When considering breast enhancement, you might come across terms like “breast implants” and “breast augmentation.” These terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different aspects of the same goal: enhancing the size and shape of your breasts. Knowing the difference between these terms is essential for making an informed decision about your body. This guide will help you understand these differences and what to expect from each option.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of your breasts. This procedure is typically chosen by women looking to increase their breast size or achieve better breast symmetry.
Reasons for Breast Augmentation
Women choose breast augmentation for various reasons. Some seek to enhance their natural breast size to feel more feminine and proportionate. Others may want to restore breast volume that has diminished due to significant weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Additionally, breast augmentation can address asymmetry and concerns about breast shape, helping women achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing breast appearance.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
The Consultation
The breast augmentation process involves several steps, starting with a thorough consultation with your plastic surgeon. During this consultation, you’ll discuss your aesthetic goals, medical history and any concerns you might have. Your surgeon will help you decide on the best approach to achieve your desired results, including the type of implants, size and placement.
The Surgery
On the day of the surgery, you’ll receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Your plastic surgeon will make incisions in easily concealed areas to minimize visible scarring. These incisions can be made under the breast, around the areola or in the armpit, depending on your preference and your surgeon’s recommendation.
After making the incisions, your surgeon will insert the breast implants either under the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle. The placement of breast implants depends on several factors, including your body type and the type of implants chosen. Once the implants are securely in place, the incisions are closed with sutures and you are moved to a recovery area.
Recovery From Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation recovery experiences vary from person to person. Generally, you can expect some bruising, swelling and discomfort for the first few days post-surgery. Your plastic surgeon will provide specific aftercare instructions, including wearing a supportive bra, managing pain and avoiding strenuous activities. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few weeks, although full healing and final results may take a few months.
What Are Breast Implants?
Breast implants are medical devices designed to enlarge and improve the shape of the breasts. They come in various types, each with its own set of characteristics, benefits and considerations.
Types of Breast Implants
Several types of breast implants are available, including saline, structured saline, silicone and gummy bear implants. Each type has unique features that may make it more suitable for certain patients.
Saline Implants
Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with a sterile saltwater (saline) solution. They are empty when inserted into the breasts and then filled to the desired size. One advantage of saline implants is that the body can absorb the saline solution harmlessly if an implant ruptures. Saline implants generally feel firmer compared to other types and may result in a more noticeable rippling effect.
IDEAL IMPLANT® (Structured Saline)
The IDEAL IMPLANT offers a unique blend of the natural feel and look of silicone implants with the safety of saline. Its innovative internal structure, featuring nested silicone shells and dual saline chambers, allows it to mimic silicone gel implants while preventing wrinkling and maintaining the breast’s shape.
A key advantage of the IDEAL IMPLANT is the immediate detection of ruptures, as saline leaks are visibly noticeable. Additionally, a 10-year FDA clinical trial shows that IDEAL IMPLANTS have a lower risk of rupture and capsular contracture compared to other gel implants, making them a reliable and safe choice for breast augmentation.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants consist of a silicone shell filled with a cohesive silicone gel that mimics the look and feel of natural breast tissue. Many women prefer silicone implants because of their natural look and feel. However, in the case of a silicone implant rupture, the gel may either stay within the implant shell or leak into the breast implant pocket. Regular monitoring with MRI or ultrasound is recommended to ensure the implants are intact.
Gummy Bear Implants (Highly Cohesive Silicone Implants)
Gummy bear implants, also known as form-stable or highly cohesive gel implants, are made of a thicker silicone gel that maintains its shape even if the implant shell is broken. These implants are popular for their natural feel and reduced risk of leakage. They are also less likely to ripple compared to other implant types.
Choosing the Right Implant
Selecting the right breast implant depends on several factors, including your aesthetic goals, body type and the surgeon’s recommendations. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of each implant type, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your expectations and lifestyle.
Critical Differences Between Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation
To understand the difference between breast implants and breast augmentation, it’s crucial to clarify the terms. Breast augmentation is the surgical procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of your breasts. Breast implants, on the other hand, are the devices used during this procedure to achieve the desired results.
Procedure vs. Product
Breast augmentation is the process, while breast implants are the product used in this process. When you opt for breast augmentation, you’re choosing to undergo a surgical procedure that involves the placement of implants to enhance your breasts. The implants are the tools that make this transformation possible.
Role of Implants in Breast Augmentation
The role of breast implants in breast augmentation is to provide the volume and shape you desire. Your surgeon will work with you to select the right type, size and placement of implants to achieve results tailored to your body and aesthetic preferences.
Safety Considerations for Breast Implants
Breast implant safety is a paramount concern for anyone considering breast augmentation. Advances in implant technology, monitoring and surgical techniques have significantly improved the safety and effectiveness of breast augmentation procedures.
Implant Safety and Advances
Modern breast implants are designed with safety in mind. Silicone implants, for example, are made with a cohesive gel that reduces the risk of leakage. Gummy bear implants are even more stable, maintaining their shape even if the shell is compromised. Saline implants offer the reassurance of harmless absorption by the body in case of rupture.
Regular Monitoring and Maintenance
Regular monitoring and maintenance are important for promoting the longevity and safety of your breast implants. Your surgeon will recommend periodic check-ups, including MRI or ultrasound scans, to monitor the condition of your implants. These routine checks help detect any issues early and make sure your implants are intact.
Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries some risks and potential complications. These can include infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, implant rupture and capsular contracture issues (scar tissue formation around the implant). Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you in detail and take measures to minimize them.
Understanding the difference between breast implants and breast augmentation is crucial for making an informed decision about enhancing your breasts. By consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. William Umansky or Dr. Jeffrey Umansky, you can explore your options, receive personalized recommendations and take the first step toward achieving your aesthetic goals.
Call (858) 281-4560 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation at Umansky Plastic Surgery today!