Having breast implants is a personal choice that many women make for various reasons. While the procedure and recovery can seem daunting, many women find that breast implants do not actually “feel weird” once they are healed and settled. Here is an overview of what to expect with breast implants in regards to look, feel, and everyday life.
Look and Feel of Breast Implants
When breast implants are first placed during surgery, there will be significant swelling, bruising, and tenderness. This is normal and expected. As the incisions heal and swelling goes down over the first few weeks, the breasts will start to look and feel more natural. However, it can take 3-6 months for implants to fully “drop and fluff” and feel like a natural part of your body.
It is common for breast implants to feel firm and sit high on the chest at first. This is due to swelling and the pocket around the implant settling. Over time, the implant will soften and descend into a more natural position. The skin and tissues need time to stretch and make room for the implants. Staying hydrated, massaging the breasts, and wearing a supportive bra can help encourage this settling process.
There will be some inevitable changes in sensation after getting breast implants. Nipples may be less sensitive initially due to nerve damage. The skin over the breasts and around the nipples may feel more tight or tingly. These changes usually improve dramatically within a few months as swelling goes down and nerves regenerate.
Most women find that implants feel very natural, like a part of their body, once healing is complete. The implants provide fullness and restore volume that is often indistinguishable from natural breast tissue in appearance and feel with a bra on. Underneath the muscle implants have more coverage and feel even more seamless.
One of the biggest factors in how breast implants feel is choosing the right implant size. Getting implants that are too large for your frame can lead to visible rippling, unnatural movement, and a heavy or “bolted-on” look. An experienced surgeon will help you choose an implant size that fits your body best.
Important Things to Note
While most women get used to the look and feel of breast implants, there are some important things to keep in mind:
- Implants will never feel 100% like natural breast tissue. There will be some hardness and unnatural roundness underneath.
- There is often less sensation and “jiggle” with implants. The tradeoff is increased fullness and shape.
- Activities like running and jumping may feel different with implants due to the weight and shifting. A supportive sports bra helps.
- Sleeping on your stomach can feel awkward at first until the implants drop into position. Front-sleepers may need to adjust.
- Changes in weight can alter how implants look and feel over time. Significant weight fluctuations should be avoided.
While implants may not ever feel completely natural, most women find they integrate well into their figure and feel normal, especially when clothed. Choosing an experienced surgeon and the right implant profile for your body is key to getting great results.
Everyday Life with Breast Implants
Once breast implants are fully healed and settled, they become an integrated part of your body and do not restrict normal activities. Here is what you can expect in terms of everyday life with implants:
Clothing and Undergarments
You will need new bras after getting implants. Sports bras and bralettes with stretchy, seamless cups work well and provide comfortable support. Underwire bras are fine once healing is complete. The breasts may feel more comfortable in a bra vs being braless initially.
Clothing that used to be tight in the chest or bust area will likely need to be sized up. Button-up tops may gap between buttons. Some tailoring adjustments can fix fit issues. Tops with stretchier fabrics and empire waists are flattering options.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Most physical activities like running, weight-lifting, and yoga are fine with implants. However, contact sports like football or hockey may increase risk of rupture from blunt force trauma. A supportive sports bra prevents too much bouncing motion during cardio.
Activities involving lymphatic drainage like massage, reiki, acupuncture, and cryotherapy should be avoided for 6 weeks post-op to prevent capsular contracture. After healing, these therapies can be resumed.
Sleeping Positions
Sleeping on your back or side will be most comfortable initially until implants settle into position. Stomach sleeping may feel awkward at first but can usually be resumed after a few weeks. Use pillows under hips and shoulders to take pressure off the chest.
Intimacy
Breast implants should not impact intimacy or ability to breastfeed. However, nipple sensation may be reduced. Discussion with your partner and managing expectations are important. Being gentle and allowing time to get used to the new feel of your body helps.
Parenting and Childcare
Holding infants, giving piggyback rides, and other aspects of childcare will not be affected by breast implants. Make sure to follow any lifting restrictions during recovery. Take things slowly and listen to your body. Having help during the first few weeks is advisable.
Long-Term Outlook
While it takes 3-6 months for breast implants to fully settle into place, they will continue to feel more and more natural over the first year as you adjust to your new body. Yearly exams help ensure implants are aging well. Replacements may be needed after 10-15 years.
Capsular contracture remains the most common long-term complication. This is when scar tissue forms a tight capsule around the implant, causing hardness and distorted shape. Gentle massage helps prevent capsular contracture. Skipping mammograms is not recommended, as the compression does not cause contracture.
It is important not to over-manipulate or squeeze breast implants excessively as this can contribute to complications like contracture or rupture. Handle your new breasts gently, like you would the natural ones.
Overall, most women find that breast implants integrate seamlessly into their figures. They do not restrict activity or function. With reasonable precautions and care, breast implants can remain looking and feeling natural for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for breast implants to feel normal?
It typically takes 3-6 months for breast implants to drop and settle into a natural position. Full recovery and adjustment takes up to a year. Factors like implant placement, size, and your healing process all play a role.
Do breast implants feel natural when hugging?
Breast implants may feel firmer and less pliable than natural breast tissue when hugging or cuddling initially. As the implants soften and descend, they begin to feel more natural. Under the muscle placement creates more seamless results.
Do boyfriends like the feel of breast implants?
How your significant other will feel about breast implants is a very personal matter. Open communication about your motivations, expectations, and feelings is important. While implants may feel firmer, most partners appreciate and support your decision.
How do breast implants feel when working out?
Vigorous exercise like running may feel different with breast implants, especially if they are large. Wearing a high support sports bra prevents excessive bounce and discomfort. Pace yourself as your body adjusts to the new weight and feel.
Do breast implants make breasts feel fuller?
Yes, one of the main goals of implants is to make the breasts feel fuller, improve cleavage, and create better shape/projection. The tradeoff is slightly reduced natural jiggle and movement. A good surgeon will enhance your natural shape.
Conclusion
The look and feel of breast implants evolves a great deal over the first year as swelling resolves and tissues stretch to accommodate the implants. While they may never feel exactly like natural breast tissue, most women find implants integrate well into their figures.
Choosing an experienced surgeon and appropriate implant size helps create the most natural look and feel. Being patient through the months-long settling process and allowing your body to adjust is key. With reasonable expectations, breast implants can feel like a seamless part of your body.