Despite hundreds of thousands of breast-related plastic surgeries happening every year, breast size is somehow still a confusing topic.
Not here.
Whether you’re concerned that your breasts will look fake or you’re not sure what type of implant is best for you to achieve your desired look, we can help.
Educating yourself before getting breast implants is vital. It’s an important medical decision in a constantly evolving field. You’ll want to be up to date on different approaches and research.
There are various techniques to surgery, and some cosmetic surgeons may specialize in certain ones while not providing others. A competent cosmetic surgeon should tell you all the options and refer you to a different doctor when necessary. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen.
Keep reading this guide to breast implants to help you figure out the best implant choice for you.
Different Features of Breast Implants
To determine the best breast implants for you, you’ll need to do a little research. Implants are far more complicated than you may think, and the choices are plentiful!
A good cosmetic surgeon will guide you through these options but having some basic knowledge before you walk through the door will help you be better prepared to ask questions and weigh your options.
Types of Breast Implants
Breast implants are either made of saline or silicone. Silicone implants have taken the lead in popularity in the past couple of decades, with 85% of consumers choosing siliconeover saline. However, silicone implants may be less durable (2003 Arch. Surg. 138:801, 2003. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 118:303.) and have more risks associated with rupture. Also, women with silicone implants are up to 8 times more likely to be diagnosed with one of several chronic autoimmune diseases (Annals of Surg. 269(1):30-36, 2019).
Shape and Size
Implant profile, texture, shape, and size are all things you must consider when getting breast surgery.
Implants range in shapes and sizes, and what is appropriate for your body is determined by a few factors we will investigate later.
Implants have three different profiles: low, medium, and high (sometimes extra high). Each provides a different projection from the chest. The high-profile option provides a curvier and more prominent shape. Moderate has a more subtle and natural slope, while the low-profile choice is flatter but still adequately voluminous.
They also come in different shapes! Round or teardrop are the most common. Implants can also be smooth or textured. Each has different benefits that your cosmetic surgeon will discuss with you.
Implant size often ranges from 80cc to 800cc. The higher the number, the larger the implant.
Implant and Incision Placement
Implant placement requires surgeon input since it’s based on your breast anatomy. Implants may either be placed over the pectoral muscle (subglandular), or under the pectoral muscle, (subpectoral).
Subglandular placement provides an easier recovery, while subpectoral placement may reduce the risk of rippling in thin patients and breast implant hardening.
There are three types of incisions used in breast implant surgeries: inframammary (under the breast), transaxillary (near the armpit), and periareolar incisions (around the nipple).
Popularity
Everyone who chooses to undergo breast implant surgery is going to have a different idea as to what looks best for them. Patients undergoing cosmetic surgery come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and lifestyles.
Trends in cosmetic surgery and pop culture may also impact a person’s choice. While many people may not care what others think about them, public perception is a valid concern to some who get breast augmentation.
After surgery, the most common size of breasts is a small to large C cup, with average implants measuring between 350 and 500cc. Silicone implants have taken over as the more popular option since its reapproval for surgical use in 2006.
Personalizing Your Breast Implants
Those who want to make their breasts bigger have the most options when it comes to manipulating the appearance and size of their breasts.
Implants may also be used in reconstructive surgeries after a patient goes through cancer treatment or another medical issue that causes a change in breast size, shape, or tissue.
Amount of Tissue
The amount of existing breast tissue plays a significant role in how large you can go with implants.Those with more breast tissue may not need as large an implant as those with less to achieve the same look.
Additionally, peopleseeking enhancement surgery who have smaller breasts might not have enough tissue to support a large implant.
Body Type
It’s essential to consider your body type when determining which implants to choose.
Those with larger frames who are taller and have more mass can often support a bigger implant without looking awkward. It is all about proportion, and much less about cup size.
If you have a petite frame, giant breast implants may be uncomfortable on many levels. Not only can you appear disproportionate if you go too big, but it can create or worsen back and neck problems if your body isn’t built to support such large breasts.
At the end of the day, you can request the look you want, but it’s up to the cosmetic surgeon to work with you to achieve a look that is sustainable.
Lifestyle
This is especially important if you’re looking at breast augmentation.
Your desire for large breasts is vital to your cosmetic surgeon, but so is making sure that the surgery doesn’t negatively impact your life. For example, if you’re an avid runner, large breasts will make that activity more uncomfortable, even with the most intense sports bras.
Risks
There are risks to every surgery, even cosmetic ones.
That’s why it’s important to choose a top-tier cosmetic surgeon. Select a surgeon who comes highly recommended and listens to your concerns.
Rupture or deflation will occur at some point after breast implant surgery. The average life span of any implant is 10-15 years. Reoperation is therefore to be expected at some point after implantation.
A competent cosmetic surgeon will discuss applicable risks with you during consultations.
Interested in Learning More about Breast Implants?
Are you in the Omaha area and considering breast implants? Your cosmetic surgery guru, Popp Cosmetic Surgery, is ready to answer your questions.
Call us at (402) 391-4558 to get started on your journey.
