Breast Implants

What Are Breast Implants

Breasts are like fingerprints—they’re unique from one person to the next. A size and shape that looks good on your friend may not be compatible with your body, which is why skin elasticity, natural breast size and shape need to be taken into consideration.

“Breast augmentation with implants is the gold standard for getting better-looking breasts because size, shape and profile can all be addressed,” says Miami Beach plastic surgeon Leonard Tachmes, MD.

If you aren’t happy with the size or fullness of your breasts and would rather not resort to specialty bras, consider surgery. “Think of breast augmentation like putting a bigger pillow into a pillow case. There are some limitations but for the most part, the skin stretches very well,” says Duxbury, MA, plastic surgeon  Christine Hamori, MD. Most women want a natural look when considering breast surgery.

Implants, either silicone or saline, offer a permanent fix for larger, fuller, more proportionate breasts. Fat can be used, too. Your plastic surgeon may recommend a lift in addition to implants, if there’s sagging or loss of volume.

For the most natural look, La Jolla, CA, plastic surgeon Reza Sadrian, MD, says that breast diameter, as well as the profile, shape and positioning of the implants, needs to be taken into consideration. “Implants should fit the body appropriately. If they are too big for your body’s natural diameter, the implant will stick out at the sides, be too high up on the chest and just look too large overall,” he says. 

About 10 years or so after your augmentation, you may be ready for a touch-up. A desire to change size, obtain a more natural feel, remedy natural sagging or correct capsular contracture are reasons to have implants replaced.