Breast augmentation is fast becoming a popular plastic surgery procedure in Singapore in recent years. Despite its demand, there are still many misconceptions that surround this procedure. If you have been interested in undergoing this transformative surgery, but have been holding back due to unconfirmed ideas that you have been hearing about the use of breast implants in Singapore, then you have come to the right page. Learn more about the important things you need to know about breast implants in this article.
What are breast implants?
Breast implants are prostheses or artificial accessories that are used to enlarge the breasts through breast augmentation surgery. They can also be used for breast reconstruction for patients who have undergone a mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis. Breast implants are made from either silicone gel or saline solution and come in different sizes and shapes.
Silicone vs. Saline Breast Implants
There are two main types of breast implants: silicone and saline.
Silicone breast implants have an outer shell that is made of silicone and is filled with silicone gel. This type of breast implants is believed to closely mimic the natural look and feel of the breast.
Saline breast implants also have a silicone outer shell, but have an inner structure that contains the sterile salt water, which serves to give the implant a more natural shape and feel.
What are the sizes available for breast implants?
In order to accommodate various aesthetic goals and body types, there are different sizes of breast implants available in the market. To have a clear understanding of breast implant sizes, we will discuss the factors that influence their measurements. Breast implants are measured according to the following dimensions:
- Implant diameter
- Implant profile
- Implant volume
Implant diameter. Knowing whether a breast implant fits you properly is determined by its diameter. The implant diameter is what shapes the outline of the breast and is measured through the base width of a breast implant. The common range of breast implant diameter is from 7.4cm to 17.2cm.
Implant profile. This measures the distance of your breast or implant’s outward projection from your chest. There are three types of implant profiles:
- Low profile – This profile appears flat, has minimal projection, and is recommended for wider chests.
- Moderate profile – The projection of this profile looks more natural and is best for chests that are narrower or smaller.
- High profile – This profile has the maximum projection and shows dramatic changes to the breasts. High profile implants are a good choice for chests that are narrow.
Implant volume. Unlike the natural breasts that are measured in cup size, breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc). Below are the range of implant volumes:
- 150 to 200cc – Small sized breast implants
- 300 to 350cc – Mid-range sized breast implants
- Over 400cc – Large sized breast implants
The most common size of breast implants used for augmentation is between 300cc to 500cc.
Do breast implants differ in shape?
Yes, breast implants differ in shape. There are two types of breast implant shapes: anatomical, also known as teardrop, and round.
Anatomical or Teardrop Shape. This type of breast implant is formed to look like a teardrop, which is closer to the natural appearance and contour of the breasts. Teardrop implants require more technique when being placed as they need to follow the breast’s natural shape. Hence, each implant needs to be carefully tilted to a certain degree in order to achieve symmetry.
Round Shape. This shape is used more by surgeons as compared to the teardrop shape. The round shape is easier to use as its form remains the same no matter how it is placed. For those who would like to go for a natural look, the round shape may not be the right choice as this implant shape may appear artificial.
What are factors to consider when deciding on the right breast implants?
Achieving a successful breast augmentation and your desired results also depend on the right fit of your breast implants. Here are some things to consider when choosing which implant type, shape, and size to use:
1 Age
If you are 18 years old or older, then you can qualify for breast implants. However, choosing the right fit goes beyond that. Older adults whose skin are more prone to sag may need breast lift surgery in addition to getting high-profile breast implants.
2 Aesthetic goals
Breast augmentation will alter the way your body appears. Think about your aesthetic goals. Do you want just the right boost for your breasts? Then the size that you choose should be a few times bigger than your current size. Do you want a more noticeable transformation? Then larger sized breast implants will do the job.
3 Body proportions
Your body’s shape and proportions can make or break the way breast implants look on you. Going with high profile implants makes the breasts of individuals with a narrow chest and shorter waist look fuller, while implants with wider diameters complement bodies that are taller.
4 Lifestyle
The size of breast implants can interfere with your daily activities. A minor increase in size is usually recommended for those who are leading an active and physical lifestyle like regular exercising and playing sports.
5 Shape of implants
Getting cleavage is best achieved with round shaped implants. For breasts that appear more natural, the teardrop shape is best.
How long do breast implants last?
An important fact that you should know before getting breast implants is that it does not last forever. As with any product, breast implants are not perfect and they may rupture. These prostheses also have an expiration date. Breast implants are to be replaced immediately when it leaks or ruptures or after its lifespan that can range between 10 to 15 years.
How do you know if the breast implants have ruptured?
There may be times that you will not see any obvious signs that the implant has ruptured. However, always look out for changes in your breast’s size, shape, and firmness to see any indication of a rupture. You may also feel swelling in your breast when this happens.
What are the risks of getting breast implants?
Rarely do risks happen especially when your breast augmentation is done by a capable plastic surgeon. When they do occur, you may experience any of the following:
- Breast implant leakage or rupture
- Breast pain
- Capsular contracture or when a scar tissue disfigures the breast implant’s shape
- Changes in the breast implant’s placement
- Changes in overall breast sensation
- Infection
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Allure Plastic Surgery
435 Orchard Road
#22-04 Penthouse Floor Wisma Atria
Singapore 238877
Phone: + 65 6734 9988
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