How Have Trends in Breast Implants Changed Over Time?
Each year, millions of breast augmentations are performed around the world. In fact, some studies suggest that the surgery is more popular in the United States than in any other country—and it has remained within the top five most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries in the country every year for the past several years, according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Experts expect that augmentation will continue to be one of the most sought-after procedures throughout 2022. Breast augmentation can boost a patient’s confidence by sculpting higher, fuller, shapelier, and more youthful-looking breasts. There are many aspects to consider when you’re planning this procedure, such as which size, shape, and projection type would be the best fit for you. Even though the surgery is still in high demand, patients now tend to want different results compared to what was popular in the mid-2000s and prior. If you’re planning on having breast implants from our Palm Desert-based Cosmetic Surgery Institute, here’s what you should know about how trends in breast augmentation have changed in the last several decades.
Surgeons have reported that higher numbers of patients are preferring smaller cup sizes instead of more dramatic increases in size. This is partially due to many patients desiring a slimmer, more athletic-looking body shape.
One of the most common misconceptions about implants is that they all inherently will look fake. Implants during the 2000s tended to be very obvious due to their large, wide, gravity-defying appearance. Back then, they tended to be viewed as a status symbol and a way to stand out. Think about how popular the “Baywatch look” was at the time.
Very large and artificial-looking implants are now not as popular, and patients are seeking out smaller, more natural-looking curves. In fact, patients who had larger implants before sometimes now choose to swap them for smaller devices to reduce the strain on their back and allow them to move around or exercise more easily.
Whether you want a more understated look or a total transformation, it’s important to talk to your surgeon about your goals.
For more information on breast implants, contact our Palm Desert-based Cosmetic Surgery Institute team. Call us today at (760) 837-0364 or submit a contact form to request a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon if you would like to find out more about how this procedure works.
What Can Be Done to Prolong the Lifespan of Breast Implants?
Breast implants from our Los Angeles-area practice are an ideal choice for patients who want to enhance the appearance of breasts that they feel are too small or to restore the shape and size of their breasts after pregnancy and other body changes. Implants offer numerous advantages, including allowing patients to feel less restricted in terms of what styles of clothing they are comfortable wearing. Perhaps the main benefit of having this procedure, however, is the significant boost to confidence and self-esteem that patients feel once they see themselves in the mirror.
Another great thing about getting breast augmentation is that it isn’t merely a short-term fix. While each patient’s experience is different, modern implants are made of sturdy materials and can last for decades after the initial surgery. Although implants aren’t guaranteed to last forever, and the risk of rupture increases each year, the way the patient takes care of the implants will have an impact on the longevity of their results. See below for some techniques patients can use to increase the lifespan of their implants.
Follow Instructions During Recovery
Proper care for implants starts during breast augmentation recovery. You need to provide adequate support for the implants by wearing a supportive garment or surgical bra as the surgeon advises. Patients will need to initially avoid exercise, especially anything that involves heavy lifting or causes the chest muscles to tighten.
Care for Your Skin
Sun damage on the chest area can weaken the skin there, causing the breasts to start to sag, so try to avoid tanning or allowing your skin to burn. Cover up in clothing to protect the skin, and wear sunscreen any time you head outside.
Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Avoid smoking, excessive drinking, and major weight fluctuations—all of which can contribute to weakening the skin and making it more likely to stretch.
Go to Check-Ups
Don’t skip annual check-ups with your surgeon, and remember to perform self-checks frequently to ensure that your implants are in good shape. Inspect your breasts for any lumps or changes, and don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.
Want to learn more about long-term care for breast implants? Contact us at Cosmetic Surgery Institute for more details. Call (760) 837-0364 or submit a contact form to request a consultation and find out more about what to expect from the augmentation procedure.
Get the Curves Without Looking Like a Cartoon
Once upon a time, breast implants were highly
obvious and very easy to spot. The 2000s may have been the era for huge,
fake-looking, and highly noticeable boobs, but trends have changed a lot in the
previous two decades. Patients have gradually shifted toward preferring a more
“real” aesthetic. In the last few years, celebrities and non-famous patients
alike have been selecting smaller implants that are designed more for altering
the shape of their breasts in a less conspicuous but nevertheless attractive and
feminine way. The idea is to have your breasts enhanced in a way that fits you
as an individual rather than taking a “cookie cutter” approach to cleavage. If
you’re going in for breast
augmentation at a Los Angeles-area
practice—or anywhere, really—and want more subtle, believable results, follow
these tips below:
1. Choose
the Right Material
During your consultation for breast implants,
your surgeon will be discussing lots of variables involved in the surgery with
you, including everything from sizes and fillings to implant placement. Generally,
silicone implants, including the more cohesive silicone “gummy bear” implants,
tend to have a squishier texture that’s more similar to actual breast tissue.
2. Consider
Fat Grafting
Autologous fat grafting or fat transfers involve
using some of a patient’s own body fat—taken from an area of excess on some
other part of the body—to enhance the breasts. Fat augmentation can be a way of
increasing the breast size by up to one cup if you don’t want implants. Alternatively,
it can be used to hide potential rippling or other minor irregularities and to enhance
the cleavage when used in combination with implants.
3. Think
About Sizing
Patients often complain that they wish they had
gone a bit larger or smaller after they have had breast augmentation. Don’t
assume that bigger is necessarily better. Sometimes, the width of certain
implants is too wide for your frame or projects too much, making it clear that
you’ve had work done. Your implants should be as small as possible with a low
to moderate projection if you’re aiming for a realistic appearance. Talk with
your surgeon about ways to see what various sized implants would look like on
your frame.
Are you thinking of having a breast augmentation? The Cosmetic Surgery Institute team will help you plan your procedure. Call
us at (760) 837-0364 or submit a contact form to request a consultation.
5 Bra Suggestions for Shopping After Breast Augmentation
For most women, shopping
for bras is challenging enough as it is—even if they haven’t had plastic
surgery. Our patients sometimes report that bra sizing becomes even more of a
challenge after having a high-quality breast augmentation from our
Palm Springs-based team
at Cosmetic Surgery Institute.
While you may be
tempted to immediately rush out and buy all-new bras to flaunt your figure
after surgery, your breasts will experience some swelling immediately after the
procedure, and it can be difficult to predict what their exact size will be
after they’ve completely healed. Breasts will also continue to change slightly
for six months following augmentation surgery.
These tips are
intended to make it easier for you to find the perfect support (or even lingerie!)
after your surgery.
1.
There’s No Such Thing as a Standard Cup/Bra Size
Many women spend a good portion of their adult lives wearing bras that are technically not the right size for them. Sizing labels can give you an idea of the general size of the bra, but the problem is that sizing for a given bra is actually determined by the company that creates the bra—so the A, B, C, and D sizes aren’t as universal as you might think. It’s also important to note that implant sizes aren’t the same as cup sizes.
2.
It’s Better to Try Them On
Don’t bother with online shopping at first—especially for costly undergarments. As with any other type of clothing, when buying bras, it’s often better to just go into the store in person and see how they fit. When in doubt, this is the best way to find what you need (especially if all the online size calculators aren’t helping you). Ideally, you can be re-measured and professionally fitted for bras after your recovery.
3.
Consider the Shape of Your Implants
Note that some bras will work better for teardrop-shaped breasts, while others are intended for round breasts. This is another reason in-person shopping is ideal. You can see not just how a bra fits, but how it looks on you!
4.
Use Non-Wire Bras
You’ll have to
wait until your breasts have completely healed before moving on to conventional
wire bras. In the meantime, choose a different sort of support.
5.
Try A Plunge Bra
Many augmentation
patients “start from scratch” and experiment with new styles after they’ve
healed from their surgery. A “plunge bra” is a push-up type that doesn’t have
uncomfortable wires and is good for heavier breasts.
Get more breast
augmentation tips from Cosmetic Surgery Institute. Patients in Palm Springs and the entire
Los Angeles area can connect with us by calling 760-837-0364 or write to us
directly.
Working Out After Breast Augmentation
If you’re unsatisfied with the size and shape of your
breasts, one of the most popular options for making a change is breast augmentation. The Palm Desert-based
Cosmetic Surgery Institute team offers the procedure, but hears from many
patients who want to know when it would be safe to return to their exercise
routine after surgery. The good news is that implants won’t prevent you from
enjoying an active lifestyle in the long run, but you should be prepared to
take a few weeks off for rest and recovery following the procedure.
Breast augmentation is ideal for creating noticeable results that not only change the look of the chest, but also impact body proportions as a whole. With that in mind, patients who are interested in keeping their overall physique fit and lean must have a long-term diet and exercise plan in place. In some cases, getting breast implants may be the very thing that kick-starts a woman into taking better care of her health.
In the first few days and weeks after breast augmentation
surgery, it is OK to engage in light activity, such as short walks. In fact,
this sort of gentle exercise is actually recommended, as it helps to stretch
the muscles while improving circulation. That said, hold back on intense
exercise during the first few weeks to avoid injuries or other increasing your
risk of other complications. Strenuous activity raises your blood pressure
while stressing muscles and tissues.
Patients typically get their strength and energy back
within around a month’s time, though it may take about six months for the
breasts to fully adjust and look their best after augmentation surgery. Each
person’s recovery process will be different, with some women being able to heal
more quickly than others. This has to do with genetics, lifestyle choices (such
as smoking), and overall health before and after the procedure.
When you do go back to running, jogging, and lifting
weights, remember to wear a quality support bra. Patients may want to start their
exercise regimen by doing what feels comfortable and gradually increasing their
activities over time rather than rushing into intense exercise as soon as they
can. Some doctors believe that patients should refrain from any kind of
hardcore chest-building workouts even after they’ve recovered. Follow your
doctor’s specific post-surgery instructions.
For questions or
inquiries about breast augmentation or other breast-related procedures—as well
as what to expect from the post-surgical recovery process—call (760) 837-0364 or
submit a contact form to get in touch with Cosmetic
Surgery Institute in the
Palm Springs area.