For many women who desire a more uplifted or feminine bustline, breast augmentation surgery can be a truly transformative procedure for improving your self-image, allowing you to wear the clothes you’ve always wanted, and making you feel more confident in intimate moments.
However, if you’re considering a breast augmentation, the first thing you should know is that it isn’t a cookie-cutter procedure. You’ll have multiple decisions to make concerning the size, shape, and material of your implants to achieve your cosmetic goals. Don’t let all these options confuse you. An experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Eric Desman can help you customize your breast augmentation by making the best choices for your lifestyle.
Breast Implant Size
A common – and outdated – misconception about cosmetic surgery is that it will create an “overdone” appearance. However, the reality is that surgeons like Dr. Desman take great care to provide the most natural-looking results possible. The modern mindset about cosmetic surgery is that a subtle size increase can still provide noticeably enhanced contours.
That’s why an essential part of the breast augmentation consultation will include an honest discussion of your goals for the surgery, and what results are realistically possible for you to achieve. For example, if you are a petite woman with an A cup who wants a dramatic increase to a D cup, Dr. Desman might recommend a more modest improvement based on your height and frame, as well as how the implants will affect your body.
Breast Implant Shape
When it comes to the shape of your breast implants, you have two choices available: round or contoured. Round implants are a good option for women who desire more overall fullness, lift, and cleavage. Because they have a symmetrical shape, they will not affect the appearance of your breasts even in the unusual event that they rotate inside your breast pocket.
Contoured breast implants are shaped more like the natural appearance of breasts, with less volume in the upper half and more in the bottom. Because of their sloping, teardrop shape, there is a slight chance that they will shift position over time, which could alter the appearance of your breasts. However, they come with a slightly rough texture to reduce the chances of this happening.
Breast Implant Material
There are three types of breast implants available: saline, silicone, and structured. During your consultation, Dr. Desman can help you determine which material is best for you, based on factors such as your age and whether you plan to breastfeed. Here’s a closer look at the key differences between each breast implant material.
- Saline implants are full of a saline solution that is similar to the fluids in the human body. Because of this, if they develop a rupture or leak, it will be immediately noticeable, and there will be no adverse side effects because the saline will absorb safely into your body. They also require a smaller incision to place them. However, many women say they look and feel less natural, especially for those with minimal existing breast tissue.
- Silicone implants are FDA-approved for women aged 22 and older. Because they come pre-filled, placing them in the breast pocket involves a somewhat larger incision. They look remarkably realistic, but if they develop a rupture, it can be challenging to detect without an MRI. Finally, if you are planning to breastfeed after getting a breast augmentation surgery, silicone implants may not be your best choice.
- Structured implants are a relatively recent innovation that combines the safety features of saline with a more natural feel. With a patented design developed by a cosmetic surgeon, the IDEAL IMPLANT® is an excellent choice for women who want greater peace of mind about the durability and appearance of their breast implants.
Outstanding Breast Implants in Northern Virginia
By thoroughly taking into account breast implant factors like profile, placement, and proportions, cosmetic surgeons have made realistic-looking breast augmentation the standard, not the exception. Breast implant options and techniques are now so advanced that they allow board-certified breast augmentation surgeons like Dr. Desman to consistently produce excellent results that help put women’s natural beauty at the forefront.
If your goal is to improve your breast contours in 2019, contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today to schedule a private consultation. We serve patients from Alexandria, VA, Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area.