CHECKLIST · A TO Z

Breast Surgery Checklist A to Z

A field-tested checklist for international patients considering breast augmentation, revision, mastopexy, or reduction at Umnagumo Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul. Decisions are organized around implant choice, incision, placement plane, and recovery — each item lists what to verify with the surgical team before, during, and after surgery.

01

Before the Consultation

  • Decide on your priorities — natural look, volume, asymmetry correction, revision of a prior surgery, or post-pregnancy reconstruction.
  • Gather any prior surgical records (implant type, cc, incision site, year, and complication history).
  • Note physical context — chest wall shape, tissue thickness, skin elasticity, pregnancy/breastfeeding plans, and lifestyle (sports, sleep posture).
  • Compile reference photos that show the silhouette you find natural and proportional for your frame.
02

Implant Selection — Brand & Profile

  • Brand: Motiva, Mentor (BOOST / Xtra Smooth), Sebbin — each has distinct cohesivity, surface texture, and shell properties.
  • Profile: low / moderate / high — the projection profile is matched to your chest width, not chosen by personal preference alone.
  • Surface: smooth vs. nano-textured — long-term capsular-contracture and rippling profiles differ.
  • cc range: derived from breast base width, soft-tissue cover, and target silhouette — not an arbitrary number.
03

Incision Approach

  • Trans-axillary (armpit) — no scar on the breast itself; Umnagumo specialty since 2005, applicable to both primary and revision cases.
  • Inframammary (under-breast fold) — direct pocket access, often chosen for larger implants or specific revision plans.
  • Periareolar (around the areola) — direct dissection access; the trade-off is areolar scar visibility on light skin.
  • Trade-offs vary by skin elasticity, areolar size, planned implant, and your scar tolerance — review with the surgeon.
04

Placement Plane

  • Subglandular — under the breast tissue only; visible movement, more rippling risk in thin patients.
  • Subfascial — under the pectoral fascia; balance of cover and natural movement.
  • Dual plane — partial muscle cover at the upper pole; the most common choice for natural-looking augmentation.
  • Submuscular — full muscle cover; mostly used in very thin patients or specific revision contexts.
05

Post-operative Care

  • Day 1–3: elevated upper-body sleep, soft diet, prescribed medications strictly on schedule.
  • Week 1: drain check, sutures, light walking; no driving, no upper-arm load.
  • Week 2–4: scar care (silicone gel + sun protection), gradual return to office work.
  • Month 1–3: implant-massage and band-wearing guidance from the clinic; no high-impact exercise.
  • Month 3+: gradual return to full exercise; long-term follow-up at 6 months and annually.
EDITORIAL · DR. NAM COLUMN

The clinical decisions, written out longhand

The same calls we make in consultation — placement plane, implant position, complications, size — written in editorial form by the clinic director.

REFERENCE · IMPLANTS & INCISIONS

Deep dives on the choices you’ll make

Three practical guides for international patients: Motiva and Mentor implant families explained, and the three main incision approaches honestly compared.

Checklist FAQ

What are the most important things to verify before any breast-surgery consultation?
Body type and skin elasticity, implant brand and size, incision location (trans-axillary, inframammary, periareolar), placement plane (subfascial, dual plane, submuscular), and the recovery timeline. A thorough first consultation should cover all five.
How do I choose between trans-axillary, inframammary, and periareolar incisions?
It depends on your scar tolerance, existing breast shape, skin and tissue condition, and the overall surgical plan. There is no universal best — discuss the trade-offs with the surgeon based on your specific anatomy.
What is the difference between subfascial placement and the dual-plane technique?
Each has its own strengths and trade-offs. The right approach depends on tissue thickness, chest-wall shape, and the silhouette you want. The dual-plane technique is the most common choice for natural-looking augmentation in average-tissue patients.
Is the checklist different for breast revision or mastopexy?
Yes. Additional evaluation is required — degree of ptosis, nipple/areola position, prior surgical history, capsule status, and existing tissue quality. Diagnosis and planning carry more weight than in a primary case.
Do you offer consultations in English?
Yes. Umnagumo Plastic Surgery offers English-language consultations both online (KakaoTalk / WhatsApp) and in person. Bookings: +82-2-512-6838 or http://pf.kakao.com/_QRNzxj.

Next Step

Have the surgeon walk you through your case.

A direct consultation with the director — based on your photos, body type, and lifestyle. English desk available; in-person and remote both supported.

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