You’ve likely heard terms like ‘breast augmentation’ and ‘breast implants’ used interchangeably. But do you know the actual difference between them? Let’s explore this article to find out!
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is about more than just making your breasts larger. It’s a comprehensive process aimed at improving the overall aesthetics of the breasts, ensuring that they are larger, symmetrical, natural-looking, and suitable to the patient’s body frame.
Women may choose breast augmentation for various reasons. Some may pursue this path to restore the volume and contour of their breasts, which might have been affected by pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Others may want to correct significant asymmetry between their breasts or enhance their overall body proportions.
The Process of Breast Augmentation
Once the surgery is scheduled, it’s carried out under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make incisions in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. These incisions could be in the crease under the breast, around the nipple, or under the arm.
The chosen breast implant is inserted into a pocket under the pectoral muscle or directly behind the breast tissue over the pectoral muscle. The method for inserting and positioning the implant will depend on the type of implant, degree of enlargement, body type, and surgeon’s recommendations. The incisions are then closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin. Over time, the incision lines will fade.
Why Choose Breast Augmentation?
Women may undergo breast augmentation for various reasons, and it’s not always purely for cosmetic purposes.
Enhancing Self-Confidence
The most common reason women undergo breast augmentation is to improve their self-confidence.
Restoring Breast Volume
Pregnancy, significant weight loss, and aging can result in loss of breast volume. Augmentation can restore this lost volume and help women achieve a more youthful breast contour.
Achieving a More Rounded Breast Shape
Not all women are naturally blessed with the desired round and full breast shape. For those who prefer a more rounded shape, breast augmentation can provide this, enhancing the overall balance of the figure.
Correcting Asymmetry
Many women have naturally asymmetrical breasts. While slight asymmetry is expected, more noticeable differences can correct through breast augmentation.
Reconstruction After Mastectomy
Breast augmentation is often used in breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy. It helps restore the breast’s natural shape and allows the patient to regain confidence.
What are Breast Implants?
Breast implants are medical devices placed inside the chest to enhance an existing breast’s size and shape or to reconstruct the breast in post-mastectomy patients, restoring a more natural-looking bust line.
Breast implants can be broadly classified into saline and silicone implants. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water after they’re inserted into the body, allowing for smaller incisions. In contrast, silicone implants come pre-filled with gel, which feels more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the saline implant will collapse, but the silicone gel may remain within the implant shell or escape into the breast implant pocket.
Different Types of Breast Implants
Saline Implants
These implants are filled with sterile saline. If the implant shell leaks, a saline implant will collapse, and the saline will be naturally absorbed and expelled by the body. Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness, and feel. They are FDA-approved for augmentation in women aged 18 or older.
Silicone Implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel might remain within the implant shell or escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel may not collapse. They are FDA-approved for augmentation in women aged 22 or older.
“Gummy Bear” Implants
Also known as form-stable implants, they maintain their shape even if the implant shell is broken. The consistency of the silicone gel inside the implant is thicker than traditional silicone gel implants.
Why Choose Breast Implants?
Opting for breast implants is a profoundly personal decision stemming from various motivations. This choice can be driven by cosmetic aspirations, the desire for a more balanced figure, or the necessity arising from medical or reconstructive reasons.
Achieving a More Balanced Figure
One of the most significant benefits of breast implants is the ability to enhance body proportion. Breast implants can increase size and fullness, resulting in a more balanced, symmetrical figure that aligns with the individual’s aesthetic desires.
Boosting Self-Image and Confidence
Breast implants can also profoundly impact one’s self-image and confidence. Individuals can attain the physical look they desire by choosing breast implants, which often translates into increased self-confidence. When you’re comfortable in your own body, it shows. The increased confidence can positively affect multiple aspects of life, including social interactions, personal relationships, and even professional life.
Restoring Breast Volume and Shape
Breast implants are also an excellent solution for those looking to restore breast volume lost due to various reasons such as aging, significant weight loss, or pregnancy and breastfeeding. Implants can help regain the youthful, firm appearance that may have diminished over time.