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How Do Breast Implants Feel Compared to Natural Breasts?7 min read

Breast Procedures
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Breast implants have become increasingly popular over the decades, and many women consider them for various reasons, ranging from cosmetic aspirations to medical necessities. 

A common question remains: “How do breast implants feel when compared to natural breasts?”

Composition and Consistency

Natural breasts primarily comprise fatty tissue, mammary glands, and connective tissue. Their consistency and feel can vary based on genetics, age, hormonal fluctuations, and body weight.

Breast implants, on the other hand, are made of silicone gel or saline solution. Silicone implants are generally considered to mimic the feel of natural breast tissue more closely than saline implants. Saline implants, while they may feel less natural to some, have the advantage of being adjustable post-operatively in terms of volume.

Tactile Experience

When considering breast augmentation, understanding the tactile experience is paramount. The tactile experience refers to how the breasts feel to touch – both to the person with the implants and others. There are nuanced differences between the types of implants, and here, we break them down further:

Silicone breast implants

Silicone Implants vs. Natural Breasts

Silicone gel implants were crafted to mimic the consistency and feel of natural breast tissue:

  • Texture and Consistency: The gel-like substance inside the silicone implants offers a smooth, malleable surface akin to natural breast tissue. The cohesiveness of the gel can vary, with some implants, such as “gummy bear implants,” having a denser consistency.
  • Response to Pressure: When pressed or palpated, silicone implants give a natural resistance, similar to how natural breasts respond. This attribute is particularly evident in implants that are not overly filled.
  • Distinguishing Factor: For many patients, especially those who opt for high-quality silicone implants, the tactile experience is so similar to natural breasts that distinguishing between the two can be challenging by touch alone!

Saline Implants vs. Natural Breasts

Saline implants, while providing a more augmented look, often have a different tactile experience:

  • Texture and Consistency: Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile saline solution. This results in a firmer feel than silicone gel implants or natural breasts. Their consistency can be likened to a water-filled balloon.
  • Response to Pressure: When pressed, saline implants offer a tighter resistance than silicone implants. They may not have the same malleable give that silicone implants or natural breasts possess.
  • Fluidity of Movement: Saline implants, especially if filled to their maximum capacity, may not move as fluidly as natural breasts or silicone implants. This can result in a more rigid appearance and feel.
  • Variables: The tactile experience of saline implants varies based on factors such as the volume of saline solution used and the thickness of the overlying breast tissue. For instance, an implant placed beneath ample natural breast tissue may feel softer than one placed beneath thinner tissue.

Breast Implant Placement

The placement of breast implants plays a pivotal role in influencing their tactile experience. 

The submuscular arrangement involves situating the implant beneath the pectoral muscle. This positioning often results in the implants feeling more akin to natural breasts. The reason for this similarity in feel is the additional layer of power over the implant, providing a cushion that replicates the softness of genuine breast tissue. 

On the other hand, there’s the sub-glandular placement, where the implants are positioned above the pectoral muscle but underneath the breast tissue. This arrangement might produce a less natural feel, particularly in individuals with thinner skin or limited biological breast tissue. The absence of the muscle layer in this placement can lead to a more pronounced sense of the implant, differentiating it from the texture of natural breasts.

How Breast Implants Change in Feel Over Time

Breast implants, much like natural breasts, change their tactile experience as time progresses. Several factors contribute to this evolution:

  • Capsular Contracture: One of the primary factors affecting the feel of an implant over time is a condition known as capsular contracture. It occurs when the scar tissue forming around the implant post-surgery tightens. As a result, the implant feels significantly firmer, often leading to discomfort or a change in appearance.
  • Influence of Aging and Gravity: As with natural breasts, implants are not immune to the effects of aging and gravity. With time, the biological breast tissue might experience sagging or a shift in consistency. While implants can resist these changes to a certain extent, they aren’t entirely unaffected. Especially in combination with the body’s natural aging process, the overall feel and position of implants might undergo subtle changes.

FAQ About Breast Implants

Do Breast Implants Feel the Same As Natural Ones?

Not exactly. While high-quality silicone implants can closely mimic the feel of natural breasts, slight differences will always exist due to material and placement.

Are Breast Implants As Soft As Natural Breasts?

Silicone implants are as soft as natural breasts, while saline implants can feel slightly firmer.

Can You Feel Your Nipples With Breast Implants?

Yes, nipple sensation is typically preserved after breast augmentation. However, there’s a small risk of reduced nipple sensitivity, depending on surgical technique and other factors.

Do Breast Implants Move Like Natural Breasts?

Silicone implants tend to move more like natural breasts compared to saline implants. The fluidity of movement also depends on implant placement and the amount of biological breast tissue present.

Do Breast Implants Get Softer With Time?

Implants can get softer or firmer over time, depending on factors like capsular contracture or the aging of the implant material.

Do Breast Implants Feel Heavy?

Implants can add weight to the breasts, but the sensation of heaviness is subjective and varies from patient to patient.

What are the Softest Breast Implants?

High-cohesive silicone gel implants, often called “gummy bear” implants, are the softest and most natural-feeling option.

In conclusion, while breast implants can closely mimic the feel of natural breasts, especially with advancements in implant technology and surgical techniques, there will always be slight differences. It’s essential for patients considering breast augmentation to have realistic expectations and thorough consultations with their plastic surgeons to make the most informed decisions.

Meet us at 19500 Sandridge Way, Suite 350, Leesburg, VA 20176, or call us at (703) 574-4342 for a complimentary consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Phillip Chang before moving forward with your procedure. If everything matches up, our team will help you navigate the entire process from beginning to end. Also, remember to check out our blog and social media for more information on plastic surgery and cosmetic trends!

References

  1. Cherney, Kristeen. “Gummy Bear Implants: Pros and Cons, Cost, Precautions.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 13 Sept. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/gummy-bear-implants. Accessed 24 Aug. 2023.

  2. Drew Davis, MD. “Will Your Breast Implants Last a Lifetime?” American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 28 Apr. 2021, www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/will-your-breast-implants-last-a-lifetime. Accessed 24 Aug. 2023.

  3. Gallagher, Grace. “Saline vs. Silicone Implants: Pros and Cons, Cost, and Safety.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 12 June 2020, www.healthline.com/health/saline-vs-silicone-implants. Accessed 24 Aug. 2023.

  4. Peterson, Kayla, and MD Lawrence Iteld. “Types of Breast Implants.” American Society of Plastic Surgeons, www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/implants. Accessed 24 Aug. 2023.

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