If you have been researching ways to enhance your breast size or shape, you might have come across the terms “breast augmentation” and “breast implants.” They may seem different, but they actually mean the same thing. It can be confusing when you are unfamiliar with the details of a procedure and are trying to learn about your options.
There is no difference between breast augmentation and breast implants, and what these terms mean. The opposite of a breast augmentation is a breast reduction, and another unrelated procedure is a breast lift.
What Is the Difference Between Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants?
There is no difference between “breast augmentation” and “breast implants” when people use these terms in everyday conversation. Breast augmentation is the term that means the surgical procedure, and breast implants are what are used to perform the procedure.
Much of the confusion surrounding breast augmentation vs. implants is mostly caused because people use these terms interchangeably; for example, someone might say they got breast implants, while a website might describe the same procedure as breast augmentation. Both of these are correct, and both are describing the same surgery.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgery that involves adding volume or enhancing the shape of your breasts. It is often done to provide women with the size and shape of breasts they have always desired or to restore fullness and volume to breasts that have been misshapen due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. In some cases, women who have experienced an injury or have had a mastectomy undergo corrective breast augmentations.
The surgery is done by placing implants under the breast tissue or the chest muscles to add volume and create fuller, more shapely breasts. When you hear someone talking about breast augmentation, they are referring to the process of surgically making the breasts larger or more proportionate to the rest of the body. In addition to “breast augmentation” and “breast implants,” this cosmetic surgery has also been known as “breast enlargement,” and more informally, “a boob job,” and is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries that is done today.
What Are Breast Implants?
Breast implants are medical-grade devices that are installed during a breast augmentation, which are made of either silicone or saline and come in many different shapes and sizes to create the results you desire. The surgeon places these implants either on top of the chest muscle and underneath the natural breast tissue, or they can be placed under the chest muscle. You and your surgeon will talk about the best placement for your implants depending on your body shape, how much natural breast tissue you have, and the final look you want to achieve.
If someone tells you they are getting breast implants, they are actually talking about getting breast augmentation surgery. The implants are the tools used to perform the augmentation, and you cannot have breast implants without having a breast augmentation. It is possible in some cases to use fat transfer for a breast augmentation, but since this procedure offers very little volume enhancement, breast implants are used in most cases for breast augmentation.
Breast Augmentation Is Different From Other Breast Procedures
“Breast augmentation” and “breast implants” mean the same thing, but they are different from other breast surgeries. It will be helpful for you to understand the difference between the different types of breast surgeries so you can have an informed conversation with the cosmetic surgeon and choose the best procedure to achieve the look you are going for.
Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Reduction
A breast reduction is a completely different procedure from breast augmentation because the reduction involves removing breast tissue to make breasts smaller, vs. the augmentation is done to make breasts larger and add volume.
Many women undergo a breast reduction to relieve back pain, shoulder pain, and bring their body into better proportion or to make it easier to find clothing that fits properly. A breast reduction is the complete opposite of a breast augmentation.
Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is another separate breast surgery that is done to raise and reshape breasts that are droopy or saggy. During a breast lift, the surgeon removes the loose excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissue to lift and restore the breasts to their normal, higher position on the chest.
Many women combine a breast augmentation with a breast lift to add volume with implants and lift the breasts to a more youthful-looking position. These two separate procedures can make a dramatic difference in your appearance and restore lost volume and correct saggy breasts after a substantial weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or aging.
Types of Breast Implants Used During Breast Augmentation
When you decide to have breast augmentation, you will need to make several decisions about the type of implants you want. You will need to decide between saline and silicone implants and choose a size, a shape, and the profile you desire, which is how far the implants protrude from your chest.
- Saline Implants
- These implants are filled with a sterile saline solution and are typically filled during surgery. Because the implant is inserted empty, a smaller incision can be used to place the flat implant sleeve, which is then filled to the desired size. If a saline implant ruptures, the body can safely absorb the saline solution.
- Silicone Implants
- These implants are filled with silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Many women prefer silicone implants for their more natural look and feel. Although silicone implants were once removed from the market due to safety concerns, modern silicone implants are extensively tested, very safe, and are now the most commonly used option for breast augmentation.
Your surgeon will help you choose the combination of options that will help you get the final results you are looking for.
Why Do Women Choose to Have a Breast Augmentation?
There are many reasons women choose to undergo breast augmentation. Some desire to restore volume to their breasts that was lost after pregnancy or weight loss. Others have felt unhappy for years, feeling their breasts are too small for their body frame, and they wish to achieve better proportions. Some people have breasts that are different sizes and want to create a normal-looking balance.
Whatever the reason, breast augmentation is an extremely personal choice, but it can help women feel more confident and self-assured.
What Is Involved in the Breast Augmentation Procedure?
Breast augmentation surgery usually takes one to two hours and is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep and feel no pain during the procedure.
Your surgeon will make an incision in one of several possible locations, depending on the type of implant you are getting and its size and shape. Your incision could be made under your breast, around your areola, or in your armpit, and the doctor will use this opening to place your breast implant. The surgeon will create a pocket either behind the breast tissue or behind the chest muscle, and the implant will be inserted and carefully positioned in this pocket. And then the incisions will be closed.
Recovery After Breast Augmentation
After your breast augmentation surgery, you will need between one and two weeks to heal, so you will need to arrange time off work previous to your surgery. During the first few days, it is normal to feel soreness, swelling, bruising, and discomfort, so your surgeon will prescribe you pain medication to help you stay comfortable.
You will need to wear a special compression bra for several weeks after your surgery, which will help to keep the swelling down and mitigate bruising. It will also help keep the incision areas stable so they can heal without being constantly moved. Most women can return to some light activities within a few weeks, but you will have lifting restrictions, and your surgeon will give you a list of activities you should avoid for the next four to six weeks.
Where Can I Find Out More About Breast Augmentation in Washington?
Newvue in Bellevue, WA, is pleased to offer breast augmentation surgery to help you reach your aesthetic goals. Set up a consultation today to speak to one of our highly skilled surgeons about your desires, and we will make them become a reality.
Our team of board-certified professionals will take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of the breast augmentation process, including choosing the perfect implants. Our compassionate professionals will be there to support you from your first visit through recovery and beyond. The team at Newvue is known for its attention to detail, personalized care, clear communication, and results that look beautifully natural.
