The decision to have breast augmentation is deeply personal. That’s why at Flores Plastic Surgery in Miami, FL, we’re committed to giving you the information you need to make the right choice for you. We’ll also stay by your side from start to finish, helping you choose the right implants for your body and, after surgery, supporting your recovery.
What Is the Difference Between a Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants?
Breast augmentation, also known as enhancement, is the surgery in which breast implants are placed under chest muscles or breast tissue. The goal is to make breasts bigger and fuller for either cosmetic or reconstructive purposes, such as adding volume after breastfeeding.
Implants, on the other hand, are the medical prostheses placed inside the breast to amplify or restore its physical appearance. Most implants are made of saline or silicone. With the former, a sterile saline solution is held within a silicone shell. The amount of solution contained by the shell influences the breasts’ feel and shape.
A Word About Implants
Silicone implants, on the other hand, consist of a shell filled with silicone gel. Many women prefer this option because it closely mimics the feel of a natural breast. But saline implants are also highly favored; they can be put into place while empty and then filled. This allows us to control the implant’s volume to ensure breasts are symmetrical and appropriately sized.
Implants can be round or teardrop-shaped. Advantages exist with both; those that are teardrop more closely resemble a natural breast, but round shapes provide attractive cleavage and fullness. Your decision, therefore, should be based on personal preference.
Choosing the Right Implant Size
We will help you choose the right implant size to suit your body and cosmetic goals. You should know implants are measured in cubic centimeters (ccs) and not cup size; this reflects the lack of a universal measurement used by bra manufacturers. Sizes can therefore range from 100cc all the way to 800cc or more. Bigger, however, is not necessarily better.
We recommend you clearly share your enhancement goals with our staff. We can then choose an implant size together that complements your height and weight. We want to provide the most natural-looking results possible and also remain proportionate with your body. We’ll therefore consider such factors as your current breast volume and body frame.
Factors That Will Weigh into the Decision
Lifestyle factors must also be considered. For instance, if you regularly enjoy athletics, smaller implants may provide more functionality. Larger implants, on the other hand, may interfere with activities like long-distance running, aerobics, and competitive sports.
You should also think about the type of clothing you like to wear. Do you desire more dramatic cleavage to enhance the dresses and shirts you prefer? Or is the ability to go braless important to you? Likewise, it’s important to know if you want your newly enhanced breasts to gain notice or remain under the radar. Answers to these questions will help us identify the right size for your needs.
Additional Considerations
Bringing a friend to your consultation is a great way to obtain a second opinion from someone you trust. Make sure this is a person who understands you and what you want from surgery. On the same hand, however, remember we’re talking about your body, so the decision is yours to make.
Last but not least, give thought to the long-term. Implants are designed to be with you for a long time. Think about where you want to be in five years and how your life will change from today. Then choose the implants you can see as being beneficial now as well as in the future.
Reasons to Have an Enhancement
Women want their breasts to look good. This may not be earth-shattering news, but getting it out in the open is important. This is what makes a breast augmentation so attractive; you can finally exert control over how your bust looks and, in turn, boost your confidence. You’ll walk a little straighter, smile a little wider, and engage with others a little more freely.
Take Control
A woman’s body goes through many different phases in one lifetime. Pregnancy and nursing, for instance, cause the breasts to first swell and then lose volume. This explains why many mothers transition from firm, perky breasts before pregnancy to deflated, even saggy breasts after. Breast implants can restore your natural curves and give you a more youthful bust after pregnancy.
The same is true after losing weight. The body first draws from areas of high fat, like the breasts, and can therefore cause disproportionate lines. For some women, losing weight leads to smaller breasts than before they gained in the first place. Augmentation can make your body more proportionate throughout, granting the balanced, curvy shape you crave.
Improve Body Image after a Mastectomy
A mastectomy can be a life-saving measure, but it can also diminish your body image. We well understand this dichotomy and want to assure you it is possible to regain your confidence. Implants can be carefully put in place to recreate your feminine curves; they can also change the way you see yourself – for the better.
Achieve Symmetry
Most women realize early on their breasts are not symmetrical. But for some, the difference is more pronounced and breasts can differ by an entire cup size or more. This makes shopping for undergarments and clothing very difficult. It can also hinder plans to spend a day at the beach wearing your bikini.
Implants allow for personalization to get the look you want. A single implant can be inserted into a smaller breast, or implants of two different sizes can be used to achieve a more symmetrical appearance. With this comes an improvement to the way your clothing fits; you can also choose outfits that reflect your distinct personality, style, and body.
What to Expect
Breast augmentation starts with a consultation. Some patients arrive at this appointment knowing how they want to look after surgery, while others seek professional recommendations. We’ll use this time to discuss your medical history, identify the implant size best suited to your body, and guide you in making additional decisions.
The surgery itself is often performed as an outpatient procedure and will last between one and three hours. During surgery, we’ll make incisions as appropriate, insert your breast implants, and close the incisions with sutures. Bandages are applied immediately after surgery to reduce the movement of your breasts and assist with healing. Once we remove these, you’ll need to wear a specialized surgical bra for several weeks.
Your Recovery
Many years ago, patients had to devote substantial time to recovery. Today, however, improvements in surgical techniques mean you can return to work shortly after the procedure. Sleeping upright in a recliner for the first 48 hours can help you heal more quickly. It is also important you stop any strenuous activity for two or three weeks. This means no:
- Exercise
- Lifting heavy objects
- Stretching
- Quick or abrupt movements
Preparing for Surgery
You should have clothes set aside before you go into surgery. Choose loose-fitting garments that are comfortable and breathable and store them in an easy-to-reach place. Also, perform all necessary housework before your procedure. You’ll need time to rest without worrying about your usual chores. This extends to pet and childcare; the best way to handle both is by enlisting help.
In general, we recommend you have a family member, partner, or friend stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery. This person can help you make trips to the bathroom and prepare food so you can focus on your recovery. He or she can also fulfill “mommy” duties and ease the burdens associated with meals, baths, and playtime.
Plan Ahead
In addition to lining up assistance, you should also make a trip to the grocery store before surgery. Purchase healthful, nourishing foods and cook and freeze them so you have plenty to eat during recovery. Soups, casseroles, fruits, vegetables, and yogurt make for ideal choices. Also, have plenty of water on hand; it’s important you stay hydrated throughout your recovery to feed healing cells.
Last but not least, plan some quiet activities for when you’re resting. Most people are able to return to normal activity levels within eight weeks. Although you won’t need to stay in bed throughout this time, can use at least some of it to catch up on your favorite movies, books, or magazines.
Bra Shopping After Breast Augmentation
It’s tempting to immediately buy a bunch of new bras after surgery, especially those with underwires to accentuate your curves. But we caution you to wait; underwires are off the table until we give you the go-ahead. Once you are able to resume wearing normal bras, you should have a professional measurement and fitting. A professional can also recommend styles you may not have considered before, including:
- Demi bras
- Push-ups
- Racerbacks
- Strapless bras
- T-shirt bras
Don’t be afraid to leave a store empty-handed if you don’t like what you’ve tried on. And look for quality over quantity. You want well-made bras that will last longer and provide the support your need. For the smoothest possible profile, ensure your straps are properly tightened and that the bra fits snugly on the loosest set of hooks.
Get in the Driver’s Seat
If breast implants have been on your mind for some time, we recommend you take the next step. Implants can deliver the youthful, curvy profile you want and are tailored to fit your body’s proportions. Recovery is quick – you need only rest and follow our recommendations. And once we give the go-ahead, you can shop for bras designed to showcase your new proportions. Schedule a consultation today by calling Flores Plastic Surgery in Miami, FL.
