Women who pant to get breast implants likely have concerns about the procedure and results. Patients are rightfully concerned about the ‘appearance’ of their implants first. But they next ask the question “Do breast implants feel natural?“
These concerns are complicated by stories heard or read on the news about breast implants. Of course, in the distant past, surgeons once used a variety of materials for implants that had negative results. Even after surgeons began to use safer and more effective substances such as silicone and saline, implants sometimes hardened unnaturally or formed lumps.
But almost all concerns with breast implant complications have been resolved. Breast augmentation, when performed by a practiced board-certified plastic surgeon, is very high. Now days, with modern techniques, the natural feeling of your implants is really dependent on five different factors:
Five Factors That Impact the Way Your Breast Implants Feel
1. Type of Implant
Silicone and saline implants each feel differently. Neither substance is going to feel 100 percent natural under any conditions. However, each has its particular benefits and drawbacks. Silicone tends to feel more like flesh. Saline also feels soft but with a sensation that resembles that of a water balloon.
2. Placement
Your breast implants will either be placed over the chest muscles or under them. Under muscle placement or sub-fascial implantation creates a more natural feeling. This is due to the presence of actual tissue above the implant.
3. Initial Breast Tissue
If you begin the implant process with more breast tissue of your own, you will end up with breasts that feel very close to natural. The less endowed you are, the more likely it is that the feel of your implants will give away their artificiality.
4. Size of Implant
Since a larger implant will skew the tissue/implant ratio in favor of the implant, there will be a higher likelihood that the implant will feel unnatural.
5. Texture
Surgeons can either use textured or smooth implants for this procedure. A textured implant tends to grip the interior of the breast and stay relatively immobile. These implants do not feel as natural as the smooth implants, which give way more like real flesh.
These factors can overlap or outweigh one another. For example, if you have sufficient breast tissue prior to implantation, this may negate other factors causing an unnatural sensation. You should always consult your plastic surgeon and your personal physician about these matters ahead of time.
Ask a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Call (719) 634-2503 to schedule a consultation with Colorado Springs plastic surgeon, Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS, to ask questions about your breast implants procedure.