takes place at.

Axillary refers to the armpit area that incisions are sometimes made in for breast augmentations. This area is considered an optimal place for breast augmentation incisions because the scarring is hidden.

Mammaplasty is referring to a plastic surgery procedure of the breast. This includes, breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift.

Mammography is the x-ray that is taken of women’s breasts for the purposes of detecting breast cancer.

Mastopexy is a plastic surgery procedure that lifts the breast for women who were either born with sagging breasts or whose breasts have fallen with age. Some women who choose to have a breast augmentation may also be told to have that plastic surgery procedure along with a breast lift for optimal results.

Submuscular means under the muscle, which is where a breast augmentation implant can be located.

Subpectoral means that the breast augmentation implants are located under the pectoralis muscle.

Inframammary means underneath the breast. This is a possible location for a breast augmentation.

Subglandular indicates under the breast tissue or gland. This is a possible location for a breast augmentation incision.

Endoscope is a surgical instrument that is used for various medical reasons, also including the insertion of breast implants during a breast augmentation. The endoscope has a long, narrow, lighted tube that can be either rigid or flexible.

top of page