Many people consider any type of implants to feel slightly harder than actual breast tissue. Certain implant sizes, placements, and types can seem more natural than others.
However, you may be concerned by your new breasts' first impression; they will likely rest high on your chest and feel hard to the touch. There's no need to be alarmed – this phenomenon is completely normal and expected.
Most will admit that implants feel different to the touch; but they don't mind the difference in texture as long as the size appeals to them. For supportive male partners, the focus is on the woman, not the breast.
According to Men's Health, the biggest tipoffs that men look for to determine if a woman has had breast augmentation surgery are based on sight alone. Indicators include the breasts being too close together, appearing abnormally large, or sitting too high on a woman's torso.
So, basically, sometimes we can tell, other times we can't, and sometimes we're just mistaken either way. The size increase, the material used, and the profile of the breast lift can all be a factor in how “noticeable” your implants are.
Over time as the breast pocket stretches, your breasts implants will eventually soften, typically by 6 months after your surgery. Keep in mind, though, that every woman is different.
However, when the implants are placed properly, it will be difficult to feel anything. Breast implants may look more obvious on people who are naturally very thin with very little padding on the chest. Many people consider any type of implants to feel slightly harder than actual breast tissue.
If your implants are in good shape—that is, the shell is not compromised due to age of the implant—the answer is probably no. Today's breast implants are extremely durable, and can withstand tremendous amounts of pressure before rupturing: about 175 pounds for saline, and up to 300 or so for silicone gel.
Breasts will most often feel soft and supple after breast augmentation. Unless you have significant capsular contracture, your breast implants will likely feel just natural to you. Most patients report that the sense of actually having implants tends to vanish after a few months, and they become just part of you.
Once you have clearance from your surgeon, we recommend massaging your breasts two to three times a day for the first couple of months. Complete this practice for about five minutes each time. After the first two months, massage your breasts five minutes once a day, or as often as recommended by Dr. Smart.
Stick to what you are comfortable with and don't try any moves that will impact your upper body until you've hit the 6-week mark. Chances are, your partner will be more nervous about it than you are! Allow only gentle movement of the breasts within the first few weeks.
Of the 77% who said they were more partial to implants, these were the top 5 reasons: They are perkier and less droopy – 39% I consider them a status symbol – 32% I prefer how they feel when I touch them – 28%
Therefore, during the initial four weeks after surgery, breast augmentation patients should avoid overusing their pectoral muscles. Typically, this means lifting nothing heavier than 10 pounds. No heavy pulling or pushing of objects such as car doors or even heavy purses, and no weight training.
When a foreign object is inserted into the body, our immune system forms a thin film around it to protect the body, forming a capsule. A capsular contracture happens when the body forms scar tissue along this capsule, causing it to contract, which makes the implants look and feel hardened.
Over time, the swelling resolves, the tissues loosen up, and the shape of the implant starts to exert itself on the overlying tissues. As a result, the implants settle into a lower, more aesthetically pleasing position on the chest. They appear softer and rounder, and they look larger and closer together.
What Causes It to Happen? In many cases, this is just a sign of your breasts adjusting to the presence of the implants themselves. The implants will press at the skin and the tissue of the chest as well as the pocket created to accommodate the implant.
When can I go braless after augmentation? While it's best to provide your new breasts with as much support as possible post-surgery, it's usually safe to go braless on occasion (but not daily) from around six weeks. Most patients should wait at least 3 months before going braless on a regular basis.
You should still be wearing a bra everyday (even if it is a pretty one) and a really supportive bra for exercise, especially with implants. Save the braless look for those special nights out! All women should be doing monthly self-examinations of their breasts and mammograms/ultrasounds regularly after the age of 40.
As far as wearing the bra to bed at night, that is optional. If the patient has undergone a reshaping of an existing scar tissue pocket at the time of the breast surgery, however, we advise that the bra be worn for six weeks at night while sleeping.
Your First Week after Augmentation
They will feel very firm, and your nipples will likely appear very low and point downwards. You will see very little side or bottom rounding of the breasts, often looking square, with little outward projection and minimal bottom fullness. Have no fear!
It is not uncommon for women in their 40s and 50s to undergo breast augmentation with beautiful results. While there is technically no age limit for this procedure, there are some things to consider in terms of your age and how it may relate to successful outcomes and certain risk factors.
Saline-filled implants may have a heavier, firmer feel that takes some getting used to; silicone implants are lightweight and tend to feel more like natural breast tissue sooner.
Directly after your procedure, you might notice that your implants are "riding high" on your chest and may look flatter than you'd hoped or slightly square in shape. These are normal occurrences caused by tight skin and muscle tissue that will gradually resolve as your implants drop and fluff over the coming weeks.
There are varying degrees of ptosis. Some women experience only a slight amount of sagging while others have more extreme cases. Placing breast implants in saggy breasts can actually contribute to more sagging, with the extra weight of the implants pulling the skin further down.