Soft tissue implants are implants generally composed of soft tissue and collagen materials. These types of implants are often used for reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, including breast augmentation, facial reconstructions, and facial contouring, among other uses.
The softest implants are those constructed from organic materials such as those derived from animals, including bovine and porcine dermis, as well as human components, such as various derivatives of fat grafting and collagen injections.
Synthetic soft tissue implants also exist, but they generally require a longer healing time and don’t quite mimic the natural feel, movement, or physiology of organic implants. Soft tissue implants are typically used as fillers and to restore volume that has been lost, while giving a softer and more natural look than synthetic implants.
Common anatomic sites where soft tissue implants are used include: temples, nose, chin, ears, lips, melanoma flap sites, and scars. Ultimately, the implant you choose will depend on your goals, the specific condition being addressed, and the advice of your surgeon.
Are there any soft breast implants?
Yes, there are soft breast implants available. They are also known as form-stable or “gummy bear” implants because of their resemblance to the candy. These implants contain a more cohesive, gel-like silicone filling and generally have a more natural look and feel that mimics a woman’s body.
The form-stable implants are shaped very similarly to round implants and have the added benefit of providing more variance in projection and degree of fullness than traditional round implants. The gel-like consistency of form-stable implants can also provide a more realistic shape and feel that is less affected by gravity.
The gummy bear implants are designed to keep their shape and form over time, which can provide better contour to the breast area and create a more natural look and feel.
Why does one breast implant feel softer than the other?
It is very common to have one breast implant feel softer than the other. Typically, it is normal and not a cause for concern. The most likely explanation for the difference in feel is that the implants are settling into place differently.
Immediately after breast augmentation surgery, the breast implants may feel firmer than they will a few months down the line. During the healing process, the implant pockets typically stretch out more, resulting in the implants sitting lower and becoming softer.
Also, the implants may settle differently depending on the amount of natural breast tissue and different levels of skin elasticity. Additionally, some asymmetry before the procedure can contribute to the implants feeling slightly different from one another.
In any case, it is important to follow up with your surgeon for an examination if there are any changes in your breast that concern you. If the implants appear to be settling unevenly and asymmetrically, post-surgical implant displacement maneuvers may be recommended to help shape the implants in the correct position.
How long does it take breast implants to drop and soften?
The time it takes for breast implants to drop and soften varies depending on the individual and the type of breast implant procedure performed. Generally, it can take anywhere from 1-3 months for the implants to drop into the proper position, and 6-12 months for them to soften to the desired feel.
The process of softening is due to the development of scar tissue around the implant, known as capsule formation. Additionally, the size of the implant and the person’s natural breast tissue can have a major impact on the softening and dropping process.
All of these factors make it difficult to pinpoint an exact time frame for when a patient will experience the desired outcome from their breast augmentation. For this reason, it’s important to ask your surgeon for guidance unique to your implant size and type for a more accurate timeline.
Is it normal for one breast to be more tender than the other after augmentation?
Yes, it is normal for one breast to be more tender than the other after augmentation. This is because the amount of tissue and muscle stretching can vary between breasts; as a result, one breast may be more sensitive than the other.
Additionally, the way that the implant is placed during the surgery may result in asymmetrical healing and thus asymmetrical tenderness. It is important to keep in mind that any post surgery tenderness or pain should be reported to the surgeon so that they can address the issue if necessary.
It is also normal for one breast to look a bit bigger than the other right after the surgery, and often times this discrepancy evens out after the swelling subsides.
What does it mean when one of your breast implant gets hard?
When one of your breast implants gets hard, it is most likely the result of a capsular contracture. This is when the scar tissue (called a capsule) that your body formed around the implant tightens and thickens, squeezing the implant and causing it to harden.
This condition typically begins with a gradual firmness of the implant and worsens over time. In some cases, the pain and hardening can be accompanied by inflammation, tenderness and changes in size, shape and position of the implant, as well as a palpable mass.
It is important to seek medical treatment right away if your implants become hard and uncomfortable, as it can lead to further complications. Treatment for capsular contracture includes massage, a return to a normal weight, antibiotics if infection is present, and possibly surgery if the capsule needs to be broken down.
Why are some implants hard?
Some implants are designed to be hard to ensure that they stay firmly in place and don’t need to be replaced or readjusted as often. For example, dental implants are designed to restore lost teeth and hold securely for a lifetime.
Implants for joint replacement surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements, are also designed to be hard, as they need to be firmly held in place in order to support the patient’s body weight and withstand extreme wear and tear.
Additionally, implants used in other medical treatments like breast reconstruction or cosmetic treatments, may be hard to create a more natural look and feel to the body. The hardness of an implant is also determined by the type of material used to make it.
For instance, implants made of silicone tend to be very hard and durable, whereas implants made of other materials, such as acrylic or polyethylene, may not be as hard, but still need to be strong enough to provide adequate stability.
Is it normal for implants to be uneven?
Yes, it is normal for breast implants to be slightly uneven. It is very common for one side to have a slightly different shape and/or size than the other, due to the natural variance of the body, the way the implants are inserted, and even asymmetrical healing.
This can happen both immediately post-surgery and even years after the procedure, so it is essential to keep close follow-ups with your surgeon following your breast augmentation. Despite the commonality of implants appearing uneven, it is important to ensure that your surgeon is aware of any and all symptom changes post-surgery that you experience, including any changes in nipple or breast size, shape, or firmness.
Ultimately, you should seek medical advice right away if you experience any unexplained pain, swelling, or redness after your breast augmentation procedure.
How do you fix breast implants asymmetry?
Fixing asymmetry in breast implants is a multi-faceted process. In order to fix the asymmetry, the patient and their surgeon must work together to develop a plan of action. Depending on the patient’s individual needs and body type, the plan may involve one or more surgical or non-surgical options.
Surgical Options
The most common way to correct breast implant asymmetry is through a breast augmentation procedure. During this surgery, the patient’s surgeon will make adjustments to the implant size and shape in order to achieve balance and symmetry.
The surgeon may also need to perform a breast lift to reposition the breast tissue and enhance the shape and projection of the implant.
Non-Surgical Options
If there is a slight asymmetry and the patient doesn’t want to undergo a surgical solution, there are a few non-surgical techniques that may help improve the appearance of the implants. Fat transfer is one such option, which involves extracting fat from another part of the body and transferring it to the uneven breast in order to achieve balance.
Another option is dermal filler injections, which can help to even out the shape and size of the implant.
Ultimately, the best way to fix breast implant asymmetry is to work closely with a board-certified plastic surgeon to craft a treatment plan that best meets the patient’s individual needs. Some patients may need to have surgery, while others may be able to achieve satisfactory results with non-surgical techniques.
Why do my implants look different sizes?
Implants can often look different sizes due to several factors, including the shape and size of the implants themselves, the amount of breast tissue to cover them, and the patient’s anatomy. It is not uncommon for the same size implants to look different in each breast due to differences in the patient’s anatomy.
This can be especially noticeable when the patient has asymmetrical breasts. Additionally, the amount of breast tissue covering the implant can have an impact on how the implants look. If there is a difference in the amount of tissue between the two breasts, then the implants will likely end up looking different sizes.
Finally, implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the implant that is the best fit for one patient might not be the same as the one that is the best fit for another patient. As a result, even if two women get the same size implant, the shape of the implant can make it look a little different in each of the women.
What happens if dental implant is crooked?
If a dental implant is crooked, it can cause significant pain and discomfort, as well as difficulty in properly cleaning the implant site. It can also cause other medical problems, such as pressure on neighboring teeth and altered biting surfaces that can create a greater risk of cavities and gum disease.
To prevent these issues, implants must be placed correctly and securely. If an implant is crooked, there are a few things that can be done to address the problem, such as reshaping the gum tissue around the implant.
In more severe cases, the implant may need to be removed and replaced with a new one in order to ensure that it is positioned correctly and securely in the mouth. In some cases, the jawbone surrounding the implant may also need to be re-contoured to ensure the implant is properly aligned.
Your dentist can advise you on the best solution for your particular problem.
Which is softer silicone or saline implants?
Silicone implants tend to feel softer than saline implants due to the different materials used to make the implants. Most silicone implants are made of a thicker silicone gel, which makes the implants more supple and soft that the saline implants.
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, which is much firmer. It’s important to note that even though saline implants don’t feel as natural as silicone implants, they can still look and feel very natural with the right size and placement.
Ultimately, the choice between silicone and saline implants is a personal one, and you should talk to your plastic surgeon to determine which implant will give you the best possible result.