Do you know that there have been around 193,073 breast augmentation procedures done in 2020 alone? That’s in the midst of a variety of lockdowns and shutdowns due to COVID-19.
Needless to say, as people are going back to their offices, and regular movement and travel are slowly recovering, the rate of breast implants procedures will only increase.
Let’s put the statistics to the side for a moment. Getting breast implants is a rather personal decision. And, you’ve probably already done some solid thinking about the process, and what you hope to achieve.
But, it’s always a good idea to get a better understanding of the procedure and the different factors you can choose from. This way, you can get the results you want with minimal cost and time spent.
Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know to choose the perfect breast implants for you.
Breast Implants 101: Look at Your Current Anatomy
Before we start delving into the intricacies of picking the right breast implant’s size and shape, let’s make sure that you’re aware of some foundational steps.
With the help of your doctor, you should always start with taking stock of your current body shape and size. After all, this is the basic layer that your surgeon will be working with to build your new look.
For instance, your surgeon will look at your shoulders’ width, how broad your chest area is, and the rate of symmetry of your breasts.
Other areas of interest will be the current distance between each one of your breasts, the amount of breast tissue you have, as well as the width of your breasts at their base.
Once you have such a solid look at your anatomy, your surgeon will be able to recommend specific sizes and shapes. For example, some individuals with less breast tissue might be limited to a smaller range of the available implant sizes.
Breast Implant Sizes: The Main Considerations
Generally speaking, whenever a person considers getting a breast augmentation procedure or a “boob job,” the conversation will revolve around the implant size.
This makes sense, especially since it tends to be the main concern of the patients asking for the augmentation procedure. While there are a plethora of options available, that doesn’t mean that all of them would look good on your frame.
Basically, the volume of the implants is measured in cc or milliliters, so your surgeon will discuss the size with you in those terms, with a simplified equivalency using breast cup sizes.
In addition to the breast size, you’ll want to give some thought to the diameter of the implants. The narrow implants will push the breast tissue up and out, while wider implants can sit a bit flatter on the chest.
These two measurements can give you a pretty accurate idea as to the look and overall size of your implants. But, you’ll want to keep in mind that bigger doesn’t always mean better. As a matter of fact, the larger the implants, the higher the risks of complications.
Symmetry and Shape: Round or Teardrop?
The two common shapes of breast implants are either round or teardrop implants.
For a “push-up” look with high degrees of symmetry, round implants will deliver exactly what they sound like, which is round and full-looking breasts. Yet, if you’re looking for something that looks a bit more natural, then you might want to consider the teardrop shape.
Natural breasts look more like teardrops than perfect circles. With more fullness towards the nipple and a bit less at the top, you can go for teardrop-shaped breast implants.
Admittedly, those won’t give you a dramatic result, as round implants could, but they’ll definitely look more natural.
Furthermore, you’ll want to consider the profile of the implant as well. You can go for a moderate or high profile. They follow the same considerations as the round and teardrop-shaped implants. High-profile implants will give you a fuller look, while a moderate profile gives a more natural shape.
Preferred Lifestyle and Wardrobe
You’ll want to take a look at your wardrobe and your preferred lifestyle before finalizing your breast implants’ shape and size. Getting the implants that can fit your body is one thing, you’ll also want to ensure that they fit your lifestyle.
For instance, if you’re an athlete or someone who practices high-intensity sports, you might want to avoid overly large breast implants, just out of sheer comfort.
As for your wardrobe, take a look at your preferred styles. You might want to wear all of the low-cut dresses and blouses that your heart desires. But, if you’re someone who’s an introvert and you don’t like attracting too much attention, then going for something more moderate in size might be better for you.
Silicone Versus Saline Implants
The final factor you’ll want to research a bit is the material of your breast implants.
There are two types available, which are saline breast implants or silicone breast implants.
Saline Breast Implants
They are implants that are filled with saltwater.
The procedure is responsible for placing an empty shell in the breast, then the shell is filled with the saline solution to reach the pre-determined size and shape.
While saline implants are more known for offering a less natural feeling when compared with silicone implants, the shell itself is made of silicone, so it’s not actually as unnature as you might think.
Silicone Breast Implants
On the other hand, you can choose to get silicone breast implants. Those are already pre-filled to a specific size before their placement in your body.
Yet, it’s important to keep in mind that while saline implants have been approved for people older than 18, silicone breast implants have been approved for ladies who are 22 years old and over.
Unlocking the World of Breast Implants
By doing a simple online search about breast implants, you can easily get overwhelmed with the sheer amount of good (and bad) information you can find.
Hopefully, our explainer has shed some light on the nuances of getting a breast augmentation done, and the key factors you’ll need to discuss with your surgeon.
If you liked our article, make sure to check out additional tips and tricks available to you in our beauty and health sections
