Have you ever thought about having breast implants? Getting breast implants can be an excellent way to increase your self-confidence if you’re unhappy with the size of your breasts.
But before you decide to undergo any procedure, you should ensure you know everything you can about it. You should also make sure that the procedure sounds right for you.
At Reflections at St. Luke’s, our plastic surgeon, Dr. Nicolas Villanustre, is highly experienced in performing breast implant procedures. If you’re a good candidate for breast implants and decide to have the cosmetic procedure, he’ll be able to give you the best experience possible, prioritizing your comfort and safety!
But before you schedule your breast implant consultation, there are a few things you should ask yourself. Keep reading to find out 5 questions to ask if you’re thinking about breast implants to ensure you have the best experience possible!
1. Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Implants?
The only way to know if you’re a candidate for breast implants is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon. When you have a consultation with Dr. Villanustre, he’ll ensure you’re well-suited for the procedure. But you should know you’re likely to be a good candidate for breast implants if you:
- Don’t like how small your breasts are
- You have realistic expectations about what a breast augmentation procedure could accomplish
- Have lost volume in your breasts due to pregnancy or weight loss
- Have asymmetrical breasts
If any of the above applies to you, breast implants could be a great way to improve your appearance. But to be a good candidate for this procedure, you should also:
- Be in good health
- Not be pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have fully developed breasts
If you meet all of the above requirements, you may be a good candidate for breast implants. However, the only way to confirm your candidacy is with a consultation at Reflections at St. Luke’s with Dr. Villanustre, which will ensure the procedure will be as safe and effective as possible for you.
2. What Kind of Breast Implants Should I Get?
There are multiple kinds of breast implants. Dr. Villanustre offers three different options at Reflections at St. Luke’s to patients exploring breast implants, including:
Saline Breast Implants
Saline, which is sterile saltwater, is injected into empty breast implants after they’re placed inside your chest. Once placed inside your chest, Dr. Villanustre can precisely adjust the size of the breast implants as necessary. Saline breast implants create a uniform shape, firmness, and feel, making them an excellent choice.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants can look more natural than saline breast implants. However, it’s more challenging to adjust the size of the implants with silicone breast implants because they are filled before being placed inside the chest.
There are different sizes to choose from with silicone breast implants, and Dr. Villanustre will recommend the size that will work best for you.
Self Breast Enhancement
While technically not an implant, a technique developed by world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Ivo Pitanguy can be used to enhance breast size using a patient’s breast tissue. Reflections at St. Luke’s surgeon, Dr. Villanustre, studied under Dr. Pitanguy and is well-versed in this technique.
You can discuss this during your consultation to learn more about using your own tissue to enhance your breasts, or possibly consider a breast lift.
3. How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
The longevity of breast implants depends on each patient. Several factors determine how long your breast implants last, like what kind of breast implants you choose and how well you care for your skin and body as you age.
For many patients, breast implants last for life, but for others, replacements become necessary after about 10-20 years. Dr. Villanustre can tell you more about an estimation of how long your breast implants may last.
4. What Is Breast Implant Surgery and Recovery Like?
Obtaining breast implants uses general anesthesia, meaning you won’t be awake or aware during the procedure. There are always some risks with any surgical procedure.
However, an experienced fellowship-trained plastic surgeon like Dr. Villanustre will be able to ensure these risks are minimized and that you’re aware of all of them before deciding to have the procedure. You’ll be safe when you’re in Dr. Villanustre’s hands!
The procedure is performed with minimal incisions and techniques that can hide scarring. After having breast implants, the most significant risk is getting an infection.
Still, you can reduce this risk by following all instructions as directed by Dr. Villanustre to keep your sutures clean.
After surgery, you’ll experience some swelling and pain for the first week or two. This can be minimized with prescription pain medication in the days following surgery and over-the-counter meds after about a week.
After the procedure, you can return to normal activities in a week or two. However, you won’t be able to participate in vigorous exercise for six weeks.
During this time, you’ll also wear a supportive bra given to you by Dr. Villanuste to stabilize and brace your breasts while they heal.
5. Do I Have Realistic Expectations About Breast Implants?
You should be aware of all the risks of breast implant surgery as well as any limitations of having a breast procedure. You can only enhance your breast size so much, and your existing breast and chest size also limits this.
Talk to Dr. Villanustre extensively about the potential limitations and risks of breast implant surgery so you have the right expectations when you decide to have the procedure.
It’s also vital to examine your motivations for surgery. Breast implants are best for patients who want to boost their confidence and feel more comfortable in their bodies.
If you’re getting breast implants or any cosmetic procedure because it’s what your partner or someone else wants, it is not advisable to have the procedure. The best place to start is scheduling a consultation at Reflections at St. Luke’s if you’re interested in breast implants.
Dr. Villanustre will be able to assess you for the procedure and answer any questions you may have about breast implants or any of our other procedures. Are you ready to feel your most beautiful?
Schedule a consultation at Reflections at St. Luke’s in Clearwater, FL, to learn more about breast implants and if they could be right for you! Why wait any longer to change your life for the better?
