How do IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implant recipients feel about their breast implants? Hearing from real women will give you important insight into what life after breast augmentation will entail. Do they like their implants? Do they have better self esteem after a breast enlargement? Do they have peace of mind or do they feel anxious? Get these questions answered and more when you watch testimonials recorded by real patients.

Breast Implants and Self Esteem

Can getting breast implants increase your self esteem? Most women choose breast implants to improve their look, but how do women feel about their bodies after surgery? In order to know the answer, we need to ask real patients how they feel. Fortunately, research has been done on this topic. In a study published in the May 2013 issue of Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery researchers found that “breast augmentation improves self esteem and quality of life… Almost all patients would repeat the surgery.” In fact, 92% of women reported better self-esteem and 64% reported a better quality of life. Before surgery 86% of women were self-conscious about their breasts, reduced to only 13% after surgery.

Ashley, a process implementation consultant who received IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implants, told us after her breast augmentation, “I’m more comfortable in my own skin and I’m a lot happier.” So the answer is, yes, breast implants can increase your self-esteem. Being comfortable in your own skin can help you become the person you’ve always wanted to be. Breast augmentation isn’t for everyone, but if you’ve ever felt self-conscious about your breasts, if you are looking for a way to boost your confidence and feel happier with the way you look, a breast augmentation is what you need.

Choosing Breast Implants

What do patients say about choosing breast implants for a breast augmentation? Do your research before choosing an implant type. Look at before and after photos, feel the implants at your surgeon’s office, and talk to women you know who have had breast augmentation. Below are some basic details about the three types of implants you will see at exclusive board-certified surgeon’s offices around the country.

• Saline Breast Implants: Saline implants are FDA approved and available to women ages 18-years old and older. They consist of a silicone shell filled with saline (sterilized salt water). Saline is the same liquid used in IVs. Women who choose these implants enjoy the peace of mind they bring because they are filled with saline. If the implant leaks the patient will know immediately because the implant will deflate. The saline is also naturally absorbed by the body leaving only the shell for a simple removal surgery. The compromise women must make with these implants is that they tend to look unnatural under the skin and are prone to rippling.
• Silicone Gel Breast Implants: Silicone gel breast implants are silicone shells filled with thick, sticky silicone gel. The FDA approved them only for women ages 22-years and older. Women enjoy the natural look and feel these implants give them. However, the FDA recommends women with silicone gel implants get an MRI three years after having a breast enlargement, then every two years for the life of the implant. This is because silicone gel implants can have a “silent rupture,” a rupture that occurs without the patient’s knowledge. Silicone gel can begin to leak out of the implant and into surrounding tissue. Some women are not comfortable with the idea that silicone gel can come into contact with their breast tissue. Additionally, depending on the severity of the leak, removal surgery can be complicated and messy. Dr. Eric Desman, a board-certified plastic surgeon, says after a silicone gel implant ruptures patients need “challenging, complicated surgery to get that old implant out and then put a new implant in. If the patient puts new silicone gel implants back in, then they’re just restarting the clock on the next problem or process with a leaked silicone gel implant.”
• IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implants: IDEAL IMPLANT was created by a board-certified plastic surgeon who wanted a different option for his patients undergoing breast augmentation. Dr. Robert Hamas developed this new technology which consists of nested silicone shells filled with saline. The shell layers allow movement in the implant, but the internal structure gives it stability resulting in a smooth implant and natural looking results. The FDA approved them for women ages 18-years old and up. Because this implant is filled with saline there is no need for repeated MRIs, the saline is naturally absorbed by the body in case of a rupture. One IDEAL IMPLANT recipient, Heather, a plastic surgery practice manager, told us “saline based is a smart decision” because there is no fear that silicone gel is leaking while you remain unaware. Heather’s statement is consistent with a 2017 survey which asked 933 women if they would feel concerned about a silent rupture in silicone gel implants. 98% of women reported they would be somewhat concerned to constantly concerned about silent rupture with silicone gel implants. With the IDEAL IMPLANT women can get the peace of mind of saline with the beautiful results of silicone gel.

Benefits and Compromises of Breast Enlargement Surgery

We’ve already covered some of the benefits and compromises each breast implant type offers. But what else should you know before seeing your surgeon? Ruth, a certified medical assistant and IDEAL IMPLANT recipient, tells us that choosing the IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implant is a no-brainer because “you get the softness, you get the safety, and you don’t have to worry.” While the FDA has approved all three types of breast implants as safe for women in the approved age groups, the 2017 survey data shows us that silicone gel implants still cause some women anxiety. Women should be aware of these findings so they can make an informed decision between saline, silicone gel, and structured breast implants.

One way to reduce anxiety after getting a breast enhancement with silicone gel breast implants is by getting the recommended MRIs. The FDA writes, “MRI continues to be an effective method of detecting silent rupture of silicone gel-filled breast implants.” Unfortunately these MRIs are not usually covered by insurance companies, and are not 100% effective at detecting a silent rupture. Dr. Sophie Bartsich, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York, tells us, “I’ve found that sometimes MRIs are not actually very reliable. In some instances, a patient’s MRI said the silicone gel implant had ruptured, and then when I went in to operate on it, it actually hadn’t. I’ve had one or two patients where an MRI showed the implant wasn’t ruptured, but based on my clinical exam I really thought there was a concern, so I went in and it turned out it was ruptured.”

Despite the compromises, women have still chosen silicone gel breast implants because of the beautiful results. Now, with the IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implant, women don’t have to compromise beauty for peace of mind. In the 2017 survey mentioned previously 91% of women surveyed reported that if the overall performance of the implant is similar, they would prefer saline coming into contact with their tissue in case of rupture over silicone gel. This includes 73% of women who already had silicone gel breast implants. Dr. Bartsich tells us when she uses the IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implant in her practice, “people like the structure, the stability of the shape, and the feel. I’ve had no one complain it didn’t feel normal or natural.”

Choosing the Right Implant for Your Breast Enhancement

If you’re considering breast augmentation it is important to do your research before choosing an implant. Research the benefits and compromises of each type, talk to other patients about how they feel after their breast enlargement, look at before and after pictures, and talk to your board-certified plastic surgeon. Your implants could be with you for the rest of your life so you should choose one that gives you beautiful results and peace of mind.

Considering breast implants? Contact a board-certified plastic surgeon today to discuss your options. Simply visit idealimplant.com/find-a-surgeon to find one near you. Visit idealimplant.com today for more information on IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implants.