What to Know about Large Breast Implants

If you’re trying to decide whether or not you want to have surgery to increase the size of your breasts, there are a few details that you should know before making a final decision. The first step in this process would be to talk to one of our doctors about what you can expect and how large you want your breasts to be so that the best type of implant can be used. You also need to research the recovery process and some of the details about what you can and can’t do after surgery until you’re healed. If you know more about the details, then you’ll usually feel a bit more comfortable about getting large breast implants and the final results. 

Know Your Options

While large breast implants might seem simple and straightforward, you do have a few options available regarding the materials used. Silicone and saline are the most common types that are used during surgeries. The type that you choose should be discussed with your doctor as there are benefits and risks with each one. The overall decision will usually depend on your preference, but the size that you desire will often be taken into consideration as silicone is sometimes better to use for larger breasts. If you want more of a natural look, then you want to go with silicone because each breast is roughly the same size. The gel inside offers a more natural shape and feel as well. The size of the implants that you choose will often dictate the size of the incision that is made during surgery simply because these implants are prepared before your surgery and then placed. If you choose saline implants, then the shell will be placed in your breast through a small incision. Your doctor will then inject saline into the implant to get it to the size that you desire. Since the implants are deflated when they are put in your breasts, the incision needed is smaller, which means that the recovery process is a bit easier. 

Breastfeeding

If you plan on having children in the future or having more children and you want to breastfeed, then consider waiting to get implants. They won’t prevent you from breastfeeding since they are usually placed underneath the breast muscles so that the ducts that produce milk are left intact. Keep in mind that an incision underneath your nipple could be made, which can sometimes make your breast a bit more sensitive when you’re breastfeeding. This can sometimes prevent the milk in your breasts from reaching your baby. Our doctors can assist you with breastfeeding if you decide to have children after getting large breast implants, showing you how to let your baby latch on to the nipple and how to stimulate milk production. 

Pain

Since getting larger breasts involves surgery, it also involves at least a minimal amount of pain. You’ll be under anesthesia during the surgery, so you won’t feel anything at this time. However, while your breasts heal and adapt to the implants, you could experience some pain. Your doctor will prescribe medications that you can take so that you’re comfortable during the recovery process. You’ll usually need to rest for at least a few days after surgery to allow the incisions to heal. Wear clothing that is loose and comfortable instead of items that are tight and constricting for at least a few days. 

Screening for Cancer

When you reach a certain age, you should consider having screenings for breast cancer. Your large breast implants could conceal lumps that are present because of the material in your breasts interfering with the X-ray. Let your doctor know if you have implants so that the proper techniques can be used when screening for breast cancer. 

Maintain Your Implants

When you think of getting large breast implants, you might think that the process is complete after you leave the operating room and go home. As with any other enhancement that you make to your body, you’re going to need to maintain your large breast implants so that they maintain their natural shape. You need to examine your breasts for leaks just as you would if you were trying to see if there were any abnormalities, such as lumps. If you suspect that there could be an issue with your implants, then talk to your doctor about performing an MRI as this is a scan that can detect any ruptures or damage to the implants. An MRI can also detect breast cancer since it’s a bit more difficult to have a mammogram. 

Taking Time

You won’t see the final results of your surgery right away. Your breasts will likely be swollen for a few days, and there could be drain tubes through the incisions to keep fluid from building in your breasts. Once the tissue in your breasts has healed, you’ll begin to see the natural shape that the large breast implants give your body. You’ll usually begin seeing results little by little each day until your breasts have healed. The final results will usually be seen about two months after surgery. You can make notes in a journal or take pictures of your breasts so that you can keep track of your recovery process and to determine if there are any issues that need to be addressed, such as abnormal bruising that doesn’t go away. You should also pay attention to the size of your breasts, alerting your doctor if one appears significantly smaller than the other. 

Touching

It’s alright to touch your large breast implants, especially to see if the implants are leaking or if there are any abnormal lumps. However, don’t squeeze your breasts as this could cause damage if it’s too constricting. Feeling a bit odd about touching your breasts after implants is normal and nothing that you should worry about. It will take time to get adjusted to your larger breasts and the way that they look in clothing that you wear. If you’re in a relationship, it can take time for your partner to grow accustomed to how your large breast implants look as well. 

Considerations for the Overall Size

When you’re making a decision about the size and shape of your breasts before surgery, these details can usually impact your overall health to some degree. If you plan to increase your breasts by two or more sizes, then you should be in good physical health so that you can recover without any issues and so that your muscles can support this increase in size. If you have a small figure, then you should consider doing exercises that can strengthen your back and your chest so that these areas can support your new breasts. Listen to the details and recommendations that your doctor offers. These suggestions are often given for a reason, and if your doctor feels that a smaller size is the best option, then it’s a consideration that you should keep in mind. 

Sensation

One of the things that you’ll notice after breast implant surgery is that the sensitivity of your nipples may change. The loss of sensitivity is usually a result of the nerves being cut or nicked when the surgery is performed. This usually corrects itself, but it could take a few months to over a year for it to happen. Larger implants often lead to a greater loss of sensitivity in your nipples. 

Expectations

Keep your expectations realistic. You might see images of women who have abnormally large breasts in movies or on television shows. These women often have numerous surgeries and sometimes see results that they didn’t expect from the surgery. When you have large breast implants placed, you want the outcome to be a natural appearance and one that looks as though they are your breasts instead of silicone or saline. If you keep your expectations realistic, then you’re going to be happier with the results that you see. If you gain or lose weight after surgery, then this can impact the way that your breasts look and feel. 

Talk to your doctor about revision surgeries to enhance your appearance so that you maintain the natural look that you had after the implants were placed. You should also expect to see stretch marks on your breasts, especially if you plan to increase your breasts by two or more sizes. Stretch marks that are seen on other areas of your body often lead to stretch marks underneath your breasts or on the sides of your breasts simply because of your skin type. If you have thin skin, then then you’ll usually notice more stretch marks compared to if your skin is thicker. 

Texture

The way that your breasts feel will change after surgery. Prepare your partner for these changes so that you both know what to expect. There’s no uniform result that is seen with everyone who has had implants. The overall texture that you’ll notice usually depends on your skin elasticity and the size of your breasts as larger implants will change the texture more than those that are smaller. 

Clothing

Keep in mind that you’re still going to need to wear a bra. Your bra might need a little more padding, and the straps might need to be a bit thicker than what you’re used to wearing. However, you’ll notice that the clothes that you wear often cling to your breasts a bit more, revealing a figure that you’re pleased to see and that you are confident with instead of one that you want to keep hidden. 

Contact Us

If you are interested in large breast implants, we encourage you to get in touch with our team at eSSe Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!