As the name of the surgery implies, breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that increases breast size and enhances breast shape. This is achieved by placing either silicone or saline breast implants, or with fat transfer.

This procedure is always tailored to meet every woman’s needs, but the ultimate goal of the surgery is to enhance and to create a more aesthetically pleasing, symmetrical breast profile.

Who can have Breast Augmentation?

There are many different reasons women choose to have breast augmentation, having large breasts is just one of them. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, many women experience breast deflating and sagginess, the procedure in that case is done to restore fullness.

Implants can also be used to correct breast deformities, adding balance and symmetry, and ultimately enhancing the patients confidence with their figure.

Breast Implants can satisfy most patients’ needs, but in the case of having severely drooping breasts, a breast lift may also be required along the breast augmentation. A breast lift can be done at the same time as the augmentation, or separately, depending on what you and your surgeon see more fit.

Types of Breast Implants

Every type of breast implant is different and all can look natural with the help of a skilled cosmetic surgeon. When choosing the right implant for you, you must take into account the cost of each surgery, the feel of the implant and which kind of incision it requires. Your cosmetic surgeon will assist you in finding the option that best fits your existing proportions and your goals.

• Saline breast implants: Saline breast implants are filled with sterile Saline Solution, and should the implant collapse, the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.

Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel, and are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 18 or older.

Structured Saline breast Implants contain sterile saline water, but also come with an inner structure which aims to make the implant feel more natural.

• Silicone breast implants: Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. The texture of this gel closely resembles the feel of natural breast tissue. Should the implant leak, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket.

If you choose silicone implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly.

• Gummy bear breast implants: Gummy bear breast implants, Also referred to as “Form-stable” implants, maintain their shape even if the implant shell is broken. Gummy bear implants can be round or shaped like a teardrop. They tend to be firmer and harder than traditional silicone implants.

Implants can also be classified in:

• Round, which tend to make the breast appear fuller than “form stable” implants.
• Smooth breast implants, which give the softest feeling and a more natural movement.
• Textured breast implants, which develop scar tissue to stick to the implant, making them less likely to move around inside of the breast.

But regardless of which type of implant you choose, it is important for you to do follow-up checkups to your cosmetic surgery center or clinic in order to monitor the condition of the implants and to make sure that everything is in place so you can be comfortable, confident and secure.