Will Breast Implants Feel Artificial Inside Me?
As of this year, the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons reports that breast augmentation (implants) is the most popular type of plastic surgery in the country today, with more than 300,000 procedures performed annually.
But this does not mean that there is anything standardized about the breast implant procedure itself. Literally, hundreds of options exist, making it possible to customize everything from size and shape to fit and feel.
Similarly, each patient’s needs and goals are 100 percent unique to them. Breast implants can accomplish so much more than simply an increase in size. Symmetry, shape, areola size and placement, proportion and other concerns can be successfully addressed with the right breast implants.
However, there is one question nearly all patients will ask during their initial consultation with Dr. Jacono: will breast implants feel artificial inside me? Read on to learn the answer to this question!
Two Main Types of Breast Implants
While there is a great deal of flexibility in terms of implants size and shape, there are still just two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone.
Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, both medically and cosmetically.
Saline implants.
Saline is the original type of breast implant. Saline implants can appear to sit higher up on the body whether implanted over or under the muscle. Saline offers a slightly earlier warning system if the implants leak.
But many patients also report that they have an increased awareness of the presence of saline implants because the salt water solution feels “harder” and more rippled in its movement underneath the skin.
Silicone implants.
Silicone implants represent a newer option for patients. The silicone has a softer feel and can look and feel more natural whether placed under or over the muscle.
However, silicone leakage is typically less easily detected. This is because the silicone solution is more viscous (gooey and thick).
One good way to determine which type of implants, saline or silicone, feel more natural to you is to hold them in your own hands and feel the difference between each one for yourself.
Two Implant Placement Options
Just as there are two main types of implants, so too there are two main implant placement options: over the muscle or under the muscle.
In past years, more surgeons have moved from an exclusive over-the-muscle placement to an under-the-muscle placement to address patients’ desires for a more natural appearance.
However, it is not always necessary to place the implant under the muscle to achieve a natural result. The way the result appears can also depend on how much natural breast tissue exists and the placement of that tissue as well as the desired size increase and the type of implant used.
It is worth exploring this with Dr. Jacono, because many women report that it can be harder to adjust to implants placed under the muscle. Every time the chest muscles activate, they will encounter the implant and move it about a bit. The chest muscles will stretch out to accommodate the implants but this can take some time.
Having implants placed over the muscle can also shorten recovery time and lessen post-operative discomfort in some cases. This is a very individual decision you can discuss with Dr.Jacono during your initial consultation.
Implant Size.
It makes intuitive sense that the size of the implants you select may impact how long it takes before you feel like the implants are a part of your natural body.
Smaller implants that represent a step up from your natural size will always feel a bit more organic than larger implants.
The reason for this is both physical and psychological. Larger implants can also change your body perception and your posture. And larger implants may initially cause some back and shoulder discomfort until your body gets used to the new weight.
Breast Tissue.
The amount of natural breast tissue a patient has going into an augmentation can also impact how long it takes for breast implants to feel natural.
With more natural tissue to cushion the implants, they won’t be felt as easily. But with less natural tissue the presence of the implants will be both more visible and more easily felt during movement.
How Long Before Breast Implants Feel Natural?
As these examples illustrate, the time it takes before breast implants feel natural – like a part of you – can differ depending on the choices you make for your surgery.
In other words, you can have quite a bit of control over how natural your implants feel as well as how long it will take before they feel natural to you.
When you schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Jacono, you can talk through your options, examine before and after photos from other procedures, handle your implant options personally, talk about size and symmetry, discuss proportion and placement and ask all your questions about preparation, recovery time and results.
The typical post-operative recovery time for most patients is one week. However, it can take longer before you adjust mentally and physically to your new curves. Understanding this paves the way to a successful outcome.
About New York Facial Plastic Surgery
If you are looking to undergo breast augmentation in New York, seek the expertise of Dr. Andrew Jacono, MD, FACS, founder and medical director for New York Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Jacono is double board-certified in facial plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery and head, and neck surgery. He maintains a busy private practice with two office locations, one in New York City and one on Long Island.
Dr. Jacono’s international clientele trusts him to provide cutting-edge, natural-appearing results for both cosmetic and medical treatment needs. He also maintains a busy lecture and teaching calendar has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and three consumer books and works tirelessly as a philanthropist and surgeon assisting women and children with much-needed pro bono care and treatment.
To schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Jacono, visit website at
www.newyorkfacialplasticsurgery.com.