What Is the Difference Between a Breast Augmentation and Implants?

If you have never been happy with the size, shape, or proportions of your breasts, we can change that. At Kadz Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA, we offer breast augmentation, an elective cosmetic procedure that can help you achieve perfect breasts. No matter why you want to enhance your bustline, we can design the perfect treatment plan to help you reach all of your aesthetic goals.

What Is the Difference Between a Breast Augmentation and Implants?

Breast augmentation is an elective cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to improve the size and shape of the breasts. It can also correct breast imperfections, including symmetry or other similar issues. There are different ways to perform this procedure, and the use of implants is one of the most popular ways.

Augmentation With Implants

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that improves the shape, size, and proportions of the breasts. The most common method used to perform an augmentation is by inserting an implant onto the chest wall. Implants are used to change the shape, size, and fullness of the breasts, and the entire procedure can be completely customized to the patient’s preferences.

There are different types of implants, and they are made of different materials. Each has its advantages, and when it comes down to it, choosing the right one is a matter of preference.

Augmentation With a Fat Transfer

While the use of an implant is the most common method used to perform an augmentation, there is another way to increase the size of the breasts during augmentation, and that is with a fat transfer. A fat transfer involves the removal of unwanted fat cells from a donor site, also known as a problem area with liposuction.

Then, the fat cells are carefully examined and prepared in an injectable form so that they can be administered to different areas of the breasts to create natural fullness. This is typically an option preferred by women who don’t want to significantly change the size of their breasts but do want added natural fullness.

The Types of Implants

Different patients have different goals regarding their breast augmentation. For that reason, we offer different implant types that are suitable for different patients. Typically, you can choose from three different types of implants: saline, structured, and silicone.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are implants that contain saline, also known as saltwater. When they are used during an augmentation, the surgeon inserts them into the desired location while empty. Then, once they are properly situated on the chest wall, they are filled with saline fluid.

The implant material itself is made of silicone, but the contents of the implant consist of pure saltwater. These implants come in different shapes and sizes and are available and smooth or textured exterior shells. Saline implants have been used for over 60 years during breast augmentations and help create a natural feel. Saline implants are a suitable option for patients over the age of 18 who want to enhance their bustline.

Silicone implants

Silicone implants are made of silicone and are pre-filled with a gel-like substance. They come in different shapes and sizes, and one of the most popular types of silicone implants is a variation called gummy bear implants.

These implants look and feel completely natural and can help meet the goals of those who want to enhance their breast size and shape yet achieve natural-looking results. Silicone implants are a popular choice among women who choose to undergo this elective procedure because they feel very similar to human fat and replicate the feel of natural breast tissue.

Structured Implants

Structured implants are a newer and more innovative type of breast implant that contain internal structure and support systems that help restrict the saline solution from moving around freely throughout the implant. Structured implants are essentially a more advanced version of saline implants and create more support throughout the implant to deliver the most natural-looking appearance.

Customizing Your Augmentation

Since there are different implant types, sizes, and shapes to choose from, it’s important that you first schedule a consultation to speak with our surgeon and design your procedure. During this consultation, Dr. Kadz will first confirm that you are a good candidate for breast augmentation. He will review your medical background and ensure that you are healthy and do not have any medical conditions that could pose a risk during the surgical procedure.

Determining the Type, Size, and Shape of Your Implant

Once he confirms that you are eligible for the procedure, he will move forward and customize your augmentation. This process involves choosing the right size, shape, and proportions for your new breasts. This consultation is the time to address any concerns you may have regarding your breasts so that Dr. Katz can perform the necessary techniques during the procedure to correct any imperfections.

Many women have breasts that lack symmetry, making them feel self-conscious or can even cause them pain. This procedure not only can improve the appearance of the breasts but can correct symmetry issues and, in doing so, increase your confidence in the appearance of your breasts and alleviate any chronic pain. Once you experience perfect breasts that are completely symmetrical and don’t cause you any pain, you’ll be amazed at how your life changes.

Adding a Breast Lift to Your Procedure

Another way to customize your breast augmentation is by adding a breast lift to your procedure. A breast lift is a procedure designed to lift the breasts higher on the chest wall. An augmentation will only change the size, shape, and proportions of your breasts. However, a breast lift will improve the position of the breasts on the chest wall to create a perfectly proportioned and lifted appearance.

A breast lift is often a good option for women who have skin laxity or have excess skin that has caused their breasts to droop or sag. The aging process, significant weight loss, or multiple pregnancies and nursing can cause the breasts to droop. Adding a breast lift to your procedure can make the most significant difference in your results, especially if you struggle with excess skin.

Combining Procedures

While this procedure is extremely popular, it is also quite versatile. It can be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures so that you can reach all your body goals at once. For example, many women schedule the mommy makeover, a procedure that can help revamp your body post-pregnancy and birth. It typically involves liposuction, a tummy tuck, breast implants, and other procedures based on your body goals.

If you want to address and improve more than just your breasts, we can help you do just that. We offer many different body makeover procedures that can help transform your appearance and increase your confidence. If you want to address your stomach, eliminate excess fat, and improve the appearance of your breasts, you don’t need to schedule multiple procedures to do so. You can do it all during one procedure and save yourself time, money, and multiple recoveries.

Am I a Candidate?

The best candidates for any elective cosmetic procedure are individuals who are in good health. Your consultation is so important because it determines your eligibility for the procedure. It’s important that we know the details about your medical history, any medications you are taking, and any procedures you have had in the past, as well as any health conditions you have.

This consultation will provide us with the most comprehensive understanding of you and your medical background so that we can determine whether this procedure is a safe option.

Who Qualifies as a Good Candidate?

Women who want to correct breast imperfections, increase their breast size, or restore breasts after undergoing cancer treatment are good candidates for this procedure. Young women, middle-aged women, and even older women schedule this procedure to achieve the breasts of their dreams so that they can feel more confident in whatever they choose to wear. Once you finally take this step and invest in yourself, you will love your results.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation

If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon who you can trust to perform a perfect breast augmentation and help you achieve all of your aesthetic goals, you can’t go wrong with Dr. Kadz. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to help you reach all of your body goals. Contact us today at Kadz Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA, to learn more about this procedure and schedule your initial consultation.