Breast Implants 101: Your Complete Guide

71 percent of women are unsatisfied with their breasts, which can hurt their confidence and mental health. However, getting breast implants without all the information can lead to a costly investment. You might also end up choosing the wrong breast size and type.

Luckily with the proper knowledge, you know what to expect. You will go into the procedure confidently and get the desired results. With that in mind, keep reading for more insights on surgical breast enhancement.

What Is Breast Implant Surgery?

Breast implants are prostheses that are surgically placed into the breasts. The whole goal is to increase your breast size and shape. 

Usually, cancer patients who have undergone mastectomy will consider this procedure. Healthy individuals who want to enhance their size will also choose these implants.

Different Types of Breast Implants

The two most common breast implants are saline and silicone gel; however, there are other types as well. Here are descriptions of each implant so you know which one may be right for you:

Saline Breast Implants

As suggested by their name, saline implants contain salt water. The homogeneous shape and texture make them feel light and natural.

If the implants rupture, the body reabsorbs the fluid and releases it. That means if the implant burst, it wouldn’t harm you. Since your physician may install unfilled implants, the operation may result in a smaller, less noticeable scar. 

Silicone Breast Implants

These implants contain silicone gel and feel more natural than their saline counterpart. Regular check-ups are recommended to ensure they do not leak or burst.

Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Form-stable silicone gel implants are commonly referred to as “gummy bear implants.” This is because they retain their shape even if the shell ruptures or cracks. The gel is more durable than conventional silicone implants. 

Gummy Bear implants feature a teardrop-shaped design that distinguishes them from other implants. Some say the teardrop form gives them that natural look. However, they need a wider incision than the average implant so the procedure can be more costly.

Round Breast Implants

These implants give you the appearance of fuller breasts. Due to their circular symmetry, they retain the same appearance when rotated.

Smooth Breast Implants

These implants have a flexible outer silicone rubber shell, which increases their mobility. They have a smooth, round texture that provides a more natural feel. They feel softer and move more like natural breasts than traditional implants.  

Textured Breast Implants 

As the name indicates, the outside silicone rubber shell is rough, making movement improbable. Textured implants may be circular or teardrop shaped. Sometimes, a patient’s bone condition makes this a preferable option since they are less likely to move.

Breast Implants 101: Your Complete Guide

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

New breast implants last around ten years, although your experience may vary. Older ones have a greater risk of rupture, so they might not last long. Changes in the size or form of your breasts, hardness, or edema may indicate a ruptured implant. 

What to Expect Before Breast Implants?

Women’s breasts continue to grow until late adolescence or early adulthood. Therefore, the minimum age to have saline-filled breast implants is 18. The FDA advises women to be at least 22 years old before receiving silicone-filled breast implants.

Your doctor will evaluate several elements, including your mental and social well-being. They will inquire about the following:

  • Why are breast implants desired?
  • What do you anticipate?
  • Have you ever had plastic surgery?
  • Are you obsessed with minor physical flaws?
  • Is there someone forcing you to have this procedure?

Your doctor will assess your physique to select the ideal implant. They will measure your height, weight, and general physical structure. 

For instance, bigger implants are often required for individuals with broader shoulders or hips. Large breast implants may cause back, neck, and shoulder discomfort, if you have a smaller body frame.

What Occurs During a Breast Implant Procedure?

During the surgery, you are under anesthesia, so you will not experience any discomfort. To conceal breast implant scars, an incision is made in one of four discrete places of your body while you are sleeping. These are the type of incisions during your procedure:

  • Periareolar
  • Inframammary 
  • Transaxillary 
  • Transumbilical

There are benefits and drawbacks to each incision. Choosing an excellent plastic surgeon will ensure everything will be discussed before the surgery.

The implants are placed through the incision. They are either positioned under or between your breast tissue and chest muscles. 

What Occurs After a Breast Implant Procedure?

Your doctor will wrap your breasts in a compression band or supportive bra. You will be sent to a recovery room, where medical professionals will monitor your health. You may feel groggy with aching breasts and a tight chest. 

After your operation, a family member or friend must drive you home and take care of you for the first 24 hours. On average, it takes patients six and eight weeks to recover from the procedure.

Side Effects of Breast Implants

Recovery time is required after surgery to allow the wound to heal and the body to adapt. You may experience temporary soreness, edema, tightness, and bruising.

Breast implant surgery is not risk-free. After the surgery, you will be checked to ensure none of the problems listed below occur.

  • Hardening of the breast tissue
  • Silicone granulomas 
  • Infections
  • Sensitive Nipples
  • Heavy Bleeding
  • Allergic Response
  • Blood Clot

In rare cases, patients might get Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). This involves malignant immune system cells that occur after breast implants. 

Doctors can diagnose this with a mammogram, so it’s vital to get checked when you observe any swelling or liquids from your breast.

Contact The Best Plastic Surgeons in New Jersey

When it comes to surgical breast enhancement, finding the best plastic surgeon is critical.

If you are in New Jersey and looking for the best plastic surgeon for complete guidance with a fantastic outcome, the Plastic Surgery Group of New Jersey can help. We will give you thorough insights on the ideal implants and what to expect, so what are you waiting for? Contact us today for a consultation about breast implants and visit our plastic surgery state-of-the-art facility in Montclair, New Jersey.

Tags :
Breast Implants
Share This :

Recent Posts

Have Any Question?

Join Our Mailing List

Get More Info or Schedule An Appointment