All About Breast Implants: Types, Risk, Complications & Recovery

Breast Implants

Are you considering breast implants? It’s crucial to educate yourself on the available options, risks, complications, and the recovery process. To help you with this, here’s all the information you need to know before taking the plunge. So, let’s dive in and learn all about breast implants!

What Are Breast Implants And Why Are They Used?

Breast implants are medical devices that are inserted under the breast tissue or chest muscle to enhance breast size or reconstruct breasts after mastectomy or injury. 

Breast implants are typically used for cosmetic purposes, with the aim of improving breast size, proportion, and physical appearance. However, they are also used for reconstructive purposes following breast cancer treatment or other medical conditions that affect the breast.

Types of Breast Implants

There are several types of breast implants available to choose from, depending on the desired outcome.

Types of breast implant

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and provide a uniform shape, feel, and firmness. Silicone implants come pre-filled with silicone gel, creating a more natural look and feel. Gummy bear implants are form-stable and retain their shape even when cut, giving a more anatomically correct appearance. 

 

Finally, there’s the fat transfer breast augmentation, which removes fat through liposuction from other parts of the body and injects it into the breasts. Each type of breast implant has its own unique pros and cons.

 

Additionally, breast implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match individual body types, helping women achieve their desired look. It’s important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon for proper selection and placement.

Breast implant shapes to choose from

What Are The Risks Of Breast Implants?

There are several risks associated with breast implants that individuals should consider when deciding whether or not to have the procedure. These risks include:

  1. Capsular Contracture: A condition in which scar tissue forms around the implant and hardens, causing the breast to feel firm or painful.
  1. Breast Pain: Some individuals may experience breast pain or discomfort after receiving breast implants.
  2. Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection following breast implant surgery.
  3. Changes in Sensation: Some individuals may experience changes in nipple sensation after receiving breast implants, including increased or decreased sensation.
  4. Implant Rupture or Leakage: Breast implants can rupture or leak over time, which may cause pain or changes in breast shape.
  5. Breast Cancer Screening: Breast implants can make it more difficult to detect breast cancer during routine screening exams, which may delay diagnosis and treatment.

It’s important to discuss these risks with a qualified plastic surgeon and make an informed decision based on your personal health history and goals.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last Now?

Breast implants have improved immensely in durability over the years, with many now lasting for a decade or more. 

 

However, their lifespan can vary depending on factors such as the type of implant (silicone vs saline), surgical techniques used, and individual factors like weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and aging. 

 

Typically, experts recommend that women with implants have them checked regularly by a plastic surgeon to ensure they are still intact and functioning properly. Some women may choose to replace their implants after 10-15 years, while others may not experience any problems for many years beyond that. 

 

Ultimately, the lifespan of breast implants is variable and depends on a number of factors specific to each patient.

Are Breast Implants Surgery Painful?

Breast implant surgery can cause some level of discomfort and pain in the immediate post-operative period. However, with proper pain management, most patients are able to manage the pain effectively. It’s important to note that the amount of pain experienced can vary from person to person and also depend on factors such as the type of implant used, placement of the implant, and the technique used during surgery. 

 

It’s important to discuss your pain management options with your surgeon before the procedure to ensure a comfortable post-operative experience.

Can You Feel Touch With Breast Implants?

Breast implants, whether silicone or saline, will not completely lose sensitivity. However, due to the surgical procedure and placement of the implants, some women may experience a decrease in overall sensitivity or uneven distribution of sensation. This is because the nerves that provide feeling to the breasts can be affected during the surgery. 

 

It’s worth noting that after a few months, once the tissue around the implant has had time to settle and heal, the sensitivity should begin to feel more natural. In any case, this is something that should be discussed with your doctor to gain a better understanding of what to expect prior to undergoing the procedure.

Do Breast Implants Feel Like Real Breasts?

Breast implants feel somewhat different from real breasts due to the implant’s material and location. Implants are typically placed under the breast tissue or chest muscle, which can result in a firmer feel. 

 

That being said, advancements in implant technology and surgical techniques have made it possible for the implants to feel more natural than ever before. Generally speaking, silicone breast implants tend to feel more like natural tissue than saline implants, and the texture and feel of the implant can also play a role. 

 

It’s important to discuss your options with your plastic surgeon to determine which type, shape, and size of breast implant is best suited for your goals and body type.

How Do I Choose The Right Size And Type Of Breast Implant?

Choosing the right size and type of breast implant is an important decision that can affect your physical appearance and overall confidence. To ensure that you are happy with your results, it’s essential to carefully consider your options and choose a qualified surgeon who can guide you through the process.

 

When it comes to breast implant size, some factors to consider include your body shape, natural breast size, and desired level of enhancement. It’s important to communicate your goals clearly with your surgeon and use visual aids, such as before-and-after photos, to ensure that you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

 

When it comes to breast implant types, factors such as cost, texture, and risk of complications should be taken into consideration.

 

Ultimately, the decision of which breast implant size and type to choose should be based on your individual needs and goals. With careful consideration and guidance from a qualified surgeon, you can achieve the natural-looking, enhanced breasts you desire.

Do Breast Implants Leave Scars And How To Remove The Scars?

Breast implantation usually involves making incisions on the breasts, which can result in scars. Scarring can be reduced through proper post-operative care and by allowing sufficient time for incisions to heal. 


However, scar removal is not always possible. Some methods of scar removal or reduction include laser treatments, topical creams, silicone sheets, and surgery such as scar revision surgery. It’s important to discuss any concerns regarding breast implants and scarring with a qualified plastic surgeon.

Conclusion

In summary, it’s important to review the key points of any decision to get breast implants. As with any medical procedure, it’s critical to consider potential safety risks and discuss them with your healthcare provider. Ultimately, the choice to get breast implants is a personal one and should be made after carefully weighing all factors.