how do breast implants work Archives

If you’re searching for the perfect breast shape, your body proportions need to be considered, along with the type of breast implant inserted. Each patient’s body and lifestyle are unique, and the perfect breast implants for one woman might differ from someone else’s. In this article, we will look at the different breast implants available, as well as the questions you should pose to your cosmetic surgeon before going ahead with the surgery.

Getting The Perfect Breast Shape

Breast augmentation vs breast lift

It’s important to note that breast augmentation, or breast implants, will only affect your cup size. This surgical procedure does not have any effect on sagging breasts. If you want to have loose skin removed or change the position of your breasts, you would need a breast lift.

It is possible to have breast implants and a breast lift performed in the same procedure. If this is your concern, make sure you discuss it with your cosmetic surgeon.

How Perfect Breast Implants Can Complement Your Body Shape

Both the size and the shape of breast implants need to be taken into account with your proportions. If you have naturally small breasts, you might be tempted to opt for a large breast implant. A good cosmetic surgeon will advise you on how to work with your frame and bone structure, to create aesthetically pleasing proportions.

Furthermore, as you get older and your skin naturally loses its elasticity, a large breast implant could start to sag sooner.

Breast Implant Placement And Surgical Technique

The incision site, as well as the placement of a breast implant, play a role in the final result. It’s a good idea to discuss your options extensively with your cosmetic surgeon so your expectations can be met post-surgery.

The incision sites, as well as where the implants are placed on your chest, will need to be considered in light of factors such as

Whether you have any scar tissue from previous surgeries
Your future plans – if you plan on breastfeeding after the procedure
Your personal preferences

Surgical Placement

Under the muscle (submuscular)

Placing the breast implant under the muscle means you have a lower chance of rippling and firmness as there will be more tissue covering it. Conversely, the procedure could require a longer recovery period.

Over the muscle (subglandular)

Patients who have more natural tissue available or those who would like a shorter recovery time could benefit from subglandular placement of the implant.

Getting Perfect Breast Implants: Round Vs Teardrop Breast Implant Shape

Round breast implants

Round implants are the most popular choice because the end result will make your breast spherical in shape. Within round implants, there are another four subtypes, ranging from low to high projection.

If you want more volume at the top of your breast, a round shape could be a good option. A round implant will give you a bigger cleavage. Round implants are also popular with women who want to address volume loss and achieve a fuller cup size.

In general, a round implant costs less than a teardrop shape, however, this should not be the deciding factor. It’s advisable to discuss the pros and cons with your cosmetic surgeon prior to surgery.

Teardrop breast implants

With a teardrop implant, the bottom of the breast will be fuller than the top. For this reason, some women consider it to give a more natural effect. While a teardrop implant may not appear as full as a round one, it wouldn’t be accurate to suggest it is less voluminous, the volume is simply concentrated toward the bottom of the implant.

One of the reasons that a teardrop breast implant can cost more than a round one is that it needs a textured surface to stop it from rotating after the surgery.

If you are looking for a more subtle and natural-looking change to your cup size, a teardrop breast implant shape could be a good option.

How To Choose The Perfect Breast Implants For You

Getting breast implants is a major decision. While it is an investment in yourself, it will require considerable downtime. You would want to be content with your results for at least ten years, after which you would decide to replace or remove them. In light of this, it’s not a procedure you should rush into, so giving yourself a little extra time to think it through is a good idea.

Finding a registered and reputable cosmetic surgeon should be your starting point. But it doesn’t hurt to get a second opinion, especially if it is going to be your first breast augmentation. Make sure you arrive at your appointment armed with knowledge and questions. Ask to see before and after photos of the surgeon’s previous work. In many cases, the cosmetic surgeon will be able to simulate your end results so you can evaluate if the size, shape and placement are going to work for you. Ask friends and family members for their opinions and give yourself enough time to make an informed decision.

If you’d like to have a discussion about the perfect breast implants for your body shape and lifestyle, please contact us for a confidential appointment: (02) 8599 7161.

REFERENCES

Which breast implant shape is best for you?

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/which-breast-implant-shape-is-best-for-you

Breast Augmentation

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/implants

Breast implant surgery is typically requested by a patient to increase the size or change the shape of the breasts. Some patients want to have breast implants for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, while others have cosmetic reasons. Let’s take a closer look at ‘how do breast implants work’ to achieve patients’ surgical goals and what you might expect.

Why Do Women Get Breast Implants?

Breast implants are chosen for a variety of reasons, including

To restore your cup size
To achieve symmetry, if the breasts are asymmetrical
For breast reconstruction after a mastectomy
To improve self-confidence and body image.

Why Do Breasts Go Through Changes?

Hormonal and life stage changes in the human can cause the breasts to go through a lot of change. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breasts fill up with milk, and the nipples get darker. This causes a temporary increase in volume and size. However, when your body stops producing milk, your breasts may shrink and become smaller.

When women enter menopause, hormonal changes such as a decrease in oestrogen, can cause the breasts to get smaller. The tissue of the breasts loses elasticity, leading to a loss of volume, which may affect your cup size. As breast tissue weakens, and skin loses its elasticity, gravity pulls the breasts downward, causing them to sag. Your breasts may feel ofter or less firm than they used to.

How Do Breast Implants Work To Restore Volume?

Essentially breast implants are designed to restore volume loss in the breasts. They are inserted during breast implant surgery to increase the size of the breasts or to change their shape. It’s important to note that breast implant surgery alone will not address sagging breasts. If sagging breasts are a concern for you, speak to your cosmetic surgeon about a breast lift, where any loose skin can be removed, and your breasts can be repositioned higher up on your chest.

How Do Breast Implants Work: What To Expect From Your Procedure

Before the procedure

Before going ahead with any kind of surgery, it’s advisable to get a second (or even a third) opinion. You should expect a long consultation with your cosmetic surgeon to assess if the procedure is really what you want and if it will achieve your goals. Consider if there are any alternatives and make sure you are aware of any risks and that you have weighed them up against the benefits.

Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss the different types of breast implants that are available, as well as the different shapes and sizes. While it may be tempting to choose a large breast implant, it’s important that the size and shape compliment your body type and shape. Let your cosmetic surgeon guide you in terms of getting the right proportions. Many women opt to restore a previous cup size when they have breast implant surgery, as it gives a natural look.

Types of breast implants

There are two types of breast implants available: silicone and saline. Both saline and silicone breast implants are contained within a silicone envelope; the difference is in their contents. Saline implants are filled with a saline solution, while silicone implants are filled with silicone. Ask your cosmetic surgeon if you can see and feel them before making a decision.

During the surgical procedure

Breast implants are inserted under general anaesthesia. Your breast implant surgery is likely to take between an hour and two hours to complete. Before the breast implant surgery, your surgeon will draw the incision marks onto your chest. Once you are in surgery, the surgeon will cut along these lines to make an incision into which the implants can be inserted.

Saline implants are often inserted empty and filled once they have been placed. Silicone implants are usually inserted full and often require a larger incision to be made. They can be inserted in front of or behind your pectoral muscle, which will hold the implant in place. Once the implants have been inserted, the incisions will be stitched up, and a dressing will be placed over the surgical sites. If you would like to have a breast lift, it can be done at the same time as your breast implant surgery.

After the procedure

You will be given post-operative care instructions to assist you with healing and recovery. Getting lots of rest, staying upright as much as possible, eating nutritious and wholesome meals, and taking any medication prescribed for you should help you to heal quickly.

Over a period of a few weeks, your wounds will heal, and tissue will grow around the breast implant. Your incisions will heal, and any swelling will subside. After around six weeks, you can expect to have resumed all of your day-to-day activities and enjoy your new breast shape and size.

Do Implants Last Forever?

Most implants last for around ten years before they need to be removed or replaced.

Working with a skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeon can help you to achieve the results you want. To find out more about ‘how do breast implants work’ or to make a confidential appointment, please contact us: (02) 8599 7161.

References

Age-Related Breast Changes: What You Should Know
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/older-breasts-what-to-know

Breast Implants
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21724-breast-implants

Breast augmentation (breast implants)
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/breast-augmentation-breast-implants

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