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The only way to know exactly what type (and size) of implants are right for you is to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. However, at the same time, it’s important to have an idea of what you want before you walk into a surgeon’s office. If you do, you can give your surgeon the information he or she needs to develop a personalized treatment plan that accurately reflects your cosmetic goals.

Breast implants are artificial devices used to change the size, shape, and contour of a person’s breasts. They are commonly used in breast augmentation procedures to enhance the appearance of the breasts, helping individuals regain confidence and a sense of normalcy. Additionally, breast implants play a crucial role in breast reconstruction for patients who have undergone a mastectomy due to breast cancer. This process helps restore the breast’s appearance and is different from breast augmentation, which is typically sought by healthy individuals looking to change their breast appearance.

Understanding Breast Implants

Breast implants are artificial devices surgically inserted into the breasts to alter their shape, size, or contour. They play a crucial role in both reconstructive plastic surgery and cosmetic breast augmentation surgery. For women who have undergone a mastectomy, breast implants can restore a natural-looking breast, helping them regain confidence and a sense of normalcy. They are also used to correct congenital defects and deformities of the chest wall.

Breast implants consist of a silicone shell filled with either saline solution or silicone gel. The choice between saline and silicone gel fillers can significantly impact the outcome of the surgery. Silicone gel implants are known for their natural feel and appearance, closely mimicking the texture of real breast tissue. On the other hand, saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, which can be adjusted even after insertion, offering flexibility in achieving the desired breast size.

Defining Your Breast Augmentation Objectives

Before you can work with your surgeon to select the best breast implants for you, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to get out of surgery. Women have many different reasons for pursuing breast augmentation; usually, they want one or more of the following cosmetic problems corrected:

• They feel that their breasts are too small. While there is, of course, absolutely nothing wrong with having small breasts, sometimes women who have curvaceous hips and thighs feel that their small breasts are not proportional with the rest of their body. If this is the case, breast augmentation surgery is the perfect way to create an hourglass figure for the woman in question.

• They have lost breast volume due to breastfeeding or the effects of menopause. Decreased breast volume is a common side effect of both of the aforementioned life changes. Fortunately, breast augmentation can restore the breasts to their prior size and shape. However, if you’re in this situation, you should be aware that you almost certainly also require a breast lift. Ask your plastic surgeon about the possibility of having combined lift-augmentation surgery. An experienced surgeon should be able to conduct both of these procedures at once, saving you money and cutting down on your total healing time.

• They don’t like the shape of their breasts. While the media has inundated us with images of round, pert, and basically symmetrical breasts, such breasts are the exception—not the rule. Many women have breasts that are more oblong in shape than round, even before they have had children or experienced the effects of aging. Because most breast implant types are quite round, inserting them into oblong breasts can produce a more pleasing shape.

Breast unevenness is also extremely common; in fact, up to a full cup size of difference between breasts is considered perfectly normal from a medical perspective. However, no matter how natural this condition is, it still troubles many women affected by it. These women often decide to get both of their breasts augmented, but ask their surgeon to use a larger implant in their smaller breast, thereby eliminating the size discrepancy between their breasts. Additionally, it’s important to be aware that breast pain can be a potential complication of breast augmentation, along with other issues like rashes and infection.

Choosing a Breast Implant Size

When choosing a breast implant size, forget asking for a certain cup size. Cup sizes are not standardized and vary greatly between different band sizes and even different bra brands. To really get a sense of what implant volume (which is measured in CC) is right for you, you’ll need to request a few different “sizers” from your plastic surgeon. Insert the sizers into a bra, then try on your favorite outfits. When you have found a size that you think looks flattering, try wearing it for at least a few hours (and try exercising in it, too). This will give you a realistic idea of what it will be like to carry that much additional weight on your chest. If you find yourself struggling to adjust to the sizers, go down a size.

And, one final note on size: If you have very small natural breasts, you probably won’t be able to have large implants inserted right away. You’ll need to start with smaller implants, give your skin and breast tissue time to adapt, then have larger implants inserted.

Deciding Between Saline and Silicone Breast Implants

Research reveals that fully eighty-four percent of women now opt to have silicone gel implants inserted (rather than saline). There’s sound logic behind this choice: Silicone gel implants look and feel more like natural breasts, they are more durable than saline breast implants, and they do not cause the skin to “ripple” or dimple like saline implants sometimes do. With that said, however, saline breast implants should not be ruled out without due consideration. Unlike silicone breast implants, they can be adjusted after they have been inserted, so they’re ideal for women who are not sure what they want their final breast size to be. Saline implants are also the only choice available to women younger than 22. As such, if you want to get your first implants at the age of 18 and gradually expand your breast tissue in preparation for a larger silicone implant later, saline implants are a good choice. Some women also feel more comfortable with saline implants because it’s very easy to tell if they have begun to leak, and saline leaks are often harmless.

Once you have defined your cosmetic goals, chosen a size that works for you, and selected an implant material, you’ll be ready to begin your breast augmentation journey. If you have any further questions about breast augmentation, or you’re ready to book a consultation, feel free to contact us for more information.

Breast Implant Texture and Shape

When it comes to breast implants, texture and shape are key factors that can influence the final result. Smooth breast implants are the softest and can move naturally within the breast implant pocket, providing a more lifelike movement. However, they may sometimes cause visible rippling under the skin. Textured breast implants, in contrast, develop scar tissue that adheres to the implant, reducing the likelihood of movement within the breast. This can be beneficial for maintaining the implant’s position but has been associated with a higher risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

The shape of the implant also plays a significant role in the overall appearance. Round breast implants tend to make the breasts look fuller, especially at the top, which can be ideal for those seeking a more pronounced cleavage. Teardrop-shaped implants, also known as anatomical implants, offer a more natural slope, with greater projection at the bottom and a tapered top. Gummy bear breast implants, or form-stable implants, are another option. These implants maintain their shape even if the shell is broken, providing a firmer feel compared to traditional implants.

Safety and Complications

While breast implants are generally considered safe, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and complications. Common issues include scarring, bleeding, infection, and capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implant hardens. Implant rupture or leakage is another concern, particularly with older implants. Additionally, there is a rare but serious risk of developing breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

Some individuals report systemic symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, skin rash, cognitive difficulties, and joint pain, a condition sometimes referred to as breast implant illness. Although studies have not conclusively linked these symptoms to breast implants, some patients experience relief after breast implant removal.

It’s crucial to understand that breast implants are not lifetime devices. Over time, you may need to replace them due to complications or changes in your breasts’ size and shape. Regular check-ups with a board-certified plastic surgeon and routine screenings, including yearly mammograms and MRI or ultrasound scans every five to six years, are essential to monitor the condition of your implants and ensure your ongoing health.

By staying informed and working closely with your plastic surgeon, you can make the best decisions for your breast augmentation journey, ensuring both safety and satisfaction with your results.