Breast augmentation San Antonio is one of the most rewarding procedures Dr. Robert Young performs at his San Antonio plastic surgery practice. Bigger and fuller breasts not only enhance a woman’s overall figure but also boost her confidence and well-being. Naturally, many patients want to know how long their results will last. In this blog post, the San Antonio plastic surgeon answers this question in detail.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Results with breast augmentation can last for many years. But although breast implants are safe, durable, and long-lasting devices, there are instances in which breast implants need to be replaced. In rare cases, they can develop a complication such as a leak or a rupture. Leaks and ruptures in saline breast implants are obvious because the breast becomes noticeably deflated. On the other hand, silicone implants that have ruptured or leaked tend to retain their natural shape. Women with silicone implants are advised to have regular MRIs, mammograms, or other medical imaging to check for leaks and ruptures.

How to Sabotage (and Prolong) Your Results

The most important factor in achieving long-lasting breast augmentation results is working with a board-certified and experienced surgeon. This being said, there are a number of other factors that can prolong — or shorten — the longevity of your results. For instance, smoking too soon after your breast augmentation not only hinders your body’s ability to heal, it can lead to serious complications. Smoking is a bad idea in general because it ages your skin, including the delicate skin on your breasts. Research shows that smoking is one of the biggest causes of breast sag (ptosis), which can hinder the appearance of your bigger and fuller breasts.

Unprotected sun exposure is another cause of breast sag because it causes the collagen in the breast skin to stretch out. Because larger breasts are more prone to sag, it is doubly important to practice proper sun protection following breast augmentation. Unprotected sun exposure can also cause your breast augmentation scars to darken and thicken, so it is a good idea to apply sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher whenever the breasts are exposed outdoors.

Losing or gaining a substantial amount of weight after breast augmentation can also dramatically affect the appearance of your breasts. To prolong the beauty of your results, Dr. Young recommends you maintain a stable weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

It is natural for your breasts to change over time. Unfortunately, the natural aging process can affect the shape, size, and position of your breasts. As a result, some women decide to replace their breast implants after several years. Or, they choose to have a breast lift done to combat the sagging effects of aging on their breasts. Dr. Young can discuss all of these topics with you in detail and work with you to create a treatment plan that yields the most desirable outcome.
To discuss your breast enhancement options with Dr. Young, please call (210) 496-BODY (2639) today.