Will Aging or Weight Changes Affect My Breast Implant Results?
Many women consider breast implants after pregnancy or weight fluctuations. Some women also consider implants if they are born with a naturally small chest. Moving forward with a breast augmentation procedure involves scheduling a consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon. At the appointment, you will discuss the size and shape you want. During this appointment, many people have questions about the results and how long they last. You may wonder, will aging or weight changes affect my breast implant results? Below you will find helpful information on how to maintain your results after breast implant surgery.
Will Aging or Weight Changes Affect My Breast Implant Results?
A breast augmentation can enhance the look of your chest. It improves the size, shape, and symmetry. Many people wonder if aging or weight changes can impact their appearance after surgery. Changes to the surrounding structure can affect the results in several ways.
Changes Due to Natural Aging
Over time, skin changes occur. This is due to the natural loss of collagen and elastin. These are important proteins that keep your skin supple and youthful-looking. The production of these proteins begins to slow down as early as your twenties. The reduction continues as you get older. This results in the skin being less able to support the weight of your breast tissue and implant. This can lead to sagging, which can impact the appearance of your implants.
Natural skin changes occur due to the loss of collagen and elastin. However, certain lifestyle habits can accelerate the natural aging process. Sun exposure, smoking, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle can impact skin quality. Living an unhealthy lifestyle can impact the results of your implant. This is why it is important to live a balanced, healthy lifestyle after the procedure.
Weight Changes
Weight changes after breast implants can impact the results. This includes both weight gain and weight loss. When you gain weight, the fat is distributed around the body. Adding weight to the breasts naturally increases the overall cup size. While the appearance changes, the implant itself remains the same. You may notice asymmetry, depending on how the fat accumulates around the breasts.
Weight loss often has a more obvious effect on breast implant results. When the natural breast tissue loses volume, the skin can become loose. The implant can change in several ways. It can appear higher, lower, or less full in its upper portion. This can make the breasts look less full, which many patients do not like. Maintaining your weight after surgery is integral to ensuring your results last.
How to Maintain Your Results After Breast Implants
Protecting your investment after breast implants is important. There are several steps you can take to maintain your results after surgery.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
After surgery at the top plastic surgery center, you will receive postoperative instructions. It is important to follow these as closely as possible. This includes how to care for your incisions and what to avoid. Attend all of your post-surgical follow-up appointments to ensure optimal recovery.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can have a serious impact on your skin and breast augmentation results. This is because it breaks down collagen and restricts blood flow to the skin. This accelerates skin aging after surgery. It also increases the risk for post-surgical complications. You will be required to stop smoking before and after surgery. It is best to avoid smoking entirely to protect your results.
Sun Protection
Sun exposure can break down the skin and accelerate skin aging. UV rays break down the collagen and elastin in the skin. These are essential proteins that keep your skin firm and youthful-looking. Use SPF 30 or higher daily, even if you do not go outdoors. If you do go outside, avoid the sun during peak hours. Use sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for added protection.
Wear Supportive Bras
Gravity can take a toll on your breast tissue and skin. Wear a well-fitted, supportive bra as much as possible. If you exercise or do any high-impact activities, wear a supportive sports bra. Doing this can reduce your risk of stretching and gravitational strain on the breast tissue and skin. Staying consistent is the key to maintaining the results of your breast augmentation.
Top Plastic Surgery Center
Breast implants can change over time due to weight gain or loss or aging. If you want to refresh your implants, contact Dr. Brent and his team today to schedule your consultation!