Breast augmentation surgery remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. Each year, we receive questions from patients in the San Mateo, CA area who are interested in getting breast implants. One of the most common questions involves picking the right size. Are larger implants necessarily better?
We'd like to take a moment to consider the advantages and disadvantages of getting large breast implants. We'll then note a few other important factors when it comes to tailoring a breast augmentation procedure to a patient.
The Pros of Large Breast Implants
The primary benefits of large implants during breast augmentation surgery include:
- Dramatic Results from Surgery: With large breast implants, patients are guaranteed to experience dramatic results from the breast augmentation surgery. If a patient wants bigger and fuller breasts, large breast implants will boost cup size considerably.
- Enhances Overall Figure/Body Contour: Increasing the size of the breasts doesn't just affect the bust line. Large breast implants can enhance your overall body contour and curves, giving you a shapelier figure in the process.
- Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem: Many patients who get large breast implants experience a boost in confidence and their sense of self. This can lead to a game-changing outlook on life and what it has to offer.
The Cons of Large Breast Implants
While the advantages of large breast implants are compelling, there are equally compelling downsides to consider:
- Complication Risk Higher than Small Breast Implants: Patients who get large breast implants face a higher risk of complications. This includes post-surgical risks such as infection and symmastia (breadloafing/uniboob) as well as long-term issues with implant ruptures and leakage.
- Potential for Poor Aesthetic Results: Large breast implants might appear less natural looking if a patient gets implants that are too large for her frame. There may also be issues with breast shape, rippling, and stretching of the skin that cause unnatural, less than desirable results.
- Drooping and Sagging Over Time: Breasts naturally droop and sag as part of the aging process. When a patient has large breast implants, the breasts can sag more than they would under natural means. There's also a risk of the implant slipping under the natural breast pocket, causing poor aesthetics.
- Larger Incisions Often Necessary: While saline breast implants require relatively small incisions, women who get large silicone breast implants will require relatively large incisions for placement and positioning. This means more post-surgical scarring.
Other Breast Implant Factors to Consider
In addition to breast implant size, it's also important to consider other factors that impact breast augmentation results. This includes implant shape, composition of the breast implants (saline or silicone), and the placement of the implants relative to the pectoral muscle.
Developing a Treatment Plan for Each Patient
It's important to plastic surgeons that patients avoid going too large or too small with their breast implants. "Just right" is ideal, but it varies from patient to patient. During an in-person consultation, we can develop the proper treatment plan just for you and your needs.
Learn More about Breast Augmentation
To learn more about breast augmentation surgery, breast implants, and what options are ideal for you and your needs, be sure to speak with an experienced cosmetic surgeon today. Dr. John R. Griffin and his team will be more than happy to answer your questions and address your concerns.
