Of all of the cosmetic surgical procedures there are to choose from Breast Augmentation remains the number one choice for women. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons report 313,735 procedures performed in 2018. To put that in perspective, that is a 48% leap in cases since 2000.  Women have always been body conscious, and the numbers show that cosmetically enhancing what nature gave (or didn’t give, or took away) is perfectly acceptable and actually quite the norm.

Why Do Women Get Breast Implants?

Women who are simply unhappy with the size of their breasts make up a significant portion of breast augmentation candidates. Some women find that as they get older their breasts reduce in size, particularly after weight fluctuations, pregnancy and nursing.  The natural aging process and gravity also contributes, leaving the breasts sagging in position and depleted of fullness in the upper pole.  For these women, plastic surgeons often recommend a breast lift in addition to breast augmentation. Combining the two procedures not only enhances the breast size, but lifts the breasts to a perkier and more youthful position.

Breast augmentation can also help correct asymmetrical breasts, typically when one breast is more than a cup size smaller than the other. It is not uncommon, however, for your plastic surgeon to recommend two different implant sizes in any breast augmentation case since most women do present with slightly different size or volume of the left and right breasts.

Saline or Silicone?

Breast augmentation is performed with saline or silicone implants that come in a variety of sizes, shapes and textures.  In spite of earlier concerns about silicone implants, time and technology has reduced the risk of silicone implantation. Silicone implants today are FDA-approved and are made of a gel which is less likely to spread into other tissues if ruptured. Today’s silicone gel implants are “form-stable”, also referred to as “gummy bears implants” for their characteristic ability to remain in shape when cut in two. Its reported that silicone implants feel more like natural breast tissue when implanted.

Saline implants are still commonly used in breast augmentation. The only drawback to a saline implants is they can show visible rippling beneath the skin. For this reason, they are not recommended for women with thin skin and very little breast tissue.

There can be a slight difference in cost between silicone and saline implants. New styles of implants such as anatomical shaped and textured implants have been introduced to the market, and these can carry a bit higher price tag. This varies from surgeon to surgeon.

A relatively new way of enlarging breasts is by adding fat to the breast area. Fat is harvested through liposuction method from another area of the the patient’s body, usually the flanks or tummy, then re-injected into the breast for a natural augmentation. Read more about Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation here.

Deciding which type of implant to use is your personal decision, but it is important to listen to the recommendations provided by your plastic surgeon.

Is Breast Augmentation Right for You?

Why women choose to enlarge their breasts through Breast Augmentation is as unique as the women themselves. For some, the choice may be personal and private while others publicly revel in their new shape. That’s the beauty of choice in cosmetic surgery. And the reason why Breast Augmentation remains the most sought after cosmetic surgical procedure in 2018.

If you are considering a breast augmentation and would like to know if it is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sofia Kirk at Posh Plastic Surgery. Dr. Kirk will go over all of your options and make sure you are achieve the breast augmentation look you desire. Contact us through the convenient form below and be sure to view our gallery of before and after images.