Learning the Difference Between Breast Augmentation and Implants

When someone says they want breast implants, they are considering breast augmentation. However, if a woman says she wants breast augmentation, that does not necessarily mean she is thinking about getting breast implants. If you’re like many people, you may be surprised to learn that breast augmentation surgery is not always performed using implants. Another option – fat transfer to the breast – offers an alternative to breast implants for women who may prefer a more natural look, feel, and approach. At Accent on Body Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa in Coraopolis, PA, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. James Fernau performs a full range of breast enhancement surgeries, including breast augmentation, to meet the uniquely personal goals of each of his patients. Let’s take a closer look at what differentiates breast augmentation surgery from breast implants, what options you have for breast augmentation, and which one may be right for you.

Defining breast augmentation vs. breast implants

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the breast through the addition of volume. Breast implants refer to the synthetic devices placed in the breast pocket during breast augmentation surgery. A breast augmentation can also be performed without the use of synthetic breast implants, however, with a procedure known as a fat transfer breast augmentation.

What is a fat transfer to the breast?

Fat transfer breast augmentation involves harvesting excess fat from one area of a patient’s body using liposuction and injecting it into the breasts in order to add volume and, in some cases, enhance the shape of the breasts as well. A fat transfer to the breast may be the most suitable type of breast augmentation for women who have enough available fat and prefer a more natural approach. Many people agree that a breast fat transfer also produces more natural-looking and feeling breasts compared with a breast augmentation using implants.

What are my options for breast augmentation with implants?

The majority of breast augmentation surgeries are performed using either saline or silicone gel implants. With either of these options, Pittsburgh area patients will have the opportunity to choose various characteristics of their breast implants, including:

• Type of implant
• Breast implant size (volume)
• Implant profile
• Implant placement

In general, silicone gel breast implants are thought to provide a more natural feel compared with saline implants. Additionally, silicone implants are less likely to show visible rippling, making them a good option for patients with thin skin and/or not a great deal of native breast tissue. However, silicone breast implants are only available for patients 22 years of age and older. Another difference between saline and silicone gel implants is that saline breast implants will quickly deflate when ruptured, meaning patients will need the implant replaced in order to restore a more symmetric look. Silicone gel implants also need replacement in the event of a rupture, though the rupture may not result in an obvious cosmetic change. In fact, detecting a ruptured silicone implant often requires the use of MRI.

Regardless of whether you choose implant-based breast augmentation or a fat transfer to the breast, our knowledgeable and caring team is committed to helping you achieve your ideal look as conveniently, comfortably, and completely as possible.

Feel like the woman you’ve always wanted to be with breast augmentation near Pittsburgh, PA

These days, women have more options than ever before when it comes to enhancing their breasts. Take the first step toward getting the figure of your dreams by calling Accent on Body Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa in Coraopolis, PA today to schedule your private consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. James Fernau.