Shop Now: Choosing the right breast implants is one of the most exciting parts of planning for breast augmentation surgery. Our patients from Baton Rouge and New Orleans know it’s the first step toward creating the body they’ve always wanted. However, breast augmentation is a very customizable procedure, and there are many types of implants on the market. Choosing the “right” implant depends on the lifestyle you lead and your own personal aesthetic goals.
There are many factors to consider when trying to choose the best breast implants for your needs. Here are a few important things to consider when deciding on breast augmentation.
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure that adds volume to the breasts by placing implants underneath a woman’s existing breast and muscle tissue. Some women are interested in the procedure because their breasts have become smaller or “deflated-looking” after breastfeeding or significant weight loss. Others simply want to increase their breast size so their breasts look more proportional to the rest of their body.
What are my breast implant options?
Breast implants come in many different sizes, shapes, and materials. When it comes to size, remember that implants aren’t measured by traditional “cups” (A, B, etc.) but rather in cubic centimeters (cc). If you have a reference photo of a breast size you like to have, bring it to your consultation to show your doctors. We will be able to analyze the picture and estimate the right implant size.
Besides volume, the other most important detail is choosing the right material. Our practice offers saline and silicone breast implant options. Saline implants are filled with purified saltwater that can be adjusted during the procedure. Silicone implants are made of a softer, cohesive silicone gel and arrive pre-filled to a specific size.
What’s the best type of breast implant for my lifestyle?
Choosing the right breast implant is a very personal decision. The shape and feel of the implants should complement your natural body shape and work well with your day-to-day activities. Take a look below at a few common “lifestyle profiles” and see what we tend to recommend for each type.
Exercise Enthusiast
Many of our patients are active women who enjoy working out on a regular basis. If you exercise often, you don’t want your implants to feel distracting while you run, swim, or lift weights. Silicone implants are a good option for those who want less potential “slosh” during intense movement. The thick hold of the gel in silicone implants helps the device keep its shape while you’re in the gym or pool.
New Mother
Many new mothers turn to breast augmentation as a way to restore volume lost after pregnancy. Many women report that their breasts appear saggy or smaller after breastfeeding for many months. If you want to add more volume back into the top portion of your breasts, we recommend a higher profile implant. High-profile implants project farther from the chest wall and add back some youthful roundness.
College Student
Women from all walks of life enjoy the benefits of breast augmentation, including younger, college-aged patients. Silicone implants are only allowed for those over the age of 22, so we recommend saline implants for younger women.
Saline implants are FDA-approved for anyone over 18 and they also come in at a lower price point. The size can also be carefully customized to your needs mid-procedure as they aren’t pre-filled like silicone implants.
Mature Women
Experience comes with age, and many of our mature patients enjoy a subtle, natural approach to breast augmentation. In these cases, we suggest silicone implants since the look and feel of the gel closely resembles natural breast tissue. Silicone comes at a slightly higher price, but most established patients find the investment worth it.
“Natural” breast augmentation, using fat grafting, is another option if you wish to go up only 1 cup size.
How long do breast implants last?
No matter which size or shape you choose, breast implants are not lifelong devices. They naturally age over time, and many women exchange their implants after 10 to 15 years with a procedure called breast augmentation revision. However, the majority of women who choose breast augmentation revision do so for aesthetic reasons, not because of a medical need. To get the most benefit from your implants for as long as possible, choose a look that suits your body and lifestyle.
If you are interested in getting breast implants in the Baton Rouge or New Orleans area, please request a consultation online. We look forward to discussing your breast implant options and helping you create the body of your dreams.
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