Category Archives: Chest Questions

​Can Breast Implants Freeze in Cold Weather?

​Can Breast Implants Freeze in Cold Weather?

Chest Questions, , ,

One of the most common questions among women seeking information on breast augmentation is whether or not their implants can freeze in the cold weather.

Since breast implants are filled with liquid or gel, and since liquids have a freezing point, it’s actually a smart question to ask.

The short answer to this question is, no, your breast implants are not going to freeze in the cold weather. If it were a possibility that the materials and liquids used within modern breast implants could freeze at normal outside temperatures, then they wouldn’t be used at all.

When it comes to medical implants, they are put through rigorous testing to ensure that they can withstand the extremes that the human body would experience on a daily basis. Sure, there are rare circumstances that can lead to something unfortunate happening, but for the majority of the population, you will never experience these extremes that could cause a breast implant to fail.

Saline Breast Implants vs. Silicone Breast Implants and Cold Weather

Breast implants on the market today are filled with either a saline solution or a silicone gel. The silicone gel is filled with a semi-solid silicone gel, which allows the implant to be soft and pliable for breasts that look and feel natural. Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile salt-water solution.

The fact that saline is made up of a saltwater solution has led to the myth that it may be possible for breast implants to freeze, because water itself can freeze if it’s too cold, but because these implants are not made of just water, this is not possible.

So, what actually happens to breast implants when the temperatures outside get into the freezing levels?

Will My Saline Breast Implants Freeze in the Cold?

Regardless of the type of breast implant you choose to use, whether silicone based or saline based, you will never have to worry about your breast implants freezing within your chest. It is physically impossible.

The myth of the freezing breast implant seems to stem from the fact that saline based implants are comprised mainly of water and since water has a freezing point, then this could possibly lead to your breast implants freezing within your body if the temperature dips below 28.4 degrees Fahrenheit (the freezing point of salt water).

But you don’t have to worry – once they’re implanted in the body, breast implants will not freeze, no matter how cold it gets!

Breast implants cannot freeze because the core temperature of the human body hovers right around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of indoor or outdoor temperatures. When placed within the body, breast implants are insulated under the pectoral muscles, and the skin, and your natural internal body temperature regulates the temperature of the implants.

What is the Freezing Point of Saline and Silicone Gel?

For saline implants to freeze inside the body, the internal body temperature would have to drop to below 28.4 degrees, which is well below the temperature necessary to sustain life. And silicone gel implants would have to drop to 170 degrees below zero.

The lowest ever-recorded survived body temperature of human being was 56.7 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the freezing point of salt water. There is no physical way your body can survive at these low temperatures, which means there is no way that your breast implants can possibly freeze if you are alive.

In 20 years of practice, Dr. Adams has never seen a patient with any issue or complaint from cold weather and breast implants. He states, the “implant freeze stories are urban legends…”

Regardless of the type of filler, implants can experience slight variation in temperature based on the ambient temperature outside and how long a person was exposed. Most of the time this goes un-noticed by the patient and will absolutely not lead to freezing, or even partial freezing, of the breast implant.

Tips for Staying Comfortable in the Cold Weather

To keep warm when spending time outdoors in the cold, be sure to bundle up! Wearing a camisole or lightweight undershirt as a base layer underneath normal clothing is a smart idea for anyone who’ll be out in the cold for long period of time. A vest can help keep the core body temperature warm underneath a jacket or coat without adding too much extra heat to the rest of the body.

Keeping the extra layers on once back inside, taking a hot shower, or spending a few minutes in a hot tub or sauna can help the breasts warm up more quickly to match the rest of the body’s temperature, just as you would do if your hands were cold after coming inside.

Your Breast Implants Will Not Freeze in Cold Weather

The myth of breast implants freezing is just that, a myth. If you live in an area of the world that sees temperature drops below freezing, your body will naturally regulate the temperature of the implants the same way it does with the other organs within your body.

If your body ever reached the low temperatures required for saline or silicone gel breast implants to freeze, your breast implants would be the least of your worries.

You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Adams, or contact us with any questions.

​Why Are My Breasts More Sensitive After a Breast Augmentation?

​Why Are My Breasts More Sensitive After a Breast Augmentation?

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Breast implants can be a life-changing choice for many women, boosting self-esteem and helping them feel comfortable in their own skin. While breast augmentation surgery is a popular and minimally invasive procedure with a fast recovery time, some post-operative side effects may occur. One of the most common side effects reported by women after breast implant surgery is increased breast sensitivity. In this article, we’ll explore why breast sensitivity changes can occur, their potential causes, and how to find relief.

Can Breast Implants Increase Sensitivity?

If you’ve noticed increased sensitivity in your breasts after getting breast implants, you’re not alone. This phenomenon is known as hypersthesia or neuropathic pain, and it often occurs as a temporary side effect of breast augmentation surgery.

During the procedure, skin and nerves are stretched to accommodate the implant. The extent to which you experience hypersthesia depends on various factors, including the increase in breast size. Significant increases in size may heighten the likelihood of nerve-related discomfort.

Hypersthesia typically occurs after the initial recovery period, usually about 3 weeks to 9 months post-surgery. This sensation is mostly caused by temporary changes to the nerves in your breasts. The myelin, or “insulation,” surrounding these nerves is affected during surgery, which can lead to tenderness and heightened sensitivity. This discomfort typically subsides as the body repairs the myelin and restores normal nerve function.

Will I Lose Sensitivity in My Breasts After Implants?

Breast implant surgery can occasionally lead to a decrease in nipple sensitivity, and for some individuals, this change can be concerning. While heightened sensitivity in the breasts is a common side effect in the initial post-operative period, a decrease in nipple sensitivity is less common but can occur. Here are some factors that might contribute to this phenomenon and what you can do if you experience it:

  1. Surgical Technique: The surgical approach and technique used during breast augmentation can impact nipple sensitivity. If the nerves supplying the nipples are inadvertently affected during surgery, it may lead to decreased sensitivity.
  2. Implant Placement: The placement of breast implants can also influence nipple sensitivity. Implants positioned under the chest muscle (submuscular) may exert more pressure on the surrounding nerves and potentially affect nipple sensation.
  3. Individual Variability: Every person’s body responds uniquely to breast augmentation. Some individuals may experience decreased nipple sensitivity, while others may not.
  4. Temporary Sensation: It’s crucial to understand that decreased nipple sensitivity might be a temporary issue that resolves as the body adjusts to the presence of breast implants. Nerves can take time to heal and adapt to the changes.

If you’re experiencing decreased nipple sensitivity and find it bothersome, it’s essential to communicate with your plastic surgeon. They can provide guidance and assess your specific situation to determine the best course of action. In some cases, the issue may resolve on its own over time. For others, additional procedures or interventions might be considered to improve sensation.

Remember that every individual’s experience with breast implant surgery is unique, and while changes in nipple sensitivity can occur, they are not typically permanent.

Why Do My Breast Implants Hurt Years Later?

Many women wonder if breast sensitivity changes can persist years after breast implant surgery. While sensitivity issues are most common shortly after surgery, some individuals may experience ongoing discomfort. Factors that can contribute to discomfort years later include:

  • Implant Size: Larger implants may place more stress on the nerves, potentially leading to prolonged sensitivity changes.
  • Scar Tissue: The formation of scar tissue around the implant can also affect sensitivity.

Managing Breast Sensitivity After Breast Implants

Breast sensitivity changes after breast implant surgery are common and usually temporary. However, it’s essential to know how to manage and address these sensations, whether you want to increase or decrease breast sensitivity.

Increasing Sensitivity

If you’re looking to enhance the sensitivity of your breasts after breast implant surgery, there are a few techniques to consider:

  • Breast Massage: Gently massaging your breasts can stimulate blood flow and nerve endings, potentially increasing sensitivity over time. It’s essential to do this with care, using recommended techniques to avoid discomfort.
  • Sensory Stimulation: Experiment with various forms of sensory stimulation, such as temperature play or textured fabrics. These experiences can help reawaken dormant nerve endings and heighten sensitivity.
  • Kegel Exercises: Some women find that Kegel exercises, which involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, can indirectly contribute to increased breast sensitivity. The theory is that improved circulation in the pelvic area may have a positive impact on breast sensation.

Decreasing Sensitivity

If heightened sensitivity is causing discomfort and you’d like to decrease it, consider the following methods:

  • Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce discomfort and tenderness. Always consult with your surgeon or healthcare provider before taking any medication to ensure it’s safe for your specific situation.
  • Nipple Protection: To minimize friction and contact with clothing, you can use nipple protectors, gauze pads, or large band-aids. This can help reduce sensations that exacerbate breast sensitivity.
  • Cool Compress: Applying a cool compress to the breasts can offer temporary relief from heightened sensitivity. Be sure to use a clean cloth or cooling gel pad to avoid any infection risk.

Remember, it’s essential to communicate with your surgeon or healthcare provider if you’re concerned about changes in breast sensitivity. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation and needs. Whether you aim to increase or decrease sensitivity, managing your comfort and well-being is a crucial part of your breast implant journey.

Breast Implants and Nipple Sensitivity

Breast augmentation can have a profoundly positive impact on a woman’s self-esteem and confidence. While numbness, tenderness, or sensitivity are common side effects, they typically resolve over time and can be easily managed.

Modern surgical techniques, like Dr. Adams’, aim to minimize post-operative side effects and ensure a fast and comfortable recovery. If you’re considering breast augmentation or have any concerns about breast sensitivity, reach out to us to learn more about our advanced procedures and 24-hour recovery options.

​How Long Do Silicone Breast Implants Last?

How Long Do Breast Implants Last? When Should They Be Replaced?

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As one of the most common cosmetic surgeries within the United States, breast implants are continuously growing in popularity.

As they continue to grow in popularity there are more and more misconceptions to be found when it comes to breast implants. For instance, did you know that breast implants do not last forever?

While breast implants can last for long periods of time without causing problems or needing to be removed/replaced, they are not permanent and will require some maintenance at some point in your life.

The technology used in breast implants today is much better than that of breast implants in the past, which leads to them being more stable and having a longer lifespan. This means that regardless of the type of implant you choose, you should get more life out of them today than you would have even 20 years ago.

What are the Different Types of Breast Implants?

There are two main types of breast implants these days, saline and silicone. Each different type of breast implant comes with its pros and cons, but, you’ll be safe no matter which option you choose, but you should definitely talk with your doctor to figure out which implant type is right for you.

While both saline and silicone breast implants have silicone shells, the big difference between the two lies in how the actual implant is formed. Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water, whereas silicone breast implants are pre-filled with silicone. This thick gel closely mimics the consistency of natural fatty tissue.

Choosing an implant type should be based on the look and feel that you’re looking to achieve, while also taking into consideration the different methods that are required to implant them in your chest. Saline implants tend to have a smaller incision due to the fact that they are inserted into the body while flat and then filled up with saline, whereas the silicone implants come pre-filled before being inserted.

This can lead to differences in healing as well as the way the implants may sit in your chest, which is why it’s very important to discuss all options with your surgeon before you make a decision.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last? Do They Need to be Replaced?

This is probably one of the most common questions people inquire about when it comes to breast augmentation surgery – how long will the results last? The answer is, while it is possible for silicone breast implants to last for a lifetime, they may need to be replaced at some point. The older 2nd generation implants typically were all ruptured or leaking by 10 years post-surgery, but the current 5th generation gel implants remain mostly intact at 10 or even 20 years.

According to the FDA, it’s important that women continuously monitor their implants throughout their lifetime. Silicone implant ruptures are difficult to detect; they cannot be detected simply by looking at or feeling the augmented breast. The gel material is inert, so if a rupture does occur, the gel will not be absorbed by the body, so the appearance will not change.

For this reason, some patients will schedule MRIs or ultrasounds to look for any changes or ruptures in the outer shell, which are two determining factors in implant replacement.

Implants must be replaced if a rupture does occur, however. Without replacement, a ruptured silicone breast implant can cause breast pain, tenderness, or changes in the shape of the breast.

While breast implants are not permanent, as in they will not last you a lifetime, they will last you quite a long time and shouldn’t give you any major issues during that time. Of course, there is always the possibility of rupture or tearing due to your lifestyle or an accident, but from regular normal levels of stress, your breast implants should last you 10-20 years.

Why Would a Breast Implant Need to be Replaced or Removed?

There are a number of reasons why you may have to get your breast implant removed or replaced as you begin to age. If the implant has not ruptured there still may be other complications that can arise from having breast implants that may be a reason to have the removed or replaced.

Rupture

As we mentioned above, if a breast implant ruptures then it must be removed or replaced. If a saline breast implant ruptures, the saline solution will harmlessly be absorbed into the body, however you may notice your breast tissue deflate fairly quickly.

If a silicone implant ruptures it may not be immediately noticeable, in terms of your breast deflating, but the silicone can start to cause a burning sensation in your chest.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is when the tissue around the breast implant begins to scar and harden. This can cause pain, misshapen breasts, breasts to be too firm, or other problems. If this happens, the breast augmentation will have to be revised.

Rippling

If you’ve experienced significant weight loss after having your implants, you may notice that your breasts appear to have slight ripples in them. Rippling is not harmful, but it may cause your breasts to look a bit off, which could be a reason you would want them removed or replaced.

Shift in Position

While the breast implants are typically implanted in an area where they cannot move around a lot, there are times when the implants do shift in the chest cavity. This can be from trauma, hard impact, or even just the way your tissue is as you get older. In many cases women opt to remove or correct the implants through a revision augmentation to ensure that the breasts are positioned exactly where they would like them on their chest.

Desire to Change Size

One of the most common reasons we see people having their breast implants removed or replaced is that they no longer like the size that they originally chose.

Deciding to go bigger or go smaller, or change the type of implant you have, will require you to have your implants removed and replaced in order to change the size.

Breast Implant Replacement or Removal

Whether you’re considering breast augmentation or simply curious about the process, understanding the basics of silicone breast implants, including how long they last, is important.

If you’d like to know more about breast augmentation surgery, contact Dr. Adams today to schedule a consultation or to ask any questions you may have.

Why Men Love Big Breasts: The Scientific Theories

Why Men Love Big Breasts: The Scientific Theories

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If you are a woman wonderfully endowed with large breasts, you may have experienced conversations with males whose eyes tend to drift south of your face. Why do men find big breasts so attractive? What is it about large boobs that men find irresistible?

We’ll look at some theories that different scientists have come up with to explain this phenomenon.

Glandula Mammalia: What Exactly Are Boobs?

What many people call “boobs” are actually fat-filled mammary glands that produce milk. It is one of the main physical features that sets mammals apart from other animals (mammary is the technical term associated with breasts). Humans are also classified as mammals because both males and females have breasts.

However, the female breasts appear larger than males’ for a few reasons. First, females have more estrogen than males; estrogen is a hormone that promotes breast growth. Second, biological theorists say that female breasts evolved specifically to increase in size. The additional fatty tissue could be an adaptive feature designed to support breastfeeding and sexual purposes.

Men, Boobs, and Babies

Large Boobs and Fertility

Larger breasts may also signal increased fertility. This may or may not correlate with some cultures’ view of female body parts—such as the breasts and hips—as indicators of fertility and the capacity to sustain a healthy pregnancy. Since breasts grow larger during weight gain, in olden times, this may have meant that the woman was well-nourished, which would benefit both the potential father and offspring. It simply meant that she had access to food and resources.

Interestingly, this may still be true in the 21st century. But theories, including evolutionary ones, are still in the realm of speculation. Not all cultures view large breasts as necessarily attractive sexually, and preferences seem to vary.

Ability to Provide for their Babies

Another theory that may explain why men like large breasts has to do with how breastfeeding bonds the mother and her infant.

While large or small breasts have no bearing on the amount of milk a female body will produce after giving birth, larger breasts often are seen as a more ample food supply for the baby. And while this is merely a physical trait for the outside observer looking in, those without knowledge of how the female anatomy works, still believe that larger breasts will provide better.

Hormones

In a similar way, couples also bond more when breast stimulation is involved, thanks to the hormone and neuropeptide oxytocin. Oxytocin is otherwise known as the “love drug,” or “cuddle hormone,” and it plays a role in maternal as well as sexual bonding.

Our brains release oxytocin during sex. Humans are the only mammals who have sex face-to-face, so breasts are in full view during intercourse. So men, don’t be surprised by the fact that you and babies have this one thing in common: you both like breasts. But again, while this theory may have some truth to it, it’s not conclusive to say that hormones are the primary reason why men like big breasts or breasts in general.

Big is Beautiful – Media Portrayal of Women

Culture, exposure, and upbringing are a few factors that might have shaped a lot of men’s preference for big breasts. One of these factors could be the media. As a cultural artifact, the media pegs women with larger breasts as more desirable.

With constant exposure, we learn at a young age that bigger breasts are “sexualized.” For some men, it could be how they were taught to perceive the female figure. Besides learned fondness, different breast sizes – not just large ones – may have varying effects on the male brain as hormones like oxytocin may affect everyone differently. It certainly doesn’t affect men the way it does women.

While breast sizes have differed over time, in the United States the average bra size is 34DD. Men in the US may find this average attractive since it’s larger than the former average two decades ago (size 34B). Apart from size, eye-catching breasts may also be more firm and perky, as saggy breasts may be associated with less vitality.

Overall Physical Appearance

The scientific ideas mentioned above, in regards to why men love large boobs, may explain some of what’s going on in their minds, but the truth of the matter is, men can be very physical beings, for better or worse.

Men, more than women, tend to be attracted to a person through their physical appearance when first starting out a relationship. This is the thing that draws a man to a woman and the thing that catches their eye. If the physical attraction is there it may lead to a deeper level of attraction as the relationship continues.

Men tend to find women with larger breasts more physically attractive for a number of reasons. As stated above, the media portrays larger women as being more beautiful. Larger breasts are more aesthetically pleasing to some men and can make a woman appear more feminine than smaller breasts. Larger breasts can make a woman more confident in herself, which can be more attractive to men as well.

Confidence is very attractive to men, and women, so while the larger breasts may seem like the reason men are more attracted to a women with large breasts, it could also be because that women is more confident in herself because of the way she looks.

Do Men Prefer Bigger Boobs Over Smaller Ones?

Almost everyone loves larger boobs. Studies have shown that around 90% of men prefer breasts that are a size or two larger than the standard size but has also shown that men just love breasts.

Men find all types of breasts attractive whether they are round, teardrop, perky, or other shapes. So regardless of your breast size, there are men out there that love all types of breasts. And if you’re not comfortable with the current size of your breasts, you should not be making changes to your body because of what men think.

Instead, any changes you make to your body should be because you want them. Larger breasts can help boost your self-esteem and make you more confident, which in turn will also make you more attractive to a partner.

Are There Health Benefits to Naturally Large Breasts?

Outside of large breasts being more attractive to men, there are some health benefits that come along with having bigger boobs.

You may actually sleep a little better with larger breasts, but not for the reasons you think. Because women with larger breasts may have a hard time sleeping, they require more support in order to keep things balanced. This extra support may actually help the rest of your body relax and sleep well, thus giving you a better night’s sleep.

Boosted self-confidence can come with larger breasts, as we’ve mentioned before. This self confidence boost can impact your mental health as well as your physical health. However, depending on your body type, large breasts can also cause people to live a more sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to weight gain as well as less physical activity.

Women who have large breasts have been found to be more fertile due to higher levels of the hormone estradiol. This can make it easier to get pregnant, so make sure to practice safe sex if you’re not ready for a baby.

Larger breasts have also been attributed to higher IQ’s in women and they can even keep you warmer during the cold months of the year!

Breasts of All Shapes and Sizes

Whether it’s because of a biological response or a learned preference, guys just like breasts. They really do. And as long as their appreciation doesn’t cause any trouble, this is a good thing.

Unfortunately though, not every woman has breasts she likes. If you’re unhappy with your breasts, you don’t have to be stuck with them forever. Breast augmentation can provide you with the breasts of your dreams, as long as you choose the right surgeon. Dr. Adams is an international authority on breast augmentation and has developed and refined techniques to make breast implant safer and easier, including fast-track 24-hour recovery. Contact us to learn more!

uneven breasts

How to Fix Uneven Breasts

Chest Questions

One thing that a lot of women suffer from in terms of their body is uneven breast size. Uneven breasts can form at birth or can form over time as the body develops, but one thing that most women can agree on is that it’s an annoying trait to deal with.

Whether it’s a small discrepancy or a large one, having an asymmetrical chest can make a woman feel self-conscious while also making it difficult to find clothing that fits properly.

There are a variety of different solutions to help with uneven breasts which includes surgical procedures as well as padding and other textile-based solutions. Our goal is to make sure that every woman feels comfortable in their own body and feels good about themselves when they try on that dress or look in the mirror.

Even though, from the outside looking in, we may not notice the subtle differences in a person’s breast size, a woman notices every day and it can affect their mental health over time.

While there are many different options, in terms of clothing and supporting items, that can help a woman even out their breasts when wearing clothes, we want to focus on the different types of surgical procedures that can help permanently retain the symmetry of the chest.

Surgical Procedures for Uneven Breasts

When talking about correcting uneven breasts using surgery, there are two procedures that we typically recommend.

Breast Augmentation

One of the ways that we can help with uneven breasts is to perform a breast augmentation. When most people think of breast augmentation their minds immediately go to making the breasts larger, but that’s no the only thing the breast augmentation can do for you.

Yes, a breast augmentation will use an implant, but those implants don’t always have to be used to make your breasts larger, they can also be used to reshape. Reshaping a breast using breast augmentation surgery is a great way to even out the breasts and ensure that they remain symmetrical for years to come.

A breast augmentation to help correct uneven breasts will typically help add volume to the breasts themselves as well, but they don’t need to look unnatural or extremely large.

It’s important to discuss with your surgeon what you’re looking to achieve by undergoing this procedure as they will know the best solution for the problem.  

Breast Lift

If you’re looking to correct uneven breasts but you don’t want to go the implant route, you can opt for a breast lift.

While a breast lift is often thought of as a way to help reverse the effects of aging and gravity, they can also be used as way to lift and reshape breasts that are asymmetrical.

This is a great way to create a more symmetrical look without having to add an implant or make your breasts larger. A lot of women opt for this surgical method as they age since it can also offer a more youthful look.

Unfortunately, as you get older the elasticity of the skin deteriorates and gravity begins to cause the breasts to sag. This can also be exacerbated by having children or weight fluctuations. Because this is a very common issue for women, a breast lift is a great way to solve that and also bring a more symmetrical look to your chest.

What Procedure is Best for Your Uneven Breasts?

The best way to figure out which of these two surgical procedures is best for your specific issue is to talk with a certified plastic surgeon. Once you’ve expressed your concerns and what sort of results you’re looking for, they will be able to talk to you about the best solution.

At Dr. Adams Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX, we have many years of experience in dealing with uneven breasts and how to correct them to get you looking and feeling as best as possible. We want all the women that come through our doors to leave knowing that they got the best care possible and with results they can be proud of.

If you would like to setup a consultation to discuss the options for creating more symmetrical breasts, please contact us today and we’d be happy to help you out!