Reasons Why Getting Breast Implants is Worth It

 

Breast implants are incredibly popular, with hundreds of thousands of women around the world opting to enhance the appearance of their breasts. Despite the massive popularity of breast implants and the fact that seemingly every patient who receives breast implants is satisfied with the results, many people are still skeptical.

This skepticism leads to the question, “Why are breast implants worth it?” or “How much is a boob job?” While the benefits of breast implants are plentiful (a higher sense of self-esteem and satisfaction with one’s appearance), the physical and mental energy put toward the procedure, along with the procedure’s cost and time (pre-and post-procedure), may easily derail the procedure from ever happening.

Below, we detail ten reasons getting breast implant surgery is absolutely worth it, as well as discuss how breast lifts offer another solution for breast augmentation within plastic surgery’s many benefits.

What Are Breast Implants?

Breast implants, sometimes casually known as “boob implants,” are saline or silicone implants used to increase and improve the size and shape of the patient’s breasts. They are placed under the skin in a surgical procedure in such a way to look like normal tissue.

These implants may be used for breast augmentation, which increases breast size, or breast reconstruction, which rebuilds tissue lost from a mastectomy or from trauma. The implants will vary in size, shape, and even thickness.

Different Types of Breast Implants

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two types of breast implants. These breast fillers contain either a saline solution or silicone gel. Both saline and silicone implants have a silicone outer shell. Saline implants may be pre-filled or become filled during the procedure.

Saline implants are available for anyone over the age of 18. One of the benefits with this type of implant is that the doctor can control how much saline is used to inflate the implant for a more natural looking result. If they leak, the implant will deflate and the saline will be reabsorbed into the body.

Silicone implants are available for anyone over the age of 22 for cosmetic purposes or at any age for reconstruction. They feel more natural and hold their shape even if they begin leaking. Silicone in the breast isn’t dangerous, but most doctors will recommend having the implant replaced.

Why Getting Breast Implants are Worth It

In our opinion, they absolutely are. Here are our ten reasons why breast enhancement is worth it.

1. Breast Implants Are Safe and Come with Little Complications

Breast implants, in general, are a safe procedure with little risk of complications or side effects after the fact. The only real risks are complications stemming from infection, issues with how the wound heals, and the possibility of blood accumulating at the surgical site. Of course, when you have a talented plastic surgeon, the risk of complications is very low and the surgery is completely safe.

2. Breast Implants Last a Long Time

Breast implants are not a short-term fix or a temporary stopgap. Breast implants last a long time, with most implants lasting somewhere between 10 and 15 years. In some instances, breast implants can last a lifetime. Doctors will monitor the implants to check if they rupture or need to be replaced.

With saline implants, it is obvious when a rupture occurs or if replacement is necessary due to the saline being absorbed back into the body. With silicone implants, a rupture may not be noticeable to the naked eye, but an MRI will be able to detect one so it can be replaced.

The average life of breast implants today is over a decade. The chance of them rupturing increases by only one percent each year. The older the implants, the greater the chance that they will rupture. However, implants can be in excellent shape for more than 20 years, in many cases.

3. Breast Implants Boost Your Self-Esteem and Confidence

One of the greatest reasons why getting breast implants is worth it is the boost in self-confidence patients get following the procedure. Many women who come in for breast implants are incredibly self-conscious about the size and shape of their breasts. With just one simple surgery, low self-esteem can be quickly erased, allowing you to embrace life with newfound confidence.

4. Recovery from Breast Implants Is Relatively Quick and Easy

While there is some needed time for recovery following breast implant surgery, it is relatively quick and easy. There will be some slight discomfort and tightness in the affected area for the first one to two days following surgery, but after a few days, patients should begin to feel normal and healthy.

You can expect to go back to work and resume your everyday life after about one to two weeks, and you can resume exercising and strenuous physical activity around four to six weeks after the procedure. If you have a desk job with no lifting required, you may be able to return to work within three to five days. It will be about one to two weeks before you can lift your arms over your head. This means you must be careful in how you perform certain activities, such as washing your hair or putting on a shirt. You should move your arms to prevent stiffness, just avoid any type of movement that causes pain or discomfort.

5. Breast Implants Give You a Whole New Set of Wardrobe Options

Many women with small breasts are restricted in the kind of clothing they can buy and wear. Oftentimes, these women will go to a store and try on a shirt that fits perfectly around the hips, only to find that the area around the chest hangs very loose so that it feels like they are swimming in the shirt. If your clothing options have always been restricted because of the size of your breasts, breast implants can open up a whole new world of wardrobe options for you.

6. Get Symmetrical Breasts and Nipples

If you have asymmetrical breasts in which one breast is clearly smaller than the other, it can make you self-conscious and make it difficult to find bras that fit properly. A breast implant can make your breasts completely symmetrical, using surgical precision to make sure there is no difference between the two breasts. During breast implant surgery, your plastic surgeon can also make sure your nipples are symmetrical, while also correcting any aesthetic imperfections with your nipples in the process.

7. You Don’t Have to Compensate for Smaller Breasts

If you’re like many women, you’ve probably tried a push-up bra to give you more cleavage or other tricks to enhance what you have. However, this takes a lot of work and doesn’t always give you the results you’re hoping for. Besides, you’re still left with the same breasts you’re dissatisfied with when you take the push-up bra off at the end of the day.

With breast augmentation, you trade those push-up bras and other tricks for a long-term solution you feel good about.

8. Create a More Natural Look

Women often hesitate to make the decision to augment their breasts because they don’t want to garner too much attention. They are worried the results may look unnatural or be eye-catching in a negative way. With the right surgeon advising, you don’t have to worry about getting raised eyebrows or stares. An experienced doctor can recommend the right size and shape to enhance your silhouette without overdoing it.

People may notice that there’s something “different” about you, but it will be a subtle, natural change. Breast implants will put the attention on you, not just your breasts. You don’t even have to tell others your little secret unless you choose.

9. You Can Regain What You’ve Lost

Sometimes the reason for breast implants isn’t to improve what you’ve never had, but to get back what you lost. Maybe you lost a significant amount of weight, which resulted in losing volume and size in your breasts. While you don’t want to regain all that weight, you do miss having full breasts.

Breast augmentation with lift allows you to have fuller breasts while maintaining a trim waistline. Perhaps pregnancy and breastfeeding cost you in breast size. They may be smaller and sag in a way you didn’t experience before you got pregnant. As part of a Mommy makeover with abreast lift — or just breast augmentation alone — you can enjoy full and shapely breasts that complement your figure.

10. Feel More Feminine

If you choose breast implants as part of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, it can help you feel more like a woman. Conquering breast cancer shows that you’re a survivor, but a breast reduction can leave you feeling less feminine, especially if accompanied by hair loss from chemotherapy. Breast augmentation can be a way to celebrate your recovery and help you feel like the strong woman you know you are. And that is the final and perhaps one of the best reasons for why getting breast implants is worth it.Average Cost of Breast Augmentation

Breast implants aren’t as expensive as they once were. The average cost of breast implants is around $4,500, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. With additional costs associated with an in-patient procedure such as operating room, anesthesia, and other costs, it can range from $5,000 – $8,000 total.

The cost for breast augmentation will vary based on the experience of the surgeon and the location of the facility. The type of procedure will also impact the price — silicone implants are typically more expensive than saline, for example. This is a question to ask your surgeon when you meet to discuss your procedure. They should provide a breakdown of costs so you know what to expect. Forbreast augmentation in Houston, TX, talk to Dr. Lapuerta’s team and find out how affordable the procedure is for you.

Women often hesitate to make the decision to augment their breasts because they don’t want to garner too much attention. They are worried the results may look unnatural or be eye-catching in a negative way. With the right surgeon advising, you don’t have to worry about getting raised eyebrows or stares. An experienced doctor can recommend the right size and shape to enhance your silhouette without overdoing it. People may notice that there’s something “different” about you, but it will be a subtle, natural change. Breast implants will put the attention on you, not just your breasts. You don’t even have to tell others your little secret unless you choose.

Average Cost of Breast Augmentation

Breast implants aren’t as expensive as they once were. The average cost of breast implants is around $4,500, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. With additional costs associated with an in-patient procedure such as operating room, anesthesia, and other costs, it can range from $5,000 – $8,000 total.

The cost for breast augmentation will vary based on the experience of the surgeon and the location of the facility. The type of procedure will also impact the price — silicone implants are typically more expensive than saline, for example. This is a question to ask your surgeon when you meet to discuss your procedure. They should provide a breakdown of breast implant costs, so you know what to expect. For breast augmentation in Houston, TX, talk to Dr. Lapuerta’s team and find out how affordable the procedure is for you.

What You Wish You Knew Before Having Breast Implants

Even if you are excited about getting breast implants, you may also be a little nervous. It’s understandable to have some anxiety before undergoing a major procedure like breast augmentation. It helps you to be prepared and do your research.

Some information is critical to have before you make your decision about getting breast implants.

• Implants don’t last forever. You may be fortunate and have them last for 15 or 20 years, but be prepared for the idea that they may need to be replaced. You’ll want to decide whether to have new implants put in at the time.
• Options for breast implants have changed with new products on the market. Aesthetic preferences have changed as well and will continue to change. Trends often switch from having larger breast implants to a more natural looking appearance.
• While breast augmentation is a popular procedure that has been performed hundreds of thousands of times, it does come with risks. Take the time to do your research to learn of the risks, and make sure you choose an experienced plastic surgeon with a solid success rate, like Dr. Lapuerta. He stays up to date on the latest trends and products to provide the best care for his patients.
• Be prepared for some downtime. Take enough time off work and have someone who can help you with your daily routines. Realize that you may not feel like doing much for a few days, and rest is important to recovery. You’ll want to have meals and snacks on hand and any other essentials to get you through the first week or two.
• Breast implants aren’t cheap. You’ll get an estimate from Dr. Lapuerta when you meet with him for a consultation. You’ll want to be prepared for how much it will cost since most insurance plans won’t cover the procedure.

Even with all these considerations, most women consider breast augmentation worth it. One study involved 225 women who were interviewed just one month after the procedure. Out of that number 98 percent were satisfied with their results.

Common Questions and Concerns with Breast Implant Surgery

One of the most common questions people ask about breast implant surgery is how painful it is. Breast augmentation isn’t as painful as you might expect. Over-the-counter pain medications are usually adequate to manage the pain. It’s often likened to the soreness you feel after working out too much rather than intense pain.

You may wonder how many hours the surgery will take. It can vary by person and whether you’re just getting a breast augmentation or other procedures at the same time. The average time is 1-1/2 hours for the actual surgery before you go into recovery. You can be awake during the procedure if you would like. You will not have any pain during the surgery.

Another concern is whether the breasts will work like normal after implants. Most women are still able to breastfeed after breast implant surgery. Their supply may be reduced, which will require them to supplement with formula for the baby. Others may notice no change at all and breastfeed as normal.

What Is a Breast Lift?

Similar to breast implants, a breast lift is a procedure that helps fight the impacts of age and gravity upon the breasts. It is natural for breasts to sag over time, and a breast lift works to correct this by removing excess skin in the area around the breasts. As a result, you are left with fuller, firmer, and more youthful breasts. 

A breast lift is a surgical procedure that lifts the breast that has begun to sag. Incisions are made and excess tissue and skin are removed. The nipple may be repositioned, and implants may be inserted as part of a comprehensive breast augmentation procedure — but they are not always done together.

Breast Lift vs. Breast Implants

A breast lift simply lifts the breast to prevent it from sagging. Breast implants increase the size and change the shape of the breast, which a lift cannot do by itself. Both procedures require recovery time with the patient not resuming full routines until about six or eight weeks.

Many times, a breast implant is included with a breast lift to achieve maximum results. The doctor will recommend the best procedure based on the patient’s goals.

Is a Breast Lift Worth It?

Many of the benefits stated above also apply to breast lifts, but breast lifts also offer their own unique advantages. 

A breast lift is a great surgery for anyone who is seeing noticeable sagging in their breasts, as well as a procedure for recent moms as part of a Mommy Makeover. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause your breasts to sag, and a breast lift is a great way to feel more attractive after you are done breastfeeding your children.

Finally, a breast lift is a great option for anyone who has recently lost a lot of weight. After serious weight loss, you will have a lot of sagging skin, including sagging breasts. A breast lift, as part of a series of surgeries after weight loss, removes any excess skin to get your breasts to better fit your more toned physique.

Breast Implant Consultations with Dr. Leo Lapuerta

If you are still wondering “Are breast implants worth it?” reach out to Dr. Leo Lapuerta. Dr. Lapuerta is a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience performing breast implants and breast lifts for patients in Katy, Pearland, and Houston, Texas. Dr. Lapuerta not only offers expertise performing breast procedures, but he has experience performing breast revisions, breast reductions, and breast reconstruction. 

The best place to get breast implants or a breast lift is with a certified and experienced plastic surgeon who can make you feel comfortable about the process. If you are interested in learning more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta today.

Sources:

• https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/types-breast-implants&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1630972798927000&usg=AOvVaw05PK7ug-mv9mdMO11rRCsm 
• https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/implants-and-prosthetics/breast-implants

Breast Implant Illness: What Do I Need to Know?

Breast augmentation procedures are among our most popular offerings. Our triple-board-certified surgeon Dr. Leo Lapuerta has been helping patients in Texas for 20 years get the body they desire with safety, care, and compassion. 

Occasionally, patients come to us with questions about a condition they’ve read about, called Breast Implant Illness. It’s always a good idea to do your research before undergoing a procedure. Questions related to breast augmentation include:

• What is Breast Implant Illness (BII)?
• Is Breast Implant Illness real?
• Does it affect every augmentation patient?
• What are the signs and symptoms of Breast Implant Illness? 

Here, we will discuss Breast Implant Illness and the known causes, symptoms, and treatment options for the condition. If you have any additional questions or concerns surrounding Breast Implant Illness, we are happy to answer them during your breast enhancement consultation session.… Read More »

How Do I Know When My Breast Implants Need Replacing?

One of the questions patients have when considering breast augmentation is if they will need to be replaced and how often to replace breast implants. Some consider replacement of breast implants to be a normal part of getting them in the first place while others may not even think about the issue.… Read More »

Breastfeeding with Implants

Some folks assume that breast implants and lactation are mutually exclusive, but that is a myth. Plenty of our patients find that breastfeeding with implants has been possible for them. However, everybody is different — and lactation is something that many mothers struggle with, even if they’ve never had implants. The ability to breastfeed after implant procedure will also depend on what type and placement of incisions were made during the augmentation.

Here, we’ll discuss the specific factors that can impact breastfeeding with implants. For further information, please reach out to our team — Dr. Lapuerta will be happy to answer any of your questions about breast implants, breastfeeding, and whether both might be possible for you. He has performed countless successful procedures, including breast revision and breast reconstruction surgery.

… Read More »