Breast augmentation with implants is one of the most popular aesthetic plastic surgery procedures worldwide, as confirmed by the recent global statistics presented by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).
Women who want to increase the size, shape or firmness of their breasts find in this procedure an effective solution to enhance their figure and improve their neckline. If you are considering undergoing this procedure, it is important to learn about the different types of implants, who the ideal candidates are and the postoperative care needed for the best possible experience.
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, consists of placing implants in the breasts to increase their size or improve their shape. This procedure can be performed for aesthetic or reconstructive purposes, or to correct significant asymmetries of the bust.
Implants are also ideal for the breast lift with implants procedure, also called mastopexy with implants. In this case, the implants are not only placed, but excess skin is also removed and the breasts are lifted to give them a firmer, more youthful appearance, achieving a nice neckline.
Who is a candidate for breast augmentation or breast lift?
If you want to improve your body’s harmony and increase the size of your breasts, you are the ideal patient for an augmentation mammoplasty. It is important to have realistic expectations and to complete the prior medical check-ups that confirm you are in optimal condition for surgery; however, there are some recommendations to keep in mind:
- Age: Although there is no age limit for this procedure, it is advisable that the patient be of legal age, that is, 18 years or older, due to the full development of the bust.
- General health: Women without serious medical conditions or pathologies that could interfere with healing or anesthetic risks.
- Personal motivation: A breast augmentation or lift should be a personal decision, motivated by the desire to improve self-esteem or appearance, and not by external pressure.
- Pre-existing volume and shape: Women with small or sagging breasts due to age, weight loss or pregnancy are often candidates for an augmentation or lift; a prior assessment is important, in which we will determine the ideal surgical plan according to their needs.
Types of breast implants
One of the most important decisions when planning a breast augmentation procedure is the type of implant that will be used. Currently, there are two main types of implants:
1. Silicone implants
These implants are filled with cohesive silicone gel and are the most widely used today. They feel more natural to the touch and are usually preferred by patients who want an appearance and texture closer to that of natural breast tissue.
2. Saline implants
These implants are filled with a sterile saline solution. They are usually placed empty in the breast and then filled to achieve the desired size; however, over time they have fallen out of use because of the filling itself, which is not ideal in the long term.
Size and shape
Implants vary not only in the material they are filled with, but also in their size, shape and profile (projection). During the assessment with the patient, an agreement is reached to find the best option that suits her wishes and anatomy, always seeking an aesthetic and natural balance.
Breast augmentation with implants, whether for aesthetic or reconstructive purposes, is a procedure that can change the lives of many women, improving their self-esteem and confidence. However, like any surgical intervention, it requires a prior assessment to establish the ideal surgical plan according to the patient’s needs, as well as a commitment to postoperative care.
If you are considering undergoing a breast augmentation or lift with implants, it is important that your doctor has the knowledge, training and experience to perform the procedure, can resolve all the doubts and concerns that arise, and provides you with clear and truthful information.