You may have heard of breast implants before, but what do you know about breast augmentation? Because both have something to do with improving breast fullness, a lot of people are unclear what the difference is between them.
The main difference between breast implants and breast augmentation is that one is a device, and the other is a procedure. Breast implants are medical devices that can be inserted into the breasts, and breast augmentation is a surgery that can augment or improve breast size. Breast augmentation usually uses implants to enhance the breasts, which is why these two terms are so often heard together.
But there is another important distinction: breast augmentation does not necessarily have to use implants to increase breast fullness. Breast augmentation can use grafted fat instead of implants, in which case the patient’s own body fat is inserted into the breasts.
About Breast Implants
As stated above, breast implants are medical devices that can be inserted into the breasts. Breast implants are made of a silicone shell that is filled with either silicone gel or saline (a sterile saltwater solution). When implants are inserted into the breasts, they change the volume, shape, and forward projection of the breasts.
Implants are mainly used to enhance breast size, but they can also be used to improve breast shape to better match the patient’s desired aesthetic. Breast implants are also used to correct breast asymmetry, minor ptosis (breast sagging), underdeveloped breasts, and breast deformities.
There are a variety of implant types and characteristics designed to accommodate every patient’s needs. In addition to size and filler material, patients can choose between different shapes, textures, and profiles. Your surgeon can help you choose breast implants that will be best for both your desired aesthetic and your body type.
About Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgery that can enhance breast fullness either with implants, fat grafting, or a combination of both techniques.
When using breast implants, breast augmentation surgery involves the surgical insertion of an implant into each breast. The incision location, which depends largely on which implants have been chosen, may be underneath the breasts along the crease (inframammary incision), around the areola (periareolar incision), or in the armpit (transaxillary incision). Some people call this procedure “breast implant surgery” because of its use of breast implants.
When using fat grafting, breast augmentation involves fat extraction and transfer (no implants are used). Liposuction is performed on another area of the body to extract excess fat cells, which are purified and then injected into the breasts to enhance their fullness and shape. This technique is often called “fat transfer breast augmentation” or “breast augmentation with fat grafting”.
If desired, both implants and fat grafting techniques can be combined in breast augmentation surgery.
To learn more about breast implants or breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Joyce Aycock. Dr. Aycock can answer your questions and help you determine whether breast enhancement is right for you. Call (720) 634-7400 or contact us online to book your consultation with Dr. Aycock today.