Current Trend in Breast Implant Size

The trend in cosmetic surgery nowadays is the natural look.  This is particularly true in breast augmentation that most patients are choosing implants which come in “conservative sizes.”

Anecdotal evidence shows that a significant number of patients choose breast implant sizes (described in cubic centimeter) between 350cc and 500cc.  They can provide enough volume especially in the upper poles without leading to inappropriately large, grapefruit-shaped breasts.

Women should remember that cc alone does not determine the final size, although in many cases a 150-200cc can increase the breast to one cup. 

(Important note:  Implants with a size of 250-350cc may transform a petite lady’s AA cup to D cup, while the same size may only increase the bust size of a larger and/or taller lady by a cup or two.)

Large breast implants usually start at 600cc, and women with a large body frame more often than not have no problem using them.  This is particularly true if they have sufficient amounts of breast tissue and fat, reducing the risk of visible and palpable wrinkling.

By contrast, large implants can be very problematic for thin and petite women not only because they often lead to a “heavy top look,” but they also result to higher risk of wrinkling and rippling.

Also, when large implants are used on thin women or patients with very little tissue, more often than not their breasts appear unusually round—the most common telltale sign of plastic surgery.

Meanwhile, there are two kinds of breast implants used in the US:  the saline implant which is filled with a sterile mixture of salt and water, and the silicone implant which contains a cohesive gel.

Currently, breast manufacturers in the US do not produce silicone implants larger than 850cc, even if there is no law prohibiting them to do so.  This is because common sense tells that excessively large sizes can lead to chronic back pain, longer recovery, stretch marks, and bottoming out which will eventually force a patient to downsize her implants.

But some saline implants, which are filled once inside the breast pocket, are larger than 850cc.  However, they are rarely used as [ethical] plastic surgeons will not push the body’s limit for the sake of aesthetic goals.  

Contrary to popular belief, patients can achieve a prominent cleavage without having to choose larger implants.  In fact, some smaller implants can provide this sexy feature by offering more projection.

Tips for Flat-Chested Women Considering Breast Augmentation

As its name suggests, breast augmentation is performed to augment the bust size of patients, making this particularly appealing to flat-chested women or those with AA and A cup.

Flat-chested women have very little tissue and fat, a feature which must be given importance to achieve natural results and prevent complications particularly wrinkling and rippling.

First and foremost, patients with small breasts should stay away from textured implants that have a rough surface, a feature always found in teardrop-shaped implants to prevent them from rotating and causing visible deformity. 

Some textured implants also come in round shape.  The theory behind this is that the rough outer shell can prevent the tissue from becoming too thick—a condition called capsular contracture—that it results to deformity and pain.  However, no extensive study has proven this claim.

Textured implants, particularly those with large “graininess,” should be avoided by flat-chested women because they face a higher risk of palpable and visible wrinkling.  For this reason, they are generally advised to choose smooth implants, which are also believed to last longer because they are less prone to “folding” that can lead to rupture over time.

Aside from smooth shell, the breast implants for flat-chested patients are ideally filled with silicone gel rather than saline (or a sterile mixture of salt and water) to simulate the feel of natural tissue—something which they definitely lack.

The result between the saline and silicone implants is the same when there is an ample amount of tissue and fats, although this is not the case if the breasts are very small as the saline implants, more often than not, lead to an unusually round appearance.   

A dome-shaped breast is one of the most common telltale signs of plastic surgery, so it is not surprising that most patients do not want this look.

Another technique to avoid the “fake” look is to choose the appropriate implant size.  The general rule is that natural appearance is easily achieved if the breast volume mostly consists of natural tissue rather than implants.

When plastic surgeons refer to large breast implant, it often means a size that is more than 600-700 cubic centimeters.

Meanwhile, the amount of tissue also dictates the most ideal breast augmentation technique.  More often than not, flat-chested women have undefined breast crease, making this incision site more challenging, although not impossible.

Plastic surgeons are extra careful when using the breast crease incision site on small-busted women to avoid a low- or high-riding scar. 

Breast Augmentation for Body Builders

It is not uncommon for female body builders to have breast augmentation surgery to further enhance their figure.  However, certain factors must be considered to achieve the best result and prevent or at least reduce the risk of complications.

One important thing to consider is that body builders in general have a very low percentage of body fats which predisposes them to higher risk of implant visibility and palpable rippling.  This is more of a concern if a patient’s breast has less tissue.

Because of this specific feature, plastic surgeons usually recommend the submuscular implant placement for female body builders.  With this technique, the breast implants are covered not just by the tissue and skin but also by pec muscle, reducing the risk of wrinkling and shell visibility.

However, the submuscular implant placement has its own downside.  While a body builder contracts her pectoralis muscle, chances are the breast implants will move along with it—something which is undesirable for some patients.  Also, they should bear in mind that it is difficult to predict “the degree of movement” after surgery.

By contrast, the subglandular implant placement or positioning of the device above the pec muscle does not pose the same problem.  For this reason, the technique may sound appealing to female body builders compared with the submuscular breast augmentation technique.

But as mentioned earlier, body builders are prone to implant rippling and wrinkling since they often have a low percentage of fats.  For this reason, they also have to consider what they are getting into if they would choose the subglandular implant placement over the submuscular.

Fortunately, a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation can guide his patient to make the right decision.

To put it succinctly, patients should choose which of those problems they definitely want to avoid, and think about the ramifications that will be acceptable for them.

The next issue to consider is whether to use saline or silicone breast implants.  Patients should bear in mind that the right implant type is determined by the amount of tissue and fat, the bust size they want to achieve, and the ramifications they are willing to accept.

In general, female body builders will benefit more with silicone breast implants because these are filled with a cohesive gel that mimics the way natural tissue feels.  By contrast, saline implants—due to their watery consistency—should be avoided particularly if the patients have low body fats because they usually lead to unnatural result. 

Things You Should Know During Your Breast Augmentation Recovery

Of course you are fully aware that breast augmentation, as with any cosmetic surgery, involves weeks of recovery.  However, you may be surprise that “weird” things—but still considered normal by plastic surgeons—may happen during your healing time.

If you are considering breast implant surgery, these are some of the things you might want to know about:

*  Squeaks and gushes in your breasts

In case that you hear these weird noises coming from your augmented breasts, don’t be alarmed since these are usually caused by air bubbles and/or fluid build-up within the implant pocket.

The buzzing, gurgling, and crackling noises that typically last a few weeks may also be caused by implants as they settle to their natural position.

*  Exaggerated fullness in the upper poles

If the upper poles of your breasts appear unusually round (which gives you the operated, fake look), don’t worry because weeks or months following your breast augmentation, the implants will settle to their natural position.

Some plastic surgeons recommend breast massage and compression exercise after the incision site is completely healed.  The theory is that massaging the breasts would allow the implants to settle naturally, and prevent the scar tissue around the devices to become too tight and dense.

In addition, it is not uncommon for the augmented breasts to be quite firm and sit high up on your chest.  In general, they will soften up and drop to a more natural position.

Your plastic surgeon may recommend strap or elastic bandage wrapped around the upper chest, under the arms, before reaching the top half of the breasts; in this way, the implants will go down.

* One breast sits higher on your chest

The breast implant on your dominant side (right- vs left-handed) may not drop as fast as the other one, leading to asymmetrical appearance.  If this happens, don’t worry since both implants will settle properly weeks or months after your breast augmentation surgery. 

*  Oversensitive nipples

More often than not, oversensitive nipple (right after breast augmentation) is associated with some “erection” which further aggravates the sensitivity.  For this reason, don’t be surprised if your plastic surgeon recommends using Band-Aid (especially if you have large ones) or nursing pads that will protect the area from the abrasiveness of your clothing.

* Numbness in the nipples

While some patients experience oversensitive nipples, others complain about numbness in the area, which is also something normal during the first few weeks or months following the surgery.

For most women, the sensation returns although the process often involves some itchiness, heat, tingling, and sometimes pains, which are all temporary. 

Knowing If Breast Implant Surgery Is Right for You

For the past couple of years, breast implant surgery has been the most sought-after aesthetic operation that in 2011 alone, about 307,000 procedures were performed, according to survey released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

But despite the growing popularity of breast implant surgery, not all people who desire to increase their bust size and/or want to achieve a more prominent cleavage are good candidates for this procedure.

As with any cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation involves some risks, recovery, and of course money.  For these reasons, you should be able to answer these questions before you consult a plastic surgeon:

*  Do you have “healthy” motivations?

If you want to undergo a cosmetic surgery, bear in mind that your motivations should be based on your personal happiness.  But if you want this to please other people (your partner or colleagues), you would most likely end up dissatisfied since physical improvements do not automatically result to “better relationships.”

*  Do you have realistic goals and expectations?

If you have very small breasts (double A cup), desiring to achieve a full D cup is definitely over the top.  Take note that because you have limited breast tissue and fat, “inappropriately” large implants can lead not just to fake look but also to higher risk of wrinkling/rippling and bottoming out.

*  Do you have enough money?

Because breast augmentation is an elective procedure, don’t expect that your health insurance will cover the surgical expenses; this means you have to spend your own savings or seek loans.

Aside from the surgical costs, you should also consider the possibility of a revision breast augmentation, MRI screening (if you would choose silicone implants), and other expenses after your operation.

*  Are you physically healthy?

Your plastic surgeon will interview you and ask you to undergo laboratory examinations to determine if you are healthy and are not suffering from medical conditions that may compromise your recovery.

Be as honest as you can, particularly when your doctor asks you about your previous surgeries, medical conditions, allergies, and current medications.  Also, you should tell the truth if your surgeon raises the topic of smoking and drinking habits.

*  Are you emotionally stable?

If you are emotionally stable and fully understand and accept the ramifications of having breast implant surgery, you can proceed with the procedure as long as you meet the other requirements.  But if you’re suffering from depression and other psychological and emotional issues, talking to a therapist is way better than consulting a plastic surgeon.

Cohesive Breast Implants—Benefits and Disadvantages

In March 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the cohesive breast implants which use a form-stable gel; this means that unlike the 4^th generation silicone implants, they do not leak in case the shell cracks.

The cohesive silicone implants, also referred to as gummy bear implants due to their firm structure (just like the popular sweet candy), have benefits over the ordinary silicone- and saline-filled implants.  However, they also have shortcomings, which must be considered.

The Main Benefits of Cohesive Breast Implants

*  Less prone to shell collapse

Because the filler material is form-stable, it does not shift from one area of the shell to the other (which is the case in saline and traditional silicone implants).  For this reason, the folds and wrinkles—which are known to affect the device’s durability in the long run—do not occur.

It is safe to surmise that cohesive breast implants can last longer than the other types since they are not prone to folds and wrinkles.

*  Leak is almost not a concern

While the shell is susceptible to breakage, leak is not a problem since the filler material maintain its shape; however some microscopic diffusion of silicone will always occur, but some experts believe that it will be somewhat harmless.

*  Lower risk of capsular contracture

Some studies—while not as extensive as they should be—conducted in Europe suggest that capsular contracture occurs less often with cohesive breast implants.

Capsular contracture happens when a layer of scar tissue becomes too dense and thick that it squeezes the implant.  Some experts say the implant’s cohesiveness, firmness, and/or less diffusion of silicone (than traditional silicone implants) are the reasons why there is a lower risk.

The Disadvantages of Cohesive Breast Implants

*  They only come in teardrop shape

Because the cohesive breast implant is form-stable, it does not come in round version and is only available in teardrop shape, which has more volume at the bottom than the top.

By contrast, ordinary silicone and saline implants are available in round shape because their filler material is affected by the gravity and forces of the breasts.

While teardrop implants provide natural results, some women still prefer the round version which can give them the dome-shaped breast in which there is an exaggerated fullness in the upper poles.  

*  Feel

The cohesive breast implants do feel a little bit firmer than the traditional silicone implants, although the level would depend on how much breast tissue a patient has, how supple or flaccid the tissue is, and how large or small the implant is.

However, most patients—particularly those who would choose implants with an “appropriate” size—do not have problem with the firmness of cohesive breast implants.

*  Cohesive implants require longer incisions

Because the filler material is form-stable, these implants need longer incisions (between 4.5-5.5cm) to squeeze through inside the breast pocket.  For this reason, plastic surgeons rarely recommend the areola incision site when using this type of implant.

Armpit incision is also difficult when using cohesive breast implants, which is why doctors prefer the breast crease technique.

*  Risk of rotation

With the teardrop shape of the cohesive implants, rotation can result to deformity.  Fortunately, this can be prevented with the right pocket dissection and insertion.

But still, rotation is more of a problem for patients wanting to replace their teardrop breast implants with smaller ones.  Meanwhile, round implants do not result to distortion even if they rotate inside the pocket because their sides are all symmetrical.

*  More expensive

As with most new technologies, cohesive breast implants are hundreds of dollars more expensive than older designs. 

Woman Fakes Breast Cancer to Raise Money for Plastic Surgery

In an effort to raise funds for her breast augmentation surgery, a 27-year-old Arizona woman lied to her family, friends, and co-workers saying she had breast cancer and needed double mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

Jami Lynn Toler, who worked at a local hospice, has been charged with fraud and theft, police authorities said.

Toler’s former co-workers said she solicited money by making up stories and even crying in front of her boss to persuade them to give her “funds” for her cancer treatments and reconstructive breast surgery. 

According to police reports, Toler’s boss helped her raised funds amounting to more than $8,000 since September.  Meanwhile, one co-worker said “people were scammed simply because of their good intentions and sincerity to help the suspect.”

Aside from Toler’s friends and co-workers, she also deceived her mother and grandmother who also gave a portion of their savings to help the suspect.  

Meanwhile, Toler’s co-workers and friends became suspicious when one doctor offered to treat her cancer for free but she declined.  She also paid a cosmetic plastic surgery in cash, according to police reports.

When investigators checked Toler’s medical records, they found that she was not suffering from breast cancer.

This is not the first time a woman faked breast cancer to raise funds for her breast augmentation surgery.  A few years ago, Trista Joy Lathern from Texas lied about having the disease and raised about $10,000.

To make her story believable, the suspect has even shaved her head to look like she was receiving chemotherapy.