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What Is the Difference Between Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation?

If you are debating getting a breast procedure, you may have realized that the terms “breast implants” and “breast augmentation” tend to be used interchangeably. This can lead to some confusion, and you may be wondering, “What is the difference between breast implants and breast augmentation?” As a patient, it is very important to be as informed as possible before undergoing surgery, and in this article, we will unpack what these terms mean and their differences.

 

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Any surgical procedure that enhances the shape or size of the breasts is classified under the umbrella of breast augmentation. These procedures are often cosmetic, but there are also some reconstructive applications, such as after a mastectomy.

Patients who choose to augment their breasts usually want to:

  • Enhance the proportions of their body
  • Improve symmetry of the breasts 
  • Restore volume that can be lost after weight loss or pregnancy
  • Reconstruct their breasts following trauma or surgery

Augmentation can be done by the use of breast implants or by opting for fat transfer. In this procedure, fat is taken from one part of the body and injected into the breasts. The purpose of the fat transfer is to naturally enhance the size or shape. Fat transfer results in more subtle enhancements and is usually fitting for those hoping for a more modest increase in breast size. When you go in for a consultation, your surgeon will discuss a plan for augmentation that best suits your goals, body, and health.

 

What Are Breast Implants?

Now that we have differentiated the different ways breasts can be augmented, let’s discuss breast implants. Implants can be thought of as tools or medical devices that are directly placed into the body. There are two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone.

  • Saline implants are empty when inserted into the body. After they are set in place, they are filled with sterile salt water. The benefit of using saline is that the body can easily absorb the fluid in the event of a rupture. 
  • Silicone implants are pre-filled with a silicone gel. These result in a feeling more synonymous with breast tissue. However, they may necessitate a larger incision site. 

Breast implants can also be different in their shape, texture, and size. The right combination of these factors can be debated and discussed with your surgeon to achieve a look that is right for you. 

Keep in mind that although implants can last a long time, they are not expected to last a lifetime. Patients could need more surgeries later in life for many reasons. Common reasons include implant rupture, personal aesthetic preference changes, and the tightening of scar tissue. 

 

Key Differences Between the Two

So, let us clarify again: how exactly do breast implants and breast augmentation differ from one another?

Simply put, breast augmentation is the procedure, while implants are one of the tools that can be used during said procedure. 

 

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing to augment your breasts with implants or other augmentation methods is not a decision that should be taken lightly. A board-certified surgeon should be consulted for guidance to take into account other factors before deciding on your procedural route. 

Patients who are looking for a more dramatic increase in size may choose implants. Those looking for a more subtle result may decide to use fat transfer. If you need a complete reconstruction, your surgeon can educate you on the best procedures that keep your goals and safety in mind. 

Do not forget to have a thorough conversation with your surgeon about realistic expectations from your surgery. When undergoing a body modification, it is crucial to have great communication with your surgeon to manage your expectations, both for the recovery process and the final look.

 

Get a Consultation!

Now you are clear on the differences between augmentation and breast implants! If you choose to follow through with surgery, you are one step closer to making an informed decision on the kind of surgery you receive. To be further informed, be sure to discuss your options with a surgeon you can trust; you can even request to see before and after surgery pictures.

 

If you are looking for an experienced and trustworthy plastic surgeon to evaluate your options with, stop by our clinic for a consultation today!

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How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Breast implants are one of the classic plastic surgery procedures, and have given millions of women around the world an enhanced sense of self-confidence and esteem. However, it is good to know how long do breast implants last? The good news is that most breast implants will last for some time, and it will be about 10 to 20 years before most patients will have to return to the doctor’s office to receive treatment again.

If you are interested in breast implants, our guide can help you understand how long your own might last.

What Are Breast Implants?

Breast implants are a type of image-enhancement procedure that adds volume and heft to a patient’s breasts. The procedure is one of the classics in plastic surgery practice. Besides the aesthetic enhancements offered by this procedure, it is also used in repairing breasts that have been lost or damaged due to cancer or other diseases.

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Implants?

Most patients who have a good health profile are good patients for breast implants. Some of the general criteria that a physician will look for include:

  • Realistic expectations regarding the scope of the procedure
  • Good general health profile
  • No negative history regarding surgery
  • Non-smoker

Prior to receiving any type of surgical work, you will undergo a medical evaluation with your physician to determine your overall level of fitness and eligibility for surgery. Barring any issues, you should be approved for your procedure.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

There is a fairly wide range in terms of how long a patient can expect their breast implants to last. Although they will not last forever, breast implants have the potential to last for a very long time, especially if the patient takes some level of care for them.

In general, you can expect your breast implants to last from anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Some of the variability in terms of this longevity has to do with the behavior of the patient and how they treat their body. In addition, environmental factors and the type of implant that is received can also affect the overall longevity of one’s implants.

Your physician may have additional advice for you in terms of how you can maximize the time that you can maintain the highest level of quality for your implants. Following their advice should help to ensure that you do not have to return to the clinic for replacement or removal.

When Should I Replace My Implants?

Several signs can indicate it is time to replace your implants. Some of these signs can be quite dramatic, while others are more subtle. Some indicators that suggest replacing your implants include:

  • Hardening: This includes the development of scar tissue in the area surrounding the implants.
  • Saline rupture: Saline implants will deflate rapidly if there are ruptures that develop.
  • Silicone rupture: Silicone implants can also rupture, though the visual impact of this may be more subtle than in a saline rupture. Because they are not as obvious as a saline rupture, these are often known as “silent ruptures”.
  • Changes in shape and feel: Breast implants that have become slightly worn out will experience changes in size and texture.
  • Position changes: If your breast changes positions quickly, abruptly, or dramatically, this can be an indication that the implant has been damaged in some fashion and needs to be replaced.

What Occurs During Implant Replacement?

A qualified plastic surgeon can assist you with implant removal and replacement. You will discuss with them what the right path forward is for you in terms of repair or replacement. The varieties of procedures include:

  • Implant removal and breast lift
  • Removal of hardened or lumpy tissue
  • Implant removal alone
  • Implant replacement with possible breast lift

Most patients will find that they receive an almost instantaneous aesthetic improvement from their procedure. However, there are some issues that can arise during a replacement or removal procedure. This includes things like:

  • Sagging
  • Dimpling
  • Asymmetry
  • Deflation

The Best Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Inc is one of the most highly regarded plastic surgery clinics in Beverly Hills. If you are interested in receiving world-class treatment and discussing your plans for breast implants, contact us today to hold an appointment with our board-certified surgeon. 

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Top 10 Breast Augmentation Myths

Breast augmentation can help make an individual’s outer appearance more closely match their inner idea of how they should look. Its dependability and power have made it one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures available for years. Below, we cover our top 10 breast augmentation myths.

However, like many plastic surgery procedures, there are some unhealthy and inaccurate myths that are associated with this procedure. These myths can inhibit patients who might otherwise benefit from receiving this type of treatment.

Top 10 Breast Augmentation Myths

If you have breast augmentation planned or are just thinking about receiving this procedure, take a look at some of the myths you can discount from preventing you from seeking plastic surgery in Beverly Hills. 

1.  Breast Implants Need to Be Replaced Frequently

On the contrary, the materials that compose modern breast implants are designed to be highly resilient and can last for quite a long time. In general, you won’t need to replace them unless they suffer some kind of abnormal fissure, such as a rupture or leak. Engaging in regular checkups can help a physician detect abnormalities prior to any kind of issue arising.

2.  Saline Implants are Safer

Saline and silicone implants are both considered safe, and the choice mostly amounts to personal preference in terms of the feel of the implants. Each type of implant carries with it its own set of distinctive advantages. One advantage that comes with saline implants is that in the case of a rupture, the salt water that fills saline implants is completely natural.

3.  Breast Implants Can Create Health Risks

Breast implants are considered safe by the medical community and the FDA. Getting approved by the FDA requires passing rigorous tests. Over the course of decades of study, there have been very few associations made between breast implants and lasting health issues.

4.  Augmented Breast Appear Unnatural

The process that surrounds breast implants has been much refined over the decades. Patients can now expect to have more natural-looking results than what one’s stereotypical image of an individual with implants might look like. This opens up the opportunity for patients with various tastes to consider receiving this type of surgery.

5.  Implanted Breasts Can Impact Breastfeeding

This is a myth that has very little bearing in reality. Most patients receive breast implants at a young age, which allows the implants to integrate into their body prior to child-bearing age. A successful implantation should not interfere with normal breastfeeding.

6.  There are No Limits to Breast Implants

The goal of a breast augmentation process is to create the most satisfying and natural appearing results possible. This means that sometimes there need to be limits to the amount of growth and cup size that can be given to a patient for safety and aesthetic reasons. A patient’s height, weight, and breast size are contributing factors to this.

7.  Only Young Women Can Receive Breast Implants

It is true that younger women are the primary patients who receive breast augmentation, they aren’t the only individuals who receive this treatment. Many older women choose to receive this treatment after childbirth or as their bodies lose their tightness and youthful features.

8.  Breast Implant Surgery Can Be Performed by Any Plastic Surgeon

Like any complex plastic surgery, skilled specialists with a successful history of performing the procedure are to be sought out in order to create the best results. This is why vetting your surgeon prior to your procedure is highly important for any patient.

9.  Breast Augmentation Offers Immediate Results

There will be a clear difference in size almost immediately following your procedure. However, this doesn’t mean that the full bearing of your results will be completely apparent immediately following your procedure. Patients often have to wait a few weeks for the swelling from their procedure to completely subside and settle into their final appearance.

10. Larger Implants are Better

The best type of implant is the kind that fits and complements the form of the patient the best. In fact, the idea that breast implants need to be large in order to be successful is a slightly outdated conception. In fact, it’s more in vogue nowadays to produce more modest and natural-looking results in the implant process.

The Top Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery is considered one of the best plastic surgeons in Southern California. If you have an interest in receiving breast augmentation in Beverly Hills and are curious whether or not you would benefit from this procedure, contact us today in order to schedule a consultation.

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Pros and Cons of Natural Breast Augmentation

Enhancing the look of your breasts can improve your overall aesthetic. It can ensure your clothes fit better, your body is proportional, and dramatically boost your confidence. Natural breast augmentation is a popular alternative to traditional surgical breast procedures. It enhances the size and shape of your breasts nonsurgically. The procedure utilizes your own body fat to create fuller and more voluminous breasts. Consider the following pros and cons of natural breast augmentation.

Pros and Cons of Natural Breast Augmentation

Due to the natural aging process and other factors that impact your breasts, many women consider breast procedures. There are several reasons why natural breast augmentation is beneficial. As with any procedure, there are also some cons. Consider the following pros and cons of natural breast augmentation.

Pros of Natural Breast Augmentation

Natural Aesthetic: 

The pro that most patients love about natural breast augmentation is the natural look and feel of the results. One of the main benefits of a natural breast augmentation in Beverly Hills is that it provides a much more natural look, including both the aesthetic and feel of your breast. This is because it is done using your own body fat.

Secondary Benefits: 

Because the procedure uses your own fat, you get additional benefits from a natural breast augmentation. Not only is the fat used to enhance the look of your breasts, but it is also removed from an area that has excess fat. A natural breast augmentation and plastic surgery in Beverly Hills can result in a more sculpted appearance overall due to the secondary benefits. 

Reduced Recovery: 

Non-surgical alternatives have a much faster recovery period as compared to traditional breast augmentations. A faster recovery period reduces your risk of infection and ensures that you get back to your daily routine in no time. This is a great option for those who live a busy and active lifestyle. 

Cons of a Natural Breast Augmentation

Size Limitations: 

Traditional implants can vary in size as you have the option to dramatically increase your breast size. A natural breast augmentation has more limitations in terms of how big you can go. It can provide a modest increase in breast size, which is why it is a great option for those who want a natural look.

Not For Everyone: 

If you have limited fat in your body, a natural breast augmentation may not be right for you. The procedure depends on fat from your own body as it is harvested and then transferred into your breasts. If you are very lean, a traditional breast augmentation may be a better option for you. It’s important to consult with a plastic surgeon to determine what procedures you are a good candidate for. 

Varied Results: 

In some cases, the results can vary. Because the fat is transferred from your own body, the success of the transfer depends on your body’s acceptance of the fat. In rare cases, the results may not be as expected. When this does occur, it can sometimes result in uneven breasts. 

Natural Breast Augmentation Procedure

If you are unhappy with the look of your breasts, consider a natural breast augmentation at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery. The team is skilled in natural and traditional breast augmentations. They have helped countless patients improve the look of their breasts after weight gain, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. The natural aging process can impact the look of your breasts, which is why an enhancement can dramatically improve your confidence. The first step in moving forward with the procedure is scheduling a constellation. Contact the team at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery today to schedule an appointment!