Breast Implants: What Works Best for You?

November 4th, 2016 | Posted in: Breast Implants |

Deciding to get breast augmentation surgery is a big step and it is one that comes with some significant decisions, including what type of breast implant will best suit your body and needs. Choosing the right type and size of breast implants can be quite difficult, especially since the exact same implants can look completely different on different women.

Here’s a quick overview of what breast augmentation surgery is and the different types of breast implants that you can choose from.

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery involves using breast implants or fat, referred to as fat transfer/natural breast augmentation, to increase the size of your breasts or restore breast volume that has been lost after weight reduction or pregnancy.

Breast augmentation can:

• Increase fullness and projection of your breasts
• Improve the balance of your figure
• Enhance your self-image and self-confidence

During your breast augmentation surgery, your doctor will typically place the breast implant into a pocket above or below your chest muscle. After the implant is in place, your doctor will close the cuts with sutures or surgical tape. However, as mentioned, breast augmentation isn’t just exclusively achieved through implants – fat transfer can also be used.

Types of Breast Implants

Saline breast implants
Saline breast implants are filed with sterile salt water. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body, making them a notably safe option. Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness, and feel, and are FDA-approved for augmentation in women aged 18 or older.

Silicone breast implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel and are the most common implant type used in breast augmentation procedures. They are entirely safe, having achieved FDA approval back in 2006, and are renowned for providing more natural feeling results akin to a woman’s natural breast tissue.

Teardrop anatomical breast implants
The shape of teardrop anatomical breast implants are ideal for women who want to add volume to the lower portion of their breasts or are looking for a result that’s more akin to the shape of natural breasts. The procedure will usually take a couple of hours to complete, but you can discuss the specifics of this option further with Dr. Chiu during a consultation.

Fat transfer breast augmentation
Fat transfer breast augmentation essentially uses liposuction to take fat from other parts of your body and inject it into your breasts. This is an option for women who are looking for a relatively small increase in breast size and would prefer natural results.

Results and Recovery

After your breast augmentation surgery, make sure to follow the instructions regarding recovery and care provided to you by Dr. Chiu. Given the nature of the procedure, you should take it easy for a few days after your breast augmentation surgery and avoid any heavy lifting for up to six weeks after.

Swelling in the area where the surgery was performed is completely nature and no cause for concern. Over time, the swelling will ease and the scars will fade. Any necessary medication will be prescribed to you.
Breast augmentation results are immediately visible, but the results will further improve over the ensuing months. It’s advised that you plan for an annual examination by Dr. Chiu so he can evaluate your breast health and implant integrity.

Remember that, over time, your breasts can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors, and gravity. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast lift or implant exchange to restore a more youthful contour.

Visit Dr. Chiu

If you have any questions or concerns about which type of breast implants would work best for your body and your specific needs, or if you have any questions about breast augmentation surgery itself, then you should book an consultation with Dr. Chiu. With years of experience in his field, he is the best plastic surgeon to help you select the ideal breast implants for the results you desire.