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How firm should breast implants feel?

The goal of breast augmentation is to provide natural-looking and feeling results. While there is not a set standard for how firm breast implants should feel, most surgeons suggest that they should feel like natural breast tissue.

Breast implants should be slightly firmer than natural breasts and should feel like they are filled with cohesive gel. It should also feel like they move with the natural body motions as you move and the implant should feel smooth and squishy at the same time.

Other important factors to note are that the texture should be natural, the implant should not be hard and it should fit the desired implant size. Some surgeons will use medical devices to measure the firmness of the implant to ensure that they reach the desired outcome, but ultimately it should be similar to the feel of natural breast tissue.

Why does my breast implant feel squishy?

Breast implants typically feel squishy due to the presence of an implant filler material. Breast implants are filled with either a saline solution (salt water) or a silicone gel. The filler material used in breast implants affects the feel of the implant when touched.

Saline implants feel quite firm, whereas silicone implants feel quite soft, much like squishy, jello-like material. For those who are opting for silicone implants, it is important to note that the degree of squishiness can vary depending on the type of implant chosen.

Different types of silicone implants have different levels of firmness, making them ideal for individual breast augmentation purposes.

How do I know if my breast implants are in trouble?

The signs and symptoms that indicate potential problems with your breast implants will vary based on the type of the implant used. Generally, however, if you notice any changes in the shape or size of the implants, any persistent or worsening pain or discomfort, persistent fever or ill feeling, or any drainage from the incision site or redness around the implant, these can all indicate potential trouble with your implants.

In addition, if you become aware of any lumps or hardening of the implant itself, or any signs of infection, you should contact your doctor immediately as these can be signs of more serious complications such as rupture, leakage, capsular contracture, or times.

It is important to have regular check-ups with your doctor to make sure you have no signs of trouble with the implant. If you suspect that your implants are in trouble, contact your doctor right away to get checked out.

Are silicone implants squishy?

Yes, silicone implants are squishy. Silicone implants are made of a soft, gel-like silicone material that is both form-fitting and pliable. This material enables the implant to move with the body and create a natural look and feel for the affected area.

As it is both lightweight and highly cohesive, silicone implants typically retain their shape over time, which helps reduce the risk of hardening of the implant. Silicone implants also feel less firm than saline implants and help maintain a natural, gentle, and squishy feeling that is comfortable against the skin.

Which breast implants are softer?

At the moment, there is no definitive answer to the question of which breast implants are softer, as a patient’s individual body composition and preferences will vary. Generally, however, silicone breast implants are considered to be softer than saline implants, as they are filled with a soft, cohesive silicone gel.

The gel is cohesive, meaning that it won’t break apart in the event of a rupture, whereas saline implants are filled with a salt water solution, and require the casing to hold their shape. Some silicone implants are designed to be even softer than regular silicone gel implants, such as MemoryGel implants by Allergan, which feature a firm yet pliable gel designed to mimic the feeling of natural breast tissue.

Ultimately, the best way to determine how soft an implant may be is to discuss the various implant options available with your plastic surgeon, who will be able to provide guidance and make a suggestion based upon your individual body composition and desired results.

Do implants get bigger when they drop and fluff?

No, implants do not get bigger when they drop and fluff. This is a common misconception that is perpetuated by plastic surgery patients. Dropping and fluffing is the process of allowing natural skin elasticity and gravity to pull the implants down in the breasts and make them appear more natural.

While the implants may appear to “fluff” or expand initially after dropping, they do not actually increase in size. The size of the implant is determined by its volume, so dropping and fluffing will not make them larger.

The most significant changes that occur when an implant drops are related to shape and position. The implant will settle into the breast pocket and create a more natural look as the pocket stretches with the increased weight and size of the implant.

Therefore, implants do not get bigger with dropping and fluffing; instead, they just adopt a more natural shape and fit within the breast pocket.

When do implants start to soften?

Implants typically begin to soften between two to four weeks after surgery. This process is known as encapsulation, and it occurs as the body’s own scar tissue forms around the implant. However, the exact time frame of when the implants soften may vary from patient to patient, depending on factors such as the specific implant type, the amount of activity the patient is engaging in post surgery, and the health of the patient overall.

It can take up to three months or longer for the implant to reach its final, soft, natural feeling. During this time, it is important to follow your doctor’s advise, which may include refraining from certain physical activities or using a supportive bra to help the implant settle into its proper position.

When can I go braless after augmentation?

It is recommended that you wait at least four to six weeks after augmentation before you go braless. This is because the surgery may cause swelling, discomfort, and your breasts may be very delicate.

During this time of recovery, you should wear a supportive bra (such as a sports or compression bra) to offer support and help with your comfort. This can also help to minimize swelling. After the four to six week period, you may be able to go braless if it is comfortable for you.

You should always check with your surgeon to make sure that you are healed properly and no further steps are needed before going braless.

What are the early signs of capsular contracture?

The early signs of capsular contracture can vary from person to person, but the most common indications include a feeling of tightness, swelling, and pain near the area of the breast implants. The breasts may become increasingly firm, retract, or appear distorted.

The breasts may also become tender, sensitive, and uncomfortable to the touch. In severe cases, capsular contracture can cause changes in the skin’s appearance such as dimpling, sagging, or a hardened, glossy texture.

In some cases, the breasts may look uneven, or one breast may appear larger than the other. For those who have had reconstruction or augmentation, the body may reject the implants, resulting in an infection or a fluid collection around the implant.

You should contact your doctor as soon as you begin to experience any of these symptoms.

Can capsular contracture go away by itself?

Capsular contracture is an abnormal tightening of the scar tissue and/or breast implant capsule created around the implant after breast augmentation surgery. The amount of capsular contracture that may occur and the severity after breast implant surgery can vary among patients.

In some cases, capsular contracture can resolve on its own, however it is not common for this to occur and should not be relied upon. Patients with mild capsular contracture may find that it improves slightly on its own, and in those cases, it is generally recommended to continue monitoring the situation and consulting your cosmetic surgeon.

If the capsular contracture worsens, however, it is generally recommended to contact your cosmetic surgeon to discuss treatment options. Treatment options can vary depending on the severity of the capsular contracture, and may include medications, massage, physical therapy, or surgical removal of the implant.

Treatment is generally aimed at softening the scar tissue or capsule that has formed around the implant in order to reduce the constriction and improve the appearance of the breast.

How do I know if something is wrong with my breast implant?

If you have concerns that something may be wrong with your breast implant, it is important to make an appointment with your healthcare provider right away. Common signs or symptoms of a problem with a breast implant may include changes in the shape or size of the breasts, pain or tenderness, swelling, rash or bumps, or redness of the skin.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of any new lumps or thickening in or near the breast or armpit, as this may signal a possible complication such as capsular contracture, or a static. During your appointment with your healthcare provider, they may recommend imaging or laboratory tests to help diagnosis the problem.

For instance, if there is concern for rupture or leakage, an MRI can help to confirm the implant integrity.

Is it normal for one breast to be more tender than the other after augmentation?

Yes, it is normal for one breast to appear more tender than the other after augmentation surgery. This difference can be caused by a few different things. First, it is possible that the breast which is more tender received more aggressive handling during the augmentation procedure than the other breast, which would make it appear more tender in the recovery period.

Additionally, some people experience swelling more in one breast than the other, which can lead to differences in tenderness. Lastly, it is possible that one breast is slightly more asymmetrical than the other and receives more irritation, resulting in more tenderness in that area.

It is important to note that these differences will likely become more uniform as time passes and the healing progresses. However, if the difference in tenderness persists for more than a month or if it becomes significantly worse, it is important to contact your surgeon so that they can assess the situation and provide advice.

Is it normal for implants to be uneven?

Yes, it is normal for implants to be uneven. Breast implants do not always sit symmetrically and they can move, rotate, and settle. The implants may appear to be uneven when they are placed in the body, as they can settle in different rates.

Additionally, asymmetrical breasts are very common – even among women who do not have breast implants. Although many women opt for breast implants to achieve and maintain a more symmetrical look, it is important to be aware that the final shape of the breast may not be perfectly symmetrical even after the procedure.

As the implants settle and acclimate to the body, a slight imbalance in the shape and placement of the implant may sometimes occur. During a follow-up visit with the surgeon, the patient may discuss any issues of symmetry or further adjustment.

How long does it take for implants to drop and soften?

The amount of time it takes for breast implants to drop and soften varies per person. On average, it takes at least three to four weeks for the implants to drop, or settle into their final position in the breast.

After this settling period, the breasts will continue to soften over the next several months. Although the settling and softening process can take up to six months for some women, most women report that the process is complete after three to four months.

During this adjustment period, some women may experience varying levels of swelling, pressure, and other symptoms that can be managed with supportive bras and over-the-counter medications. It is advised to not participate in strenuous activities, including exercise, until instructed by a medical provider.

Will my implants look bigger once they drop?

It’s possible that your implants could look bigger once they drop and fluff. This generally happens a few months after your breast augmentation procedure. During the healing process, your breast implants will gradually drop into their final position and settle properly with the surrounding tissues and muscles.

As the implants descend, the muscle and surrounding breast tissue relaxes, generating a significant boost to the size of your breasts. All breasts and body types are different, so it is difficult to predict how much bigger your implants may appear after dropping.

However, many women end up feeling more satisfied with their appearance once the implants settle into their correct place. If you want to ensure that your implants look most natural and attractive following your breast surgery, try talking to your doctor about their advice.

They may be able to provide you with more specific insights into how the settling process will affect your breast size.