Lifestyle habits can change some things about your body shape. For example, exercise and diet can help with changes in body weight. However, there are certain things like the breasts that genetic factors set. Fortunately, cosmetic procedures can help alter the shape and size of your breasts.

With breast surgery demand growing in popularity worldwide, two phrases have become common:

·      Breast augmentation. 

·      Breast implants. 

But despite breast augmentation and implants becoming familiar vocabulary, most people do not know what they mean and their difference.

Understanding the difference between breast augmentation and implants is ideal if you are considering breast surgery.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is any cosmetic surgery that enhances breast size. It is among the most popular cosmetic procedures that shape the body in the United States. The surgical procedure makes breasts appear fuller. However, it does not lift them. A breast lift is a different cosmetic procedure for individuals who want to reposition their breasts.

Ideal Candidate for Breast Augmentation

The ideal breast augmentation candidate should be women with a stable weight, good health, and nonsmokers. They should not be breastfeeding or pregnant. Beyond these health and wellness parameters, the procedure is also suitable for women who want larger breasts to improve their appearance and correct issues like unevenness.

What Are Breast Implants?

Breast implants are what women commonly choose after deciding on breast augmentation. During the procedure, the plastic surgeon inserts them into your breasts to help change the shape and size of your breasts. They also help restore your breast fullness after a mastectomy, nursing, or pregnancy.

Types of Breast Implants 

The breast implants that most women commonly choose for breast augmentation are the following:

·      Saline-filled Implants

These breast implants are silicone shell fillers with a saline or sterile saltwater solution. Some come already filled, while others are filled with the solution during the procedure.

Saline-filled implants have textured or smooth shapes and come in varying sizes. The FDA approved these types of implants for women 18 and above for breast augmentation and women of any age for breast reconstruction. Surgeons also use them for revision surgeries to improve the outcome of an original surgical procedure.

·      Silicone-filled Implants 

These types of breast implants are silicone shells with silicone gel inside. They have textured or smooth covers that come in varying sizes. The FDA approved silicone-filled implants for women aged 22 or above for breast augmentation.

Women of any age can use them for breast reconstruction. They also help improve or correct the outcome of original surgeries. Breast implants are not for a lifetime. The older you have them, the more likely you will need another surgical procedure to replace or remove them.

The Difference Between Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants

Breast augmentation and implants have a difference. Breast augmentation is the actual procedure done to enhance how your breasts look. Implants are the parts that facilitate the change. When individuals discuss breast augmentation, they often refer to the use of breast implants. Hence, the terms are used interchangeably.

For more about breast augmentation and implants, visit Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS, PC, at our office in New York, New York. You can call 212-249-7500 to book an appointment today.