What Is the Difference Between Breast Augmentation and Implants?

Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Implants

The difference between a breast implant and augmentation is that augmentation is the procedure necessary for breast enhancement, while implants are the medical prostheses we insert into the breast to achieve the desired volume and shape. Breast implants are a specific method used in breast augmentation. Each relies on the other to deliver results. 

Implants provide a predictable and significant increase in breast size with options for various shapes and textures.

Types of Breast Implants

One discerning factor you need to know is that not all implants are created equally. The one that’s right for you will depend on multiple factors. We’ll cover the different implants available and what makes each unique. 

Saline

These implants are filled with saltwater that’s been sterilized. They’re known for providing a uniform shape and feel, which are important factors in helping your breasts look as natural as possible. Saline is also associated with two key benefits:

1. Flexible sizes so you can have the customized appearance you want
2. Easy leak detection

Saline implants are inserted as mere empty shells. After they’re in place, we gradually add the saline until we reach the size discussed during your consultation. This approach allows us to precisely measure the volume of each breast and achieve optimal symmetry. It is an excellent solution for women with uneven breasts and/or those striving for proportion.

Structured Saline

Structured implants try to combine the best of both worlds — the natural feel provided by silicone and the balanced appearance of saline. They contain multiple chambers to control how the solution moves, and many believe this implant is the most customizable. 

Silicone

If you guessed these implants are filled with silicone gel, you guessed correctly. The most significant benefit is that the gel closely mimics real breast tissue, making it difficult to tell if you’ve had breast augmentation surgery.

With silicone, the implant does not deflate if a leak occurs. Routine follow-up appointments with our office can help monitor these implants to ensure they’re properly functioning.

Gummy Bear

There seems to be much talk about these implants among patients, and it’s no wonder. Known as form-stable implants, the gummy bear version retains its shape at all times. Even if the implant shell breaks, the thick gel inside remains immobile. That gel has a thicker consistency than traditional silicone and provides a firmer shape.

Gummy bear implants taper at the top and have more body at the bottom, mimicking the female breast more closely.

Round

Rounded implants have a consistent shape all over. They make breasts appear fuller than many other options, and a high placement can help patients achieve still more projection. These are popular with women who feel their breasts look deflated and/or out of proportion with the rest of their body.

Smooth

The smooth option is a good choice if you want an implant that feels silky and soft. Its design also provides for natural movement to promote fluidity and consistency with the body.

Textured

Perhaps the greatest advantage of textured implants is that they typically remain in position. Textured implants have a thicker and rougher shell, which helps them adhere to scar tissue that develops after surgery, reducing any likelihood of movement. These implants are also the only option if you want a teardrop implant shape. 

Details of Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery is pretty straightforward. We conduct this as an outpatient procedure so that after a brief recovery period, you can go home to finish healing. The surgery will take between one and two hours, but this window will increase if you choose to have a breast lift at the same time.

This brings us to a good point. Your procedure can be combined with other therapies to achieve more dramatic results all over. For example, you might choose to target pockets of abdominal fat with liposuction. Coupling this treatment with breast augmentation can help you achieve your overall beauty goals.

What to Expect

Breast augmentation essentially boils down to the following:

• Administering general anesthesia
• Making incisions in pre-determined locations
• Inserting the implants
• Securely closing incisions

The Recovery Period

If you’ve heard that breast augmentation requires substantial recovery time, you’ve heard the words of a bygone era. Yes, it’s crucial that you see your recovery to the end, but you will likely be able to return to work within a week. Sleeping upright can help reduce swelling during those first two days after surgery.

You’ll probably be told to pause physical activity for two or three weeks, not raise your hands over your head and limit your lifting to eight pounds. We’ll let you know when you can resume all activities, which should be within about six weeks.

Tips for Recovery

The first week after surgery will be the most difficult, so completing a few tasks beforehand will help immensely. For example, have clothes for four or five days already laid out or within easy reach so you can dress without complication. Opt for comfortable, loose-sitting outfits and have some ice packs in the freezer to relieve swelling.

Also, have easy-to-eat foods already prepared. Healthy choices like fruits, vegetables and yogurt will provide the nutrition you need and keep blood flowing steadily to assist with recovery. Lastly, skip caffeinated and sugary beverages and choose water and/or tea instead. Both will keep you hydrated — an essential step in helping you heal.

Leaks

In most cases, a leak can be immediately detected because the body absorbs the saline. We can then act swiftly to reduce the impact and restore your peace of mind. This is a great time to point out that leaks rarely happen — but for those who are worried, saline can provide a sense of security.

Which Implant Is Right for You?

No discussion of breast augmentation surgery would be complete without discussing how to choose the right implants. Among the many factors you’ll need to consider is the size of breasts you want. We will weigh this against what we believe would be medically appropriate based on your body size and type.

Keep in mind that with regard to bras, cup size varies among manufacturers. For this reason, we measure implants in cubic centimeters. We will, therefore, work to match this measurement with the desired cup size you present to us.

Saline vs. Silicone

Many women struggle to decide whether saline or silicone implants are more beneficial. This is less a matter of scientific fact and more a question of personal preference. Both implant types come in many sizes and can provide a beautiful, voluptuous profile.

Benefits of Saline

This implant is beneficial for women with a fair density of existing breast tissue to disguise any rippling that may show. Additionally, the FDA approves saline for patients over 18 years old, while silicone is only for women 22 and older. So, if you’re under 22, saline is the only option.

Another significant benefit is that saline does not require in-office monitoring, so if you don’t want to continue with these appointments, saline offers a little more freedom. The FDA recommends MRI scans for patients with silicone implants every two or three years. The goal is to watch for ruptures. Finally, saline implants get filled after they are in place. This requires smaller incisions during surgery, which many women perceive as beneficial.

Benefits of Silicone

It’s undeniable that silicone yields very natural results, particularly as the gel has a “give” that closely resembles breast tissue. If saline is overfilled — if too much fluid is used to fill the implant — it becomes quite firm. Silicone is also lighter than saline, even when comparing implants of the exact same size.

This choice is best for women without a lot of breast tissue, which describes many women seeking breast augmentation. When implanted, silicone also tends to show less wrinkling. The other appeal of this choice is a variety of options. Women who want shaped implants must select silicone, as these are not available with saline.

Silicone implants require inframammary incisions or those made in the breast crease. Many health care providers prefer these incisions because they allow easy access to the breast pocket. This means more precision is needed when placing the implant for optimal results. In addition, these incisions are hidden by the breasts’ natural crease line.

Why You Might Want a Breast Augmentation

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, which we fully embrace. But we also understand that if you’re unhappy with your appearance, you’re more likely to feel general dissatisfaction with life. If this describes you, we’d like to say that we get it. Breast augmentation can give you the shape you want, whether you have naturally small breasts or simply want a fuller bust. A few reasons to enhance your breasts include:

• Weight Loss: After losing a significant amount of weight, the breasts can look shrunken. To improve your silhouette and restore voluptuous curves to match your new waistline, implants are nothing short of ideal. It is therefore common for women to choose this procedure after they’ve attained a comfortable weight.
• Pregnancy: Childbearing can put your body through rigors. It stretches, pulls and deflates breasts until they appear to have lost all their volume. Augmentation can plump breasts to their pre-pregnancy fullness and remind patients that in addition to being mothers, they’re also women.
• Asymmetry: Almost every woman has some breast asymmetry, whether in shape, size, or areola appearance. However, some women have breasts that are uneven, with one significantly bigger than the other. This can make it difficult to find bras that properly fit and wear a bathing suit in front of others. Breast augmentation restores symmetry so both breasts are properly balanced. This can be particularly invigorating for women who have lost confidence in their appearance.
• Loss of Youth: The breasts are not exempt from the aging process — tissues and ligaments can be seriously compromised by a loss of collagen. Gravity enhances these effects, causing breasts to look flat and stretched. Breast enhancement can restore your youthful curves. It can also enable you to shop for more youthful clothing so that, overall, you look more energetic.
• A New Shape: Breast augmentation surgery — and the use of implants — can give your body a completely new shape. It can also boost your self-esteem, an effect that will be visible to all. 

Enhance Your Confidence With Soler Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics

Your choice of implants depends on your personal goals, body type and the specific recommendations of your surgeon. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon, like those at Soler Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your vision. 

Don’t wait any longer to make your vision a reality. Our skilled team provides personalized consultations and tailored solutions to ensure a comfortable experience. Schedule your appointment today to learn more about our services. Let us help you embrace the best version of yourself with confidence and grace.