A breast implant is a soft silicone shell filled with fluid, saline or silicone gel. It’s placed under the skin of each breast during surgery to change their size and shape.
Breast implants can be temporary or permanent, depending on your needs. Temporary breast implants are made of saline or silicone gel and require removal before they deflate. Permanent implants are made of silicone gel and provide long-lasting results.
Breast augmentation surgery is often done as part of a bigger cosmetic procedure called mastopexy (breast lift). In this procedure, excess skin is removed from around the nipple area, which helps give the breasts more volume.
Are you thinking of getting breast implants? If so, you are not alone. In fact, more than 300,000 women undergo breast implant surgery every year. It’s the most popular cosmetic surgery in the country and the number one procedure requested by women who have had children.
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure where saline or silicone gel implants are inserted into your breasts to increase their size and enhance your appearance. Here are some things to consider before going under the knife:
1. Who are you having it done by?
2. What brand of implant will be used?
3. How much does it cost?
Breast implant surgery is a procedure that implants a breast implant into the breast to enhance its shape or size. Breast implants come in different sizes, shapes and profiles (low, moderate, high). It’s important for a patient to choose the right size and profile for their body type because once placed inside the body, it cannot be removed without replacing it with another one.
Silicone gel is a clear, flexible silicone material that conforms to your body. It’s filled with saline solution or silicone oil.
Breast implants can be placed through an incision made under the breast or around the nipple, which is called an inframammary incision.
The two most common types of breast implants are saline and silicone gel, but other materials are available. Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater solution to give them volume; they’re less likely than silicone gel implants to rupture or leak into surrounding tissue. Silicone gel implants have a more natural feel, but they’re prone to rupture and leakage because they don’t have a supporting outer shell like saline models do. They also require longer recovery time after surgery because they aren’t filled until after placement in your body.
Breast implant surgery is an elective procedure. Women who want to enlarge their breasts or correct a deformity of the breasts may choose to undergo breast implant surgery. Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery that involves the insertion of implants under your breast tissue to increase the size of your breast. A breast implant is a silicone device filled with either silicone gel or saline (salt water solution) that is placed under the breast tissue.
Breast implants are generally used for cosmetic purposes, but they can also be used for reconstructive purposes in women whose breasts have been damaged by cancer treatment or other diseases.
Studies show that over 90% of women who had breast augmentation surgery were satisfied with their results. Some patients may experience complications such as capsular contraction and asymmetry, but these are easily treatable with corrective surgery.
Know the different types of breast implants.
In the past, breast implants were made from a synthetic material called silicone. Today, silicone implants are still used in some cases, but many women choose saline (saltwater) implants instead. Saline implants are more expensive than silicone ones, but they’re less likely to rupture. The saline in these implants helps them maintain their shape and position within the breast tissue. If you have saline implants, you’ll need to have them replaced every 10 years or so. Silicone gel-filled implants have been associated with an increased risk of capsular contracture — when scar tissue forms around the implant — and other problems for some women. Silicone gel-filled implants also tend to feel firmer than saline ones do; this can cause them to feel more noticeable during exercise or physical activity.
Different implants are made from different materials.
Different implants are made from different materials. Saline implants are filled with sterile water, while silicone gel-filled implants have a silicone shell that contains silicone oil. Saline implants were first introduced in 1964, but they weren’t widely used until after silicone gel-filled breast augmentation became popular in the 1980s. Today, saline implants are still common because they’re less expensive than silicone-filled ones and because they’re easier to insert through small incisions (though this may not always be true). Silicone gel-filled implants became popular in the 1980s because they’re softer than saline implants and feel more natural under the skin. They also don’t leak over time like saline implants can sometimes do (though this can happen if an implant ruptures).
Recovery can and often does take longer than patients anticipate.
Recovery from breast augmentation can take longer than patients anticipate and many women find that they need help with daily tasks for weeks after surgery. Recovery time is different for everyone, but most women can expect about two weeks off work, another week or so on light duty at home, and a few more weeks before they feel like themselves again. If you have other children at home or depend on your income for daily living expenses, this may be a concern.
Consider your options.
The first step is to determine which type of breast implants is right for you. There are two main categories: silicone gel and saline (salt water). Both types of implants come in different sizes and shapes, so be sure to find out what’s available. Silicone gel implants are filled with a silicone gel that feels more natural than saline. However, they can make it more difficult to read mammograms because they show up white on the X-ray screen. Saline implants are less expensive than silicone gel implants but may require replacement sooner because the salt water leaks out over time.
Your surgeon is a key player, so choose someone you trust.
Your surgeon will be responsible for making sure your surgery goes smoothly and safely. Make sure he or she has experience with the procedure and performs it regularly. Ask questions and make sure you feel comfortable with the answers before agreeing to the procedure.
Don’t let the scale determine your cup size.
You might spend a lot of time determining which size clothing fits best, but there’s no standard guideline for bra sizes, according to Self magazine. That means that even if two women have different bra sizes, they may actually have similar bust measurements — and vice versa. So if you’ve always been measured as a B cup and want to go bigger with an implant, don’t assume that’ll mean going up an entire letter size.
Recovery will take time, but it’s temporary.
Recovery from breast augmentation takes time, but you’ll be back to your old self in no time. Some women return to work within a week or two, while others take a little longer. It depends on your lifestyle and how active you are before surgery. You’ll have soreness and bruising, but these symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks after surgery. There may also be some swelling that lasts up to three months after surgery, depending on the type of implant used and your body type.
Be realistic about the results.
You may have heard about women who got larger breasts than they expected or had implants that ruptured or moved around in their bodies. These complications are rare, but they do happen. So when you’re thinking about your surgical options, make sure you’re realistic about what kind of results you can expect — and make sure your doctor is willing to discuss those expectations with you before the operation.
Breast implant for breast-feeding
If you’re considering breast implants, one of the first things to consider is whether they will interfere with breast-feeding. Breast implants are considered a safe option for breastfeeding, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. It’s important to know that not all breast implants are created equal. Some types of breast implants may be more likely than others to interfere with your ability to breastfeed. The most common type of saline (salt water) implant is made from silicone shell that’s filled with salt water, which doesn’t affect milk production or breastfeeding. On the other hand, silicone gel is another option that may be more likely to interfere with milk production because it may leak into the milk ducts and cause inflammation and scarring in the breasts. For women who want larger breasts as part of their aesthetic goals, there are several options available: natural tissue augmentation; fat transfer; saline or silicone gel implants; and permanent fat grafting (liposuction). While there isn’t much difference among these procedures regarding the amount of pain experienced after surgery, there is a difference in how long recovery lasts
A Breast Implant is a surgical procedure.
This means that there will be a scar, and your body will need to heal after surgery. Just like any other surgery, there are risks involved with breast implant surgery. You may experience an infection at the incision site, or develop an abscess (pus pocket) under your skin. Also, if you have health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure, these conditions may increase your risk for complications after breast augmentation surgery. You should be aware that if you have silicone gel breast implants, they cannot be removed once they are implanted into your body. The only way to remove them is through another surgical procedure called revisional breast augmentation (removing your old implants and replacing them with new ones). Silicone gel-filled implants are more likely than saline-filled ones to cause side effects such as pain or hardening of breast tissue around the implant.
You will feel the breast implants at first.
It’s not unusual to feel soreness or tightness around your breasts, especially in the first few weeks after surgery. You might also notice that your breasts feel less firm than usual. This discomfort usually improves over time and may require medication to treat it.
It might hurt your mammography results.
Most women who have breast implants find that the implants show up on their mammograms. That means it’s more difficult for radiologists to see the cancerous tissue that may be inside the breast, because it’s hidden behind the implant. If you have an abnormal mammogram and need additional tests, such as a biopsy or MRI, your doctor may have trouble finding what he or she is looking for if it’s behind an implant.
Infection and bleeding are rare but possible risks.
In general, infections after any type of surgery can happen. If you have an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics, which may need to be taken for several weeks after surgery. Infections can lead to serious complications if they aren’t treated properly, so be sure to alert your surgeon if you develop any signs or symptoms of infection after your procedure — such as redness or swelling in the area around your implant or fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Bleeding is also uncommon but possible after breast augmentation surgery; if you experience heavy bleeding at any point after your procedure, call your doctor immediately.
Be honest about your needs.
Breast implants can be used to correct a variety of issues, but they cannot address all of them. If you’re looking for a breast lift as well as implants, it’s important to understand that the two procedures are not always compatible. The best way to get started is by finding a board-certified plastic surgeon who will discuss your goals and expectations with you in detail. Ask about their experience performing these surgeries and what type of results they have achieved for other patients like yourself (if applicable).
Consider your health.
Breast enhancement can only be performed on a healthy patient with no active medical conditions or disorders that might interfere with healing or cause complications during surgery or afterward. You’ll need a physical examination, including blood tests and chest X-rays, before your surgery date is scheduled. If everything checks out, your doctor will go over your treatment options and decide if breast augmentation is right for you.
Don’t rush into the process.
Breast augmentation is a serious decision and one that should be well thought out. If your goal is to achieve a more feminine body shape, then there are several options available to you other than breast augmentation. Talk to your doctor about these options, as well as their benefits and drawbacks. It may be best for you to wait until other methods have been tried first, before undergoing surgery with implants.
Your results are permanent.
Breast implants are intended to be permanent, so any decision you make is one that you’ll have to live with for the rest of your life. While most women have few problems with their implants and love the way they look and feel, it’s always a good idea to go in knowing that whatever happens, at least it’s not something that can be taken back.
Will my breasts feel natural?
If you’re considering breast augmentation, chances are you’re looking for a boost in confidence or a change in your physical appearance. But the most important thing is whether your new breasts will feel natural. If not, then it’s not worth it. Your surgery should be about what feels right for you, not about what other people think about how your body looks.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effect of breast implant surgery is capsular contracture, which occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant shell, causing it to harden or shrink. Capsular contracture can make breasts feel firm or lumpy. In severe cases, a woman may need additional surgery to remove the capsule and replace her implant. Other complications include infection or bleeding under the skin where the incision was made during surgery; inflammation of the scar tissue surrounding the implant; traumatic extrusion of an implant (where an implant pops out of place); migration of an implant; asymmetry between natural breasts and implanted breasts; rupture of an implant; pain; nipple sensitivity issues; skin discoloration due to sun exposure; capsular contracture (scar tissue around the breast).
Do implants look natural when they’re flat?
No, they don’t. Implants are not made to be seen while they’re flat on your chest. They’re supposed to be placed under the breast tissue and then filled with fluid or silicone gel. When this happens, they fill out the shape of your breasts in a way that looks natural (and sexy). If you don’t fill your implants properly, they could end up looking unnatural or even ridiculous.
How big should I go?
The size of your breasts is determined by your chest wall measurements and the amount of fat in the breast. If you have large breasts to start with, you may not need as large a breast implant as someone who has smaller breasts and wants to go up a cup size.
Will my body react to the foreign material?
Some women who get breast implants experience inflammation, scarring and even capsular contracture (when the capsule that forms around your implant becomes too tight). These problems can be treated with surgery, but they can cause pain and discomfort for months after you get your breasts done. If you’re concerned about your body’s reaction to silicone or saline breast implants, ask your surgeon if he uses a cohesive gel implant — these don’t cause scar tissue like traditional implants do. If you’re still worried about scarring or inflammation, ask if there are any other options available at your clinic (like fat grafting).
What happens if I get pregnant after getting implants?
In general, there are no restrictions on women who have breast implants to become pregnant or breast feed. In some cases, the implant can be removed during pregnancy and replaced after delivery. In other cases, the implant can be left in place during pregnancy and removed after birth. The only exception is if the woman has had silicone gel filled implants that have ruptured or deflated. If this happens before becoming pregnant, then it is recommended to replace them before trying to conceive since there is a risk of rupture during pregnancy with saline filled implants. If it happens after becoming pregnant then you would need to wait until after delivery before replacing them as well as make sure you do not have any other complications from having an infection from having them in your body while pregnant (for example).
Where will the implant be placed?
Breast implants can be placed under the muscle or on top of it. Breasts tend to look more natural when placed under the muscle, but they may be more susceptible to rippling or wrinkling over time. Implants that are placed over the muscle are less likely to ripple or wrinkle, but they tend to look less natural during movement. Some women choose both types of implants — one under each arm — so that they can better define the upper curve of their breasts (called “cleavage”).
Are you a good candidate for breast implants?
Breast implants are generally reserved for women who have healthy breasts and a stable weight. The most important factor in determining whether or not a woman is a good candidate for breast augmentation is her skin elasticity. Women with extremely loose skin (those who have lost a significant amount of weight) or those who have had multiple pregnancies may not be good candidates for breast augmentation surgery. If you have any doubt about whether or not you’re a good candidate for this procedure, consult with your doctor before proceeding any further with planning an appointment with a plastic surgeon.
What type of implant is best for you?
Breast augmentation involves inserting an implant into your breast tissue to make it larger or fuller. Your surgical options include saline or silicone gel breast implants. The most common type of saline implant is made of medical-grade saltwater. Saline implants have been used since the 1960s and have a good track record of safety and effectiveness. They’re generally less expensive than silicone gel implants, but they also feel firmer in your breasts and may be harder to conceal under clothing because they’re more visible through clothing. Silicone gel implants are filled with silicone oil instead of saltwater. They feel softer than saline implants, which can make them more comfortable for women who want more natural-looking results. Silicone gel implants are also more expensive than saline ones — a factor that may influence your decision about whether or not to choose this type of implantation procedure.
Surgery isn’t for everyone
If you’re not an ideal candidate for this procedure — such as if you have a medical condition or history of smoking — you may want to reconsider having surgery or postpone it until later on in life when your health is better established. You also could consider noninvasive treatments such as breast lifts or fat grafting for now and decide whether or not surgery is right for you later on in life.
There’s no right or wrong size or shape for you.
Your breasts aren’t like cookie cutters where you can pick a particular shape and size and expect it’ll look good on every woman with matching features (and vice versa). The best way to find out what will work for your body type is by seeing a plastic surgeon who can examine your unique body type, help guide you through the process and identify options that will suit your personality and lifestyle best.
Will I be able to return to normal activities?
Breast augmentation surgery can take anywhere from one day to two weeks depending on the type of implant and the extent of the surgery being performed. If you want to return quickly to work or exercise after your procedure, you’ll want to choose a doctor who has experience performing that procedure in order to minimize recovery time. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing breast augmentation surgeries will increase your chances of having an excellent outcome with minimal downtime and no complications.
How will I feel about my breasts after having a baby?
The most common reason women undergo breast augmentation is for cosmetic reasons, but other women decide to have surgery after having children because their breasts have become saggy from breastfeeding or pregnancy weight gain. After a breast augmentation procedure, there will be some discomfort and swelling for the first few days after surgery. You should also expect bruising around the outer edges of your breasts for about two weeks after surgery (it may not be visible in bathing suits). Your breasts may feel heavy for up to three months after surgery, but this usually improves with time.
