What to Look for in the Best Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the most common types of plastic surgery performed over the past several decades. People opt for surgery for a variety of reasons. Many merely want to enhance their shape, others are undergoing reconstructive surgery and some want to improve the symmetry of their breasts. Regardless of your reason breast augmentation is a great way to boost your confidence.

What To Questions to Ask About Breast Augmentation

While considering such surgery for yourself you may feel excited, nervous, or unsure of where to start your research. It is important to consider a number of factors regarding breast augmentation surgery.

Questions you may ask yourself are:

• What look do I want to achieve?
• Which surgeon should I go to?
• Do breast implants hurt?
• What is involved with breast implant recovery?
• Are breast augmentations dangerous?
• How do I make sure I don’t end up with a botched breast job?

Celebrities As Plastic Surgery Inspiration

Sometimes the journey to plastic surgery starts with admiring the look of celebrities and wanting to improve on our own features. Breast augmentation surgery skyrocketed in the early 1990s with the rise of television star Pamela Anderson. Her breast implants are dramatic and noticeable on her thin, athletic body.

A celebrity with a similar look is Jenny McCarthy, although hers appear slightly less obvious. For many years, this “look” was considered the ideal for women wanting to achieve a sexy, over the top shape.

Another celebrity who has been very open about having plastic surgery is Cardi B. Her breast augmentation is also substantial.

In recent years, many people consider these boob jobs to be too obvious and the demand for large, round implants has dropped dramatically. Gone are the days where bigger is better when it comes to breast augmentation. In fact, large, in-your-face breast implants (especially those with rippling) are considered bad boob jobs by many in favor of smaller, more natural breasts.

Breast Augmentation Trends

As trends change over time, a more natural look has grown in popularity. Patients with a slender body shape typically want a smaller implant and often prefer the look of Nicole Kidman’s boobs. Her breasts nicely fill out her shape without appearing overdone.

Those with a more athletic figure might want a size similar to that of Iggy Azaela. The size of her breast augmentation compliments her body in a natural and understated way.

Another celebrity with a more natural look is Marie Osmond. While she has not had breast augmentation, she has revealed she had a breast reduction as her natural size was too large for her frame. These examples are typically considered “good” boob jobs since the results match the shape of their body and aren’t the first thing you notice about the person.

The Best Implant For Your Body

Choosing the right look for your body and the right type of implant can make the difference between a good boob job and a bad boob job. From a personal standpoint, what look appeals to you; natural or dramatic? What type of implant would you prefer; saline, silicone, or gummy bear? What shape makes sense for the look you want to achieve; round or teardrop?

Saline or Silicone?

Once you have an idea of the look that appeals to you it is important to consider the details. Saline implants are often rounder and have a firmer feel than silicone. Saline also has a higher chance of rippling under the skin. Silicone implants offer a more natural shape and feel with less chance of rippling, which is what many women prefer. The downside to silicone is the scars are often more noticeable after surgery as the implants cannot be inserted empty and then filled up, unlike saline which leaves smaller scars.

Gummy Bear Implants

The newest type of silicone implant is known as the “gummy bear” implant. This has become a popular choice as it has the components of a silicone implant without the risk of leaking silicone into the body should a rupture occur. This is because the implant is comprised of gel and stays intact if torn, similar to that of a gummy bear (hence the nickname).

Breast Shape

When deciding on the best shape for their new and improved look, many women are turning to the “teardrop” shape implant. Unlike rounder implants which can turn and appear more obvious the teardrop is larger on the bottom and more closely resembles the shape of the breast.

Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon

Once you have an idea of the look you desire, an equally important decision is determining which doctor you want to perform the procedure. Ensuring your surgeon is board-certified, has extensive experience performing breast augmentations, and has many examples of before and after photos from previous patients is key.

While every person’s results may differ because no two bodies are the same, a surgeon whose patients have the look you want will help you to trust the surgeon’s vision and feel confident that they may be the right fit for you.

Additionally, be sure to research the facility at which the surgery is performed. The surgical center should be accredited and have a clean record with the local health department. There should also be qualified staff on site who are experienced and skilled in assisting with cosmetic surgeries.

Surgery Risks and Downtime

Finally, once you have decided on your new look and doctor, you want to make sure you understand the risks of going under the knife. Hundreds of thousands of breast augmentations are performed every year in the U.S. alone. It is one of the safest cosmetic procedures currently available.

You will need to take a few days off to rest and recover and you should avoid any heavy lifting or bending for several days to a few weeks. The implants themselves should not cause pain although you may feel uncomfortable post-op as your body adjusts to the change and begins to heal.

Doing your research in advance so you know what to expect along the way should help you in your decision-making about breast augmentation.

Options Outside Adding A Prosthetic Breast

Breast augmentations are not the only way to achieve the perfect chest for your body type. When looking for the best breast augmentation, internal bras placed surgically may be an option to consider.

Internal bras are placed beneath the skin and muscles of the breast and help to keep everything in place. They are often recommended for women who have had children or for those who are experiencing breast sagging. Internal bras can give you a more youthful appearance and help to improve your self-confidence. The internal bra technique mimics the support of wearing a push-up or padded bra. No implant is placed, the internal bra uses your own tissue. This technique can lift your breasts, making them look more youthful and it can improve your aesthetic.

Consider an internal bra surgery if:

• You are interested in a breast lift but want less visible scars
• Your own breast tissue is weak and won’t support an implant
• Recurring breast sagging with or without implants
• Your implant isn’t positioned correctly
• Prior capsular contracture
• Needing a breast pocket revision

Internal Bra Material

The internal bra itself is made of a mesh polymer material that is broken down over time in the body. While it “breaking down” seems, it actually is a good thing. The mesh stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and this creates a natural foundation for firmer, higher, more perky breasts. These results are long-lasting as the mesh becomes your body’s own tissue.

While the term “internal bra” sounds like you will be able to go braless after your procedure is healed, we don’t recommend this. Wearing a supportive bra will help you maintain your new breast shape and lifted position. Every once in a while, this is fine, but we recommend wearing a supportive bra daily and a highly supportive bra if doing activities that put pressure on the breasts like sports.

Schedule a Consultation To Discuss Your Breast Augmentation

If you are ready to improve your confidence and begin your journey to your best self, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lett by calling (615) 443-0901.

If you’re considering breast augmentation, it’s important to do your research and choose a practice that specializes in this area. Dr. Lett in Mt. Juliet and Lebanon, TN looks forward to helping women through their journey into motherhood and beyond with his years of experience.