Breast implants can make a wide spectrum of improvements in the shape, size, profile, and overall appearance of the breasts. With modern options and a high degree of personalization, it’s no surprise that breast augmentation has remained one of the most frequently performed aesthetic procedures in the world. While implants offer significant versatility in refining the breast contours, augmentation is a surgical procedure that requires thoughtful planning and realistic expectations.
Understanding what breast implants can and cannot do, as well as how the process may affect your body and lifestyle, is essential before making the decision to undergo surgery. If you are considering breast implants, acclaimed board-certified Greensboro plastic surgeon reveals five important factors to consider before moving forward. After reviewing the information below, a personal consultation with Dr. Contogiannis can further shed light on what to expect from your breast augmentation results.
Size Isn’t the Only Consideration
Many women look to implants to increase volume and fullness, but patients may not know that implant selection also depends on anatomy and lifestyle factors, as well as preferences for the breast shape and profile. Factors such as chest width, existing breast tissue, skin elasticity, body frame, and aesthetic goals all influence what implant type and size will look and feel most natural on you.
Implant profile (how far the implant projects forward), shape (round versus anatomical), and placement (above or below the chest muscle) also play a significant role in the final result. For example, active patients like athletes and bodybuilders may prefer placing their implants over their chest muscle rather than under in order to minimize implant distortion during their workouts. In addition to implant size, decisions like placement location, incision type, and fill-material are also part of the decision making process.
Breast Implants Don’t Inhibit Natural Breast Aging
Breast augmentation can rejuvenate the shape and volume of the breasts, but the procedure does not prevent natural changes that occur over time. Aging, gravity, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and hormonal changes can all affect your breasts after implant surgery. Over time, some patients may experience sagging, changes in breast positioning, or a shift in how the implants sit on the chest. In order to maximize the results and long-term stability of your breast augmentation, we generally recommend waiting to get breast implants until after you have no future plans for having children, breastfeeding, or losing significant weight.
Implants are Not Lifetime Devices
Saline and silicone implants can provide excellent breast rejuvenation for decades, but they’re not designed to last for a lifetime. Over time, changes in aesthetic preferences or the look/feel of the breasts may prompt individuals to replace, exchange, or remove their implants. It’s important to remain vigilant to changes or irregularities in the breast tissue, and to undergo periodic check-ups/breast screenings to monitor the condition of your implants.
Breast Implants Won’t Treat Breast Sag
For patients with mild to moderate breast sagging before surgery, implants alone may not provide the desired “lift.” In these cases, a breast lift (mastopexy) performed alone or in combination with implants may be recommended to restore a perkier, more youthful projection. Understanding how your breasts may change in the future can help you set realistic expectations and plan for potential maintenance procedures that preserve your results over the long term.
Your Results Immediately After Surgery Will Not Be the Final Outcome
While the enhancement observed immediately after surgery can be substantial, the breasts take time to “settle” after the procedure. You may notice that your implants sit higher on the chest wall than desired, but they generally stabilize into their final positioning as the breasts continue to heal. Swelling will also gradually subside after the procedure, and patients can expect to see their final result six months to one year after their breast augmentation.
Strong patient education and a well-informed understanding of the breast augmentation process are top priorities at The Renaissance Center for Plastic Surgery & Wellness, allowing patients in and around Greensboro to maintain realistic expectations and maximize their overall satisfaction. Contact Dr. Contogiannis today to learn more about aesthetic breast rejuvenation or if you’re ready to book a consultation.