Tag Archives: breasts

31 Ways a Breast Implant Can Change Your Life

31 Ways Breast Implants Can Change Your Life Going into 2024

Breast Augmentation, , , , , ,

The start of a new year is always a time for self-reflection and setting goals to better yourself. If you’ve spent the last year – or longer – unsatisfied with your appearance and considered making a change by finally investing in breast augmentation surgery, now might be the time.

The first step in that process is to realize that you must make that change in order to be truly happy. A physical change, whether in appearance, clothing, or surgical enhancements, can do wonders for your self-esteem and help boost your confidence to the levels you desire.

We’ve compiled a list of ways that breast augmentation surgery can have a lasting impact on your daily life. Physically and mentally, the changes that you go through in life shape the person that you are. If you are unhappy with the way you feel, or the way you project yourself onto others, it might be time to make a change.

How can Breast Implants Change Your Life?

  1. You’ll project more confidence in everyday life.
  2. You’ll be happier with your appearance. When you look good, you feel good about yourself!
  3. Wear what you’ve always wanted to wear and look amazing!
  4. There will be a better selection when bra shopping. All the styles you coveted will now look fantastic!
  5. You’ll fill out a V-neck top, a bikini top, or a low-cut dress like never before.
  6. Strapless dresses and tops that might not have been an option previously, now can be worn with confidence.
  7. Time to go shopping! A new body deserves a stylish new wardrobe to highlight your best assets.
  8. No more padded bras.
  9. No stuffing your bra or using “chicken cutlets.” That lift will be all you!
  10. No more hurtful jokes.
  11. Breasts that sag or are stretched from pregnancy, breastfeeding, and age will appear young and full again.
  12. You’ll feel more feminine and desirable.
  13. Spice up your love life! More body confidence leads to more bedroom confidence.
  14. More intimacy can reignite or deepen your romantic relationships.
  15. Single? Attract more attention…
  16. …and feel more outgoing and confident in social situations.
  17. Be bold! Go for the promotion, ask for the raise, take the solo vacation. Body confidence can translate to self-confidence in all areas of life!
  18. Foster deeper social connections. When you’re no longer self-conscious about your body, you can focus on people and conversations!
  19. Say goodbye to bra and swimsuit shopping anxiety!
  20. Stop smoking for good. You must quit prior to having the surgery, so you might as well make it a permanent, positive change!
  21. Get into a consistent workout routine. You want the rest of your body to look as good as your implants.
  22. Eat healthy. Stave off stretch marks and awkward changes by maintaining a healthy weight.
  23. Enjoy getting UN-dressed.
  24. Foster deeper connection with your body for a more positive self-image.
  25. More general body awareness can lead to early detection of potential health issues.
  26. Boost self-esteem.
  27. Fight gravity as you age.
  28. Breast size won’t decrease if you lose weight.
  29. Become more proportionate head to toe.
  30. Love the way you look in the mirror.
  31. It’s a positive and permanent action to make YOU happier with your body.

Making the decision to get breast implants can change your life by making you look and feel better, and those positive effects can influence other aspects of your life. When considering implants, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations of what your implants will look like and what kind of impact they’ll have on your life.

Breast Implants Can Affect Your Health

Implants won’t automatically boost your self-esteem, improve your love life, kickstart your career, or fix depression or social anxiety. More serious underlying issues should be addressed with a professional before proceeding with breast augmentation. If you’re unhappy in many areas of your life, implants aren’t a magic cure-all, but if you’re simply unsatisfied with the size or shape of your natural breasts, implants may help create the change you seek. Talk to your plastic surgeon about your reasons for getting implants and your expectations post-surgery to make the best decision for you.

Breast implants can also have a huge effect on your mental health as well. While your physical enhancements will be visible from the outside, the confidence you gain through feeling good about yourself can manifest itself in other ways as well. Don’t just look at implants as a way to enhance your physical features, but to also enhance your inner beauty as well.

If you’re thinking about breast augmentation surgery, contact Dr. Adams today to set up a consultation, or reach out to us with any questions you may have.

​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?

Chest Questions, , , , ,

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.

5 Best Bras for Implants and Breast Augmentation Recovery

5 Best Bras for Implants and Breast Augmentation Recovery

Breast Augmentation, , , , , ,

After investing in enhanced breasts, many women are eager to shop for bras to fit their new shape and aid in recovery. Before making a purchase, there are a few things to consider about wearing bras after breast augmentation surgery.

What You Need to Know About Wearing Bras with Implants

After breast augmentation surgery, your surgeon should give you specific instructions on caring for your breasts as they heal, including when to begin wearing a bra and what type. Some doctors recommend patients go bra-less for a few days after surgery to allow the breasts to heal properly and comfortably. Others recommend specific post-surgical bras to reduce swelling and prevent the implants from shifting during the recovery period.

While recommendations on immediate post-surgical bra selection vary, most agree that women shouldn’t wear a traditional underwire bra until six weeks after the augmentation surgery. Wearing a normal bra too soon can cause problems with the healing process and cause the implants to settle incorrectly.

When it’s time to shop for your augmented breasts, it’s a good idea to visit a store in-person and get re-sized. While you probably asked your surgeon for a particular size, the size of the implant and the size of your bra cup can be different. A professional fitting, free at many lingerie stores and departments, will allow you to shop for the best size for your new breasts.

Even after your fitting, try on a variety of sizes and styles to see what works best. Implants can be wider or fuller than natural breasts, so you may need to size them up to find the most comfortable, flattering fit.

Key Features to Look for in a Recovery Bra

When shopping for a recovery bra, consider the following features:

  • Soft, non-irritating fabric to prevent friction against sensitive incisions.
  • Front-closure or adjustable straps to easily accommodate post-operative swelling.
  • Adequate support without underwire to minimize pressure on the healing breasts.
  • Breathable material to reduce the risk of infection and encourage air circulation.
  • Adjustable hooks and clasps to accommodate changes in breast size during recovery.

Bras for Immediate Post-Op Recovery

Supportive Front-Closure Bras

Front-closure bras are ideal for the immediate post-operative phase. Their easy-on, easy-off design minimizes arm movement, reducing strain on incisions. Look for bras with wide, padded straps and a supportive band for optimal comfort.

Compression Bras with Adjustable Straps

Compression bras provide gentle pressure, reducing swelling and promoting healing. Opt for bras with adjustable straps, as they allow you to customize the fit as your swelling subsides. Seamless, moisture-wicking fabric further enhances comfort.

Bras for Mid-Stage Recovery

Wireless Bras with Molded Cups

As you transition to mid-stage recovery, wireless bras with molded cups offer light support and shaping. Molded cups prevent friction against incisions and provide a smooth silhouette under clothing.

Sports Bras with Moisture-Wicking Fabric

Engaging in light physical activity during mid-stage recovery can be beneficial. Sports bras with moisture-wicking fabric provide support and help manage sweat, keeping you comfortable as you gradually resume your routine.

Bras for Late-Stage Recovery

Lace Overlay Bras for Gentle Support

During the late-stage recovery, lace overlay bras offer gentle support and a feminine touch. Look for bras with soft, stretchy lace that accommodates changes in breast size. The absence of underwire ensures continued comfort.

Bralettes with Removable Padding

Bralettes are perfect for the final stages of recovery when comfort is paramount. Choose bralettes with removable padding, allowing you to customize the level of support. Their soft, breathable fabric minimizes irritation.

Specific Types of Breast Augmentation Recovery Bras

Lipoelastic Bras

Immediately post-surgery, your surgeon may recommend a post-surgical compression bra during the healing process. Lipoelastic bras provide compression to keep the breasts supported after surgery while the breast tissue grows around the implants.

Lipoelastic’s post-operative bras feature specially manufactured fabric that prevents bacterial growth after surgery by wicking sweat, and helps reduce the risk of infection. Compression bras from Lipoelastic can speed the healing process, reduce scarring and bruising, and prevent implants from drooping or shifting unevenly.

Brilliant Contours Bras

Brilliant Contours is a female-owned company on a mission to provide physical and emotional support after breast surgery. Brilliant Contours bras are sports recovery bras that provide soft support in patterns and colors designed to help women feel beautiful during their recovery time. According to the company, the bras can be worn immediately after surgery, and with their comfortable fit and fun fabrics, they can also be used as long-term sports bras.

MaCom Signature Bra

The MaCom Signature bra is a best seller in the post-surgical bra market. The bra is seamless and wireless to avoid irritation to tender, fragile, post-surgery breast tissue. The bra features an adjustable front closure, and the cups are fully expandable to mold to the new post-surgery cup size. The fully expandable cups provide customized stability and compression for the implants as they heal.

The Breast Whisperer Bra

The Breast Whisperer Bra is an anti-gravity bra for women with implants for comfortable nighttime wear. Created by a plastic surgeon and a fashion designer, the Breast Whisperer is seamless and wireless with breathable fabric. Its unique, lightweight design helps lift and maintain shape for women with implants.

Plunge-type bras

If you’re not looking for a bra designed for post-surgical breasts and your surgeon has said you can now wear a bra, you may want to try a plunge bra. Many women need to find a new favorite style of bra once they have implants. Plunge style bras are flattering for breasts that are fuller and firmer, which is ideal for women with implants. They also have shorter underwires than full-coverage styles, which can help provide a better fit after breast augmentation.

The Right Bra is Important for Healing

We hope this list helps you decide the best option for your breasts. Remember, the most important thing you can do to keep your post-surgical breasts safe and comfortable is to follow your surgeon’s instructions. Your surgeon may not want you to wear any bra at all for the first few days of recovery, or may specify a particular bra that should be worn when your breasts are ready.

If you choose to receive a breast augmentation from Dr. Adams, your breasts will be ready to be placed back in the comfort of a bra in no time. As an international authority on breast augmentation, Dr. Adams has implemented several techniques that allow over 99% of his patients to return to normal activities within 24 hours after breast augmentation surgery. Learn more about 24-hour recovery here!

​How Long Do Silicone Breast Implants Last?

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

Chest Questions, , , , , ,

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.