Selecting the breast option for you

OP. DR. YUNUS DOĞAN

Fun-bag factors

Congratulations on your decision to have breast augmentation plastic surgery! You are ready to welcome two new additions to your sweater, your bra and yourself. Do you know what size you want? What shape suits you? What material do you want? Before you can answer any of these questions, close your eyes and meditate on these three when choosing how to best stock your shelf:

• Your natural body size and frame
• Your lifestyle
• Your current breast skin elasticity

Your natural body size and frame

Current plastic surgery trends indicate more and more patients prefer a natural appearance after their procedures. If you’re stuck in an outdated way of thinking you may assume that plastic surgery will look fake and irregular. We’re here to tell you not to worry! Natural results are absolutely attainable. Read this for more reassurance.

When choosing breast implant size, consider how your overall body will look in proportion. Unless you’re striving to match Dolly Parton - and there’s no shade here except for what’s cast under her 36 E’s. We love Dolly - you want implants that correspond to your overall physical appearance.

Pro-tip: try before you buy!

You probably wouldn’t buy clothes without trying them on, right? Your plastic surgeon will have samples on hand in his or her office for you to see and feel, but you may feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. (Hopefully you found a reliable, board-certified surgeon who might go out of their way to create a relaxing, stress-free environment for you. If you haven’t found your surgeon yet, we know a great one for plastic surgery in Istanbul! And you should read this guide to know what to look for in your medical professional.)

If you want to sample some implants in your home, you can make your own! All you need is a pair of pantyhose and uncooked rice. You can follow verywellhealth’s guide, this American surgeon’s advice or Google your own source. Once you have your samples, you can wear them around in all of your different bras. Scrutinize yourself in the mirror. Ask friends and loved ones their opinions (if you care.) Jump on your bed. Take all the time you need.

We did see that one site recommends NOT using the foot part of the pantyhose while the other site tells you the opposite. We think the foot part may make your sample misshapen, but you can experiment on your own. And then when you’ve decided, you can cut the samples open and make a nice paella. FYI, breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters, or cc. Usually 130-150cc equals a bra cup size. You can also use online tools like Mentor’s implant simulator to see how you would look with different sizes of implants.

Your lifestyle

Consider your activity level. Do you work out often? Will large implants interfere with your gym or running routine? Maybe your sports bra cups runneth-ing over isn’t a concern but more of a goal. Do you have an entire closet of clothes that you desperately want to fill out with a new, well-rounded chest that will also complete your personality? Think about the amount of attention you will be comfortable receiving. How many times can you say “My eyes are up here”?

Current breast skin elasticity

According to Forbes.com, we all start losing 1% of our bodies’ ability to produce collagen each year after age 20. If you read our article about skin elasticity, you know that collagen is what keeps our skin healthy, resilient and youthful. Skin elasticity keeps your breasts at attention and can command the attention of others too.

If your skin is inelastic, it will not support new implants, regardless of size or shape. While they may start out high and mighty immediately after surgery, eventually Father Time will come knocking and your breasts will follow suit, knocking against your stomach. You may want to consider a breast lift in addition to implants if upper pole is high on your priority list. Talk with your plastic surgeon if skin inelasticity is a concern.

Different shapes of implants

Breasts come in all shapes. Implants come in different shapes and textures too. There are round and teardrop. Three guesses as to what shape the round ones are! Yes, they are spherical. If you laid one out on the table - because you can, since the backs of these implants are flat - and took out your calipers to measure them from edge-to-edge, you’d find the same diameter at any angle. Any implant may rotate inside the breast after you’ve healed from surgery but with round implants, you don’t have to worry about your breast shape changing.

Teardrop implants, also known as anatomical or shaped implants, have a definitive thinner top and thicker bottom. They look like a naturally hanging breast. (Note that we didn’t say “sagging.” Gravity is universal. Calm down.)

The implant surface may either be smooth or textured. Smooth implants feel softer and may move easier with the breast, providing a more natural appearance. Textured implants have a rougher surface that may limit movement but have been linked to a cancer of the immune system called BIA-ALCL, or breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. For more information, carefully read what the American Society of Plastic Surgeons published. For more peace of mind, talk to your surgeon.

Different implant materials

Implants are made of saline or silicone. Saline implants contain sterile salt water and result in a smaller scar. They are inserted into the breast tissue while empty and then filled to the desired volume. Patients concerned with rupture often opt for saline implants as the saline would naturally be absorbed by the body.

Silicone implants are made from silicone gel and require a larger incision than saline implants because they are inserted whole. Patients who want a more natural feel and appearance with volume opt for silicone.

The last stitch

Plastic surgery is personal. Only you know what you truly desire. Play it close to the vest. Research your options and take the time to make an informed decision, then discuss that decision at great length with your surgeon to determine how to achieve the best, most realistic and sustainable outcomes.