Real Breasts Vs Augmented Breasts (Fake Boobs): Dr. Koo’s Guide

Dr. Koo is asked every day if breast implants can lift the breasts and keep them on the chest and not the tummy, especially after having children and breastfeeding. But more importantly, will they look and feel natural? When it comes to breast augmentation with implants, it's essential to separate the facts from fiction. There's a lot of chatter about real vs. augmented breasts, and it's important to make an informed decision if you're considering breast enhancement surgery. In this blog, Dr. Michele Koo, a Menlo Park plastic surgeon, will focus on the facts. She'll address some of the most common misconceptions about breast implants, explain what breast augmentation can and cannot achieve, discuss the differences between natural and augmented breasts, and help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision about surgery.

NATURAL  vs. AUGMENTED BREASTS: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

CHARACTERISTICS OF REAL BREASTS:

• • Completely squish-able

• • Usually hang slightly lower and are not as full on the upper pole of the breast

• • Fall off to the sides of chest or armpits when lying down

• • Aging and gravity affect them over time

• • Hormonal and weight changes affect breast density. With time and loss of hormones, breast sag

CHARACTERISTICS OF AUGMENTED/ENHANCED BREASTS:

• • Firmer, more dense feel due to breast implants (resembles younger pre-kids breasts)

• • Typically more voluminous and round, especially at the upper breast portion (upper pole)

• • Will not typically fall off into the armpits with time

• • Generally maintain their shape over time

• • Hormonal & weight changes WILL affect breasts. Augmented breasts WILL still change and drop with time and gravity, but more slowly

DEBUNKING COMMON MYTHS ABOUT AUGMENTED BREASTS

MYTH 1: AUGMENTED BREASTS ALWAYS LOOK UNNATURAL

Not true! Modern breast augmentation techniques, including SILICONE and SALINE BREAST IMPLANTS, have come a long way. Skilled surgeons can create a natural look and feel that complements your body shape without anyone ever knowing.

Browse through our breast augmentation before and after gallery to see for yourself.

MYTH 2: AUGMENTED BREASTS FEEL HARD

Not true! While some individuals may prefer the natural feel of real breasts, today's implants are designed to mimic the texture and softness of natural breast tissue. Most people can't tell the difference by look or touch.

MYTH 3: AUGMENTED BREASTS DON'T NEED MAINTENANCE

With aging, weight fluctuations and lifestyle changes, the actual breast tissue overlying the augmented SILICONE or SALINE BREAST IMPLANTS can lose volume and firmness. The natural breasts will continue to age and change and therefore the overall breast appearance changes even with breast implants in place. Your augmented breasts will continue to have more fullness and roundness from the implants but the shape will continue to change.

MYTH 4: AUGMENTED BREASTS ARE FOREVER

Not true, both saline and silicone-augmented breasts will tend to firm over time. The breast implants themselves whether they are silicone or saline implants have a lifetime of 10-25 years and will need to be replaced. They only need changing if there is a change in shape, feel (firmness), or on an incidental mammographic finding. There is NO emergency to having the breast implants replaced or removed. They can be changed at your convenience. However, if you have a leak or an intra-capsular leak of the implants, the longer you wait to replace your silicone breast implants, the messier it is for your plastic surgeon.

Wondering how long breast implants last or whether they may need to be replaced? Visit our Contact page to to connect with Dr. Koo and discuss your questions about breast augmentation.

MYTH 5: AUGMENTED BREASTS ARE PERFECT AND COMPLETELY SYMMETRICALLY IDENTICAL

NOT TRUE! Both saline and silicone breast implants can help even out breasts that are quite asymmetric but you will always have sisters and not twin breasts. The roundedness of your own breasts, your rib cage, the inframammary fold distance from your nipple, placement of the inframammary fold to name a few variables all affect the overall symmetry of your breasts. these variables are NOT all corrected with breast implants.

MYTH 6: BREAST IMPLANTS CREATE A TIGHT PERFECT CLEAVAGE

Not true! Cleavage can be improved but if you have breasts that are naturally far apart without any breast tissue or fat between your breasts, it will be difficult or near impossible to achieve a tight full cleavage.

MAKING THE CHOICE

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

YOUR BODY TYPE

Consider your overall body proportions. At our practice, Dr. Koo helps you choose the right type of implant that complement your physique and that fulfill your 'perfect world' breasts on YOUR body for YOUR lifestyle. Everyone is different, and she will guide your choices solely based on your desires, safety and body type.

If you're ready to discuss implant options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Koo. 

YOUR LIFESTYLE

Think about your daily activities and the impact of breast size on your lifestyle. For example, larger breasts may affect your exercise routine. Its also important to consider is your choice of clothing. Do you wear clothing that reveals your breasts, that show cleavage? Are you in a profession where you prefer not to show any breasts and want to conceal the breast augmentation entirely? Do you only want your breasts to appear full, pushed up with cleavage when you're intimate with your significant other or during a function when you are wearing a more revealing outfit?

YOUR STYLE

Its also important to consider is your choice of clothing. Do you wear clothing that reveals your breasts, that show cleavage? Are you in a profession where you prefer not to show any breasts and want to conceal the breast augmentation entirely? Do you only want your breasts to appear full, pushed up with cleavage when you're intimate with your significant other or during a function when you are wearing a more revealing outfit? Do you have young children, adolescent boys?

YOUR LONG-TERM GOALS

How do you envision your breasts in the future? Discuss your long-term goals with your surgeon to choose the right option. Are you planning to have more children? Will you want to replace your implants in 10-25 years? Will you have the time and resources to have another operation?

All the above are very important questions that you need to answer prior to your choice of the perfect size breast implants. I go through all the questions and issues that will come up with newly augmented breasts and we will take our time choosing the perfect breasts for your physique.

REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCES

Many individuals have chosen breast enhancement for various reasons.

HERE ARE SOME COMMON EXPERIENCES:

Boosted Confidence: Some people find increased self-confidence and a more positive self-image after breast augmentation.

Reconstruction After Surgery: Breast implants are often used in breast reconstruction procedures after mastectomy or injury.

Body Harmony: For some, breast augmentation helps them feel more in harmony with their bodies.

Feeling More Feminine: It can enhance the sense of femininity for those who have felt less feminine due to breast size.

Replacing Lost Breast Volume: After breast feeding and pregnancy, breast can sag and atrophy. Breast implants can lift and replace the lost tissue if you don't have too much excess skin. A lift is also required if the breasts are too low however.

REAL BREASTS vs. BREAST IMPLANTS – IT'S A PERSONAL CHOICE

Ultimately, the choice between real and augmented breasts is deeply personal. It's essential to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can discuss your goals, assess your body type, and help you make an informed decision.

Remember that there's no right or wrong choice, just the one that feels right for you! In the end, what matters most is how you feel about your body and your confidence. Whether real or fake, your breasts should make you feel comfortable and empowered in your own skin.

If you're considering breast augmentation in St Louis or the Bay Area and would like expert guidance tailored to your goals, schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Koo. During your consultation, Dr. Koo will discuss your options, answer your questions, and help you understand what can realistically be achieved based on your anatomy and desired outcome.