If you've ever wished for rounder, more symmetrical, or larger breasts, your ears will probably perk up when you hear about someone's breast augmentation experience. This anecdote is all too often a third- or fourth-hand account of someone's cousin or her cousin's roommate who had a "boob job" that went wrong somewhere along the way.
We know this scenario occurs frequently because we've debunked myths and corrected the record on breast augmentation for years during many, many consultations with patients at our Mumbai, India practice. If you've ever cringed while reading a breast augmentation horror story and then decided not to get a consultation, this post is for you. We'll explain why getting a breast augmentation now is safer, easier, and produces better results than ever before.
If you've ever heard a horror story about breast implants feeling hard or unnatural for a friend of a friend, look into your other options before ruling out breast augmentation. Many of our patients are concerned about getting the right feel for intimacy or lifestyle. Modern breast enhancement surgery dates back to the early 1960s and is closely related to the evolution of breast implant materials and construction methods. Throughout this evolution, much thought has gone into making breast implants feel like natural breasts.
In 1961, the first silicone breast implants were created. Silicone implants are now considered to be in their seventh or eighth generation. The “gummy bear” breast implant, one of the most popular silicone breast implant options on the market, is the result of decades of research and development to achieve the right feel. Gummy bear implants have an outer shell that wraps around the filler material to help keep their shape while remaining soft.
In the 1990s, saline implants became a popular alternative to silicone implants. Saline implants now include an advanced construction technique known as baffling, which uses tiny internal channels to move fluid around and improve the natural feel of the breasts.
Concerns about the safety of breast augmentation surgery exist for understandable reasons, but the reality of such concerns is frequently exaggerated by half-truths and sensationalized stories. Yes, you are introducing a foreign object into your body when you get implants. But there are a few things you should know which will put your mind at ease, especially if safety concerns have you on the fence about scheduling a consultation.
Silicone breast implants, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, are among the most extensively researched medical devices in history. This fact, along with the fact that over 310,000 breast augmentations were performed in 2018 alone, should give you confidence that breast augmentation safety is supported by mountains of data and evidence.
Breast augmentations are performed by some of the most highly trained and skilled doctors, in addition to being one of the most commonly performed and thoroughly researched cosmetic surgeries. Before pursuing board certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a person must spend an average of 13-14 years in school and medical training. Plastic surgeons who specialize in breast augmentation routinely seek continuing education opportunities and training after completing their education and board certification to stay current on the latest breast augmentation techniques and materials.
If you want to change the shape, size, or feel of your breasts but don't want to use implants, autologous fat transfer or fat grafting is a new option in breast augmentation. Liposuction can be combined with breast augmentation to move a portion of excess fat cells from your waist, hips, or abdomen and transfer them to your breasts — no implants required — to make a small to moderate bust size enhancement. This method is also gaining popularity because it can be performed with small incisions, resulting in less visible scar tissue.