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Determining what kind of breast implant is best for you is a decision dependent on your unique needs and desires. You’ll need to put some thought and consideration into various options, as each impacts your breasts’ size, feel, shape, and look. With each implant, there are additional options for shape, incisions, and placement. In this article, we go over each so you can decide which breast implant is right for you.

What Are Breast Implants?

Breast implants are devices placed and secured under the breast tissue or chest muscle to increase your breast size or to replace breast tissue because of conditions or previous surgeries. The benefits of breast implants are as follows:

• Improves personal appearance
• Corrects breast asymmetry
• Adjusts after pregnancy or weight loss
• Improves self-confidence

How Do Breast Implants Work?

You will have a consultation with your doctor and discuss the implants best suited for you. You will also go over the most appropriate anesthesia options for your procedure. Your plastic surgeon will make an incision in the inframammary, the axillary, or the periareolar area and separate the chest and breast tissue to form a pocket surrounding the pectoral muscle. The surgeon places your implants in these pockets, behind the nipples. Sutures, followed by bandages, will close the incisions.

Kinds of Breast Implants

Saline implants are shells filled with saline solution that offer a firm, natural feel to the breast. Structured saline implants also contain an inner architecture that creates this natural feel. Alternatively, silicone implants contain a silicone gel that feels like natural fat. Form-based implants are a specific kind of silicone implant that contains more gel than other gel-based implants. Round breast implants make breasts fuller. Smooth breast implants contain a shell of silicone rubber. Textured breast implants also have a shell, but do not attach to tissue.

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Surgery?

Ideal candidates can maintain realistic expectations for surgery. Candidates must be in excellent mental and physical health and must be willing and able to take adequate time to rest following the surgery. If you struggle with sagging or asymmetrical breasts, you are an optimal candidate. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have breast cancer, or have unrealistic expectations for surgery results, this procedure is not likely right for you.

What Results Can You Expect From Breast Implants?

Expect some swelling and soreness for a few weeks following surgery. Follow all your surgeon’s post-surgical instructions, including when and how long to take prescription pain medication and how to wear any support garments. For two weeks after surgery, you will need to avoid any strenuous activities. Follow-up appointments to check on your health may be necessary as you heal.

Live Your Best Life With Breast Implants

Deciding to improve your appearance is all about bravery and self-love. If you are truly ready to consider breast implants seriously and start living your best life, speak with the right medical experts. Contact us at UCI Plastic Surgery to speak with one of our many surgical and reconstructive experts.