Important Things to Know Before Getting Breast Implants

Are you one of those women who feel small because of your breast? Have you ever thought of getting a breast enhancement? 

Having a full breast can help women gain confidence and self-esteem. Some women turn to breast augmentation to help them boost their self-confidence. 

To date, cosmetic plastic surgeries are consistently rising. And breast enhancement is one of the most popular cosmetic plastic surgeries. 

So if you are one of those ladies who considers getting a breast augmentation, here some things that you need to know before finally getting your dream boob. 

What is Breast Augmentation? 

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery that enhances the size and shape of a woman’s breast. It is done by putting implants behind the breast tissues.

Women who undergo breast implants are given general anesthesia for this surgical procedure. 

One of the reasons women opt for breast augmentation is due to a significant asymmetry in the size and shape of the breast. Others lost breast volume. Lastly, they seek enhancement in the shape and volume of their breast since this is also a plastic surgery.

What are the Types of Breast Implants? 

Based on your needed procedure, your surgeon will recommend the best type of breast implant for you. But it would also help if you have an idea before you get into the process. 

According to the experts in Plastic Surgery San Diego, there are numerous types of breast implants. Here are the seven most common breast implants to date. 

Saline Breast Implants

A saline Breast Implant contains sterile saltwater. It gives the breasts a uniform shape. Aside from that, it will also make you feel firmness in your breast. 

There are instances where the saline breast implant leaks. But this isn’t something that you need to be scared about. When it happens, the saline will collapse and be absorbed in the system. Then later on expelled naturally by our body. 

Structured Saline Breast Implant

Structured saline breast implants are also filled with sterile saltwater. The only difference it has with the saline breast is that it feels more natural. The reason for this is because it contains an inner structure. 

Silicone Breast Implant

Silicone Breast Implant is made with silicone gel. The gel will make you feel as if it is natural breast tissue. If you choose the silicone breast implant, you should go for a regular visit to your plastic surgeon. 

It needs to be regularly monitored to see if it is working properly. You may get assessed using ultrasound or an MRI screening. 

In case of the silicone gel leaks, it will remain within the implant shell. You do not have to worry about it leaking in your breast implant pockets. And your implant pockets will not collapse as well. 

Gummy Bear Breast Implants

A gummy bear breast implant is a form-stable implant. It maintains its shape even when the implant shell gets broken. 

The differences it has with the traditional silicone gel implants are their consistency and firmness. Its consistency is thicker compared to silicone gel implants. 

In case the shaped gummy bear implant rotates, you would need a separate procedure to correct it. If it isn’t corrected, the rotation of the implant in your breast will create an unusual appearance. 

Round Breast Implants

This kind of implant makes the breast appear fuller compared to the form-stable implants. Aside from that, when it rotates, you do not have to worry about its appearance. 

Smooth Breast Implants

This implant gives the softest feel. And it moves with the breast implant pocket. So the movement will look more natural. The only downside about this is that it may contain some palpable or visible rippling under the skin. 

Textured Breast Implants 

Textured breast implants form scar tissues where implants stick on to. This scar tissue will make the implants immovable inside the breast. 

With this kind of implant you do not have to worry about your implants being misaligned. Aside from that, one great thing about this is that it lessens the risk of a tight scar capsule. 

Who are the Ideal Candidates for Breast Implants? 

There are certain implants that are only applicable to certain groups of women. The best example for this is saline implants. The ideal candidate for this is any 18 years and older woman who are healthy. 

The FDA usually allows patients who are 22 years old or older to use silicone breast implants. Generally, here are some of the most common and ideal candidates for Breast Implants. 

• Nonsmokers
• Not lactating or pregnant
• Healthy individual with a stable weight
• Women who are fully informed about the procedure

What are the Things to Know Before Getting Breast Implants?

No Insurance Coverage 

You cannot apply cosmetic surgeries like breast augmentation for insurance coverage. Insurance companies will only allow this kind of surgery if it is for medical purposes. 

However, if the procedure is for a breast reconstruction due to a mastectomy, you can get it covered with your insurance.

Not a Lifetime Device

Breast implants nowadays could last up to ten (10) years. But you have to know that the implants do not last a lifetime. And they need to be replaced or removed.

Local Complications

Since breast implant devices do not last long. Be aware that the longer you implants are, the more you are prone to complications. 

The most common complications are rupture, wringking, asymmetry, scaring, pain, and infection at the incision site. 

Make that you ask your doctor about the possible complications. Each type of implant may cause different complications. 

Not Too Large

You might get lured into getting the maximum breast size. Make sure that you choose the size that is not too large for your physique. 

The breast tissues and surrounding muscles may become thinner if you choose a too huge breast implant. 

Type of Implants

Another thing for you to consider is the type of implant that suits you. There are certain preparations that you need to do depending on your choice of implants. So, it is always better to ask your cosmetic surgeon for some recommendations. 

Breastfeeding Ability Could be Affected

You can still breast after getting a breast implant. However, there could be changes with the anatomy of your breast. In turn, the amount of breast tissue that produces milk might decrease. Thus, milk production might also decrease. 

Restricted Exercise

After the cosmetic breast augmentation, you might have to avoid all kinds of exercises for four (4) to six (6) weeks. You have to make your body heal first. It is best for you to ask your doctor when and how to start exercising again. 

Doesn’t Fix Sagging Breast

Take note that breast augmentation does not fix sagging breast. It would actually add more volume to the breast, thus worsening the sagging. 

If your aim is to fix the sagging of your breast, you should get another procedure called breast lift. This procedure tightens and removes the excess tissues. It may also help reposition the areola and nipples. 

It is also possible to take both breast augmentation and breast lift.

Breast Implant Illness

After breast augmentation, some patients develop a breast implant illness. These are systemic symptoms such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, and joint and muscle pain. These symptoms are not considered a disease. 

What are the Results to Expect? 

Getting the best and expected result is what everyone wants. These are some of the best results that you can expect after the breast augmentation. 

Your breast fullness will improve and it will be asymmetrical. The projection, size, and shape of the breast will also increase. Lastly, the hip-to-breast ratio should be proportioned. 

There is no limitation to breast augmentation. But in case of severe drooping or sagging of breasts, you may need a breast lift. 

What are the Potential Risks for Getting Breast Implants? 

Since breast augmentation is a surgical procedure, there are potential risks that you have to be aware of. Some of the risks are infection, implant leaks, and pain and tenderness. 

There are patients who are also dissatisfied with the result of the procedure. Some may result in an asymmetrical breast. 

Excessive scar tissue at the site may also develop. The key to preventing these kinds of potential risk is to maintain good communication with your cosmetic surgeon. Ask them about the preparations you need to take before and after the procedure. 

Also, try to find the best plastic surgeon in your place. Take not that some surgeons are not licensed to perform their profession. It is better that you do a background check first to ensure your own safety. 

These are things that you need to take in mind before getting a breast augmentation. It is always better to fill your mind with information about the procedure before going through it. Do not forget to always communicate with your plastic surgeon.