Achieving a Naturally Beautiful Look With Breast Implants

If you are serious about breast augmentation surgery, you have probably spent some time imagining what your life will be like with your new breasts. It’s exciting to think of the flattering new clothes you’ll wear and the confidence you will feel wearing them. Shopping for new bras and finally filling out that bikini top are definitely worth looking forward to, but you may still have some questions. There is no doubt you will look great, but many women still want to preserve the natural feel of their real breasts. Your breast augmentation outcome depends on several variables. By clearly communicating your expectations with your plastic surgeon, you can achieve the look and feel you desire.

Will They Look Fake?

Breasts with implants feel different than those without. But “different” does not have to mean the same thing as fake. In the past, some breast implants did look and feel fake because they were too big and perfectly round. An obvious, over-the-top look was the style back then, but subtle breast enhancement is what’s trending today. Progress in technology and surgical techniques have made achieving a more natural, feminine look much more of a reality. You can enlarge your breasts and still look like yourself. An experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Jane Rowley can help you select the right options for your implants that will create a tailored fit for your body.

Achieving a Natural Feel

Women’s preferences vary widely when it comes to the appearance of their breast implants. However, all breast augmentation patients want their results to feel like the real thing. No one wants her breasts to feel artificial. With enough research and planning, you can have augmented breasts that are realistic to the touch. The more existing breast tissue you have, the less conspicuous your implants will be. But, if you don’t have much natural breast tissue, there are still options to help give you beautiful results that don’t feel fake.    

Variables That Matter

Breast augmentation is a highly customizable procedure. At your consultation, you should explore in depth all the factors that contribute to the results of your breast implants. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your options; understanding your choices is paramount to achieving the results you want. Here’s a look at some of the variables that will impact your surgical outcome.

Your Plastic Surgeon

Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) makes all the difference in your breast enlargement results. These top-tier surgeons have been through the proper training and had the education they need to perform your procedure safely. Your doctor should be open with you and be willing to address all of your concerns. Furthermore, it is also a good idea to select a surgeon with plenty of experience in your procedure. A well-qualified plastic surgeon can give you beautiful results and make your surgical journey as safe and enjoyable as possible.  

Implant Type

The type of implant you choose will greatly impact your breast enhancement results. Although it is entirely up to you, it is a decision that is best made with your doctor’s help. Your surgeon can recommend which type of breast implant will help you reach your aesthetic goals. Breast implants are filled with either saline or silicone gel. There is no wrong choice, but each has different advantages and drawbacks.  

• Silicone gel implants: These implants usually feel softer, like a real breast, because of the viscosity of the silicone gel. Silicone gel implants are a popular choice for women considering breast augmentation because of their realistic look and feel. However, patients who choose these implants must accept the risk of silent rupture. When a silicone gel implant leaks, it can go undetected. The sticky gel can make its way into the body, but cannot be absorbed by it. That is why the FDA recommends patients with silicone gel implants have an MRI every 2-3 years to check for silent rupture.  
• Saline implants: Implants filled with saline lack the structure and firmness necessary to make them feel natural. In fact, many women say they feel similar to a water balloon. They are also susceptible to wrinkling and rippling, especially in women with little or no breast tissue of their own. On the other hand, saline implants do not put you at risk for silent rupture. Saline is simply a sterile saltwater solution that is easily absorbed by the body in the event of rupture.  
• IDEAL IMPLANT ® Structured Breast Implants: The IDEAL IMPLANT is one of the latest innovations on the breast implant market. It was designed to fill the aesthetic needs of breast augmentation patients while still giving them peace of mind. The IDEAL IMPLANT is filled with saline, but has a unique internal structure that gives it a natural look and feel. If you like the way silicone gel breast implants look, but don’t want to worry about silent rupture, then the IDEAL IMPLANT may be right for you. As an experienced IDEAL IMPLANT Premier Surgeon, Dr. Jane Rowley is proud to offer her patients the latest in breast implant technology. Learn more about the benefits of the IDEAL IMPLANT in the video below.

Implant Placement

Breast implants can be placed over or under the chest muscles. There are advantages and drawbacks to each method of placement. The technique you choose will be based on your goals, body type, and lifestyle. Submuscular placement tends to look more realistic because the overlying tissue creates a more natural slope to the breast. But, there are some important things to consider before you make the decision. Having your implants placed beneath the chest muscles can mean a longer or more uncomfortable recovery. You may also experience implant movement during vigorous exercise.  

If you lack sufficient breast tissue to support implants, they may need to go over the muscle (which isn’t a bad thing). Subglandular (or over the muscle) placement often appears and feels more artificial. Implants placed over the chest muscles can also cause mammography to be slightly less accurate. But, the method does offer a quicker recovery and less movement of the implants during physical exercise.  

Implant Size

Choosing the right size for the unique shape of your body is critical when a natural look is important to you. For example, thinner women with small breasts may want to opt for medium-sized implants if they want to have a natural looking result. Breast implant sizes range from 80 cc all the way up to 800 cc. When describing your ideal breast size, it is best to avoid talking in terms of bra cup sizes. Bras are inconsistent in their sizing; a woman who wears a C cup in one type of bra could wear a DD in a bra made by another manufacturer. So, how do you accurately convey your end goal to your plastic surgeon? First, try a couple of things at home. 

Uncooked rice can help you get a feel for the right implant size. Generally, one cup of rice equals about 236 cc. Cut a pair of pantyhose into a 12-inch section and discard the foot. Tie off the bottom and measure the rice, starting with about 250 ml. Pour the rice into the pantyhose, tie off the top end, and shape the sizer into a circle. Place it in your bra for a few hours and see how you feel with the volume you’re trying out. 

You can also do a similar experiment with water. When measuring out the water, keep in mind that 1 ml equals 1 cc. Instead of pantyhose, fill plastic sandwich bags with water to provide a visual for how your new breasts might look. These at-home tests can give you an idea of what different breast implant sizes would feel like. Trying on some of your favorite outfits and swimwear will give you an even better picture of yourself with implants. If your rice or water bags feel too large or too small, start over with a different amount. Doing these simple things at home can help you clearly communicate your wishes to your doctor. 

What You Can Do After Surgery

Everyone loves a good DIY solution, but before you try anything on your own, make sure to get the OK from your doctor. One thing some surgeons recommend to do at home to make your breast implants feel softer and more natural is to massage them. Gently rubbing the implants will help create a soft capsule of scar tissue around them. This allows the breasts to move more naturally, aids in the healing of the incision, and prevents the formation of a hard capsule around the implant. Two to three times a day, gently massage the breast in a circular motion to soften and stretch the area of the breast implant. Talk to your doctor about the specifics to get a better idea of what to do and how massage helps.

Should You Seek Advice from Others?

With all of the choices you’ll need to make about your breast augmentation, it can be helpful to talk through your decisions with people you trust. Just be careful about how much stock you put into other people’s opinions; yours is the only one that really matters when it comes to your plastic surgery. If you’re concerned about what your partner might think about your breast implants, it is best to have an honest conversation about how your body will change.

The jury is out on whether most men like breast implants; preferences are all across the board. But if we are to take any hint from the way women are portrayed in the media, we can assume a good portion of men do like them. It is not uncommon for men to be pleased with their partner’s new breasts because of the way it boosts her self-image. When a woman is happy with the way she looks, it builds her confidence in almost every aspect of her life. The important thing is not to dwell on what others will think about the choices we make with our bodies. While it is healthy to include your partner in your plastic surgery journey, the ultimate decision is up to you.

Natural Breast Enhancement

Advancements in breast augmentation techniques and technology have made it possible for women to enjoy enhanced breasts that do not feel fake. From selecting a qualified doctor to choosing the right implants, you have the control over your surgical outcome. If you want your breast implants to have that natural look and feel, you should consider these important factors:

• Your plastic surgeon’s training and experience – make sure they are board-certified.
• Implant type, location, and size – spend time discussing these options with your doctor.
• Implant massage – massage could help soften the feel of your implants. Make sure to clear this with your doctor first.
• Include your partner – talking through decisions together can help, but the final say should be yours. 

If you want a natural look and feel for your augmented breasts, you’ll need to spend some time doing your homework. Breast enhancement is a highly personalized procedure. The more information you have about your breast implant options, the more likely you are to be thrilled with your results. You don’t have to end up with a fake looking bust with an artificial feel. When you want to feel like yourself, only with more volume in your chest, a highly experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Rowley can help you to achieve your goals.

Lubbock’s Most Trusted Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Rowley is the preferred plastic surgeon in Lubbock for women who want natural results from breast enlargement. With more than 20 years of experience, she has the skills and expertise to give you the outcome that fits your body, preferences, and goals. Dr. Rowley takes her time with her patients to ensure their comfort and understanding of everything they should expect from plastic surgery. When you are ready to take the next step and explore your options for breast implants, contact Rowley Plastic Surgery to schedule a no-obligation consultation.