In recent years, there has been an increased interest in implants that mimic the look and feel of actual breasts as closely as possible. Patients are no longer interested only in the size of their implants, but also their shape, proportions, and how they feel to the touch. When considering these aspects, many patients want to know: Does breast augmentation feel real? Our Portland-based team at The Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery believes that although breasts that hold implants may feel slightly different to the touch when compared to breasts that have not been altered by plastic surgery, it’s possible to have implants that feel very soft, subtle, and similar to natural breasts.

Fortunately, there are implants and techniques available to make your implants look and feel remarkably real. Read on to learn more.

Generally, patients find that silicone implants tend to look and feel more natural in comparison to saline implants, since the silicone options are filled with a cohesive gel that has a soft, compressible texture and moves like natural tissue. Highly cohesive silicone implants retain their shape better than traditional silicone implants while still being soft to the touch.

IDEAL implants are another option to consider for patients who desire a natural look and feel. These next-generation structured saline implants combine some of the benefits of both silicone and saline implants. They provide a natural shape and feel, but there is no risk of the “silent ruptures” associated with traditional silicone implants.

It’s recommended that you have an under-the-muscle placement for your implants if your goal is to enjoy a natural, gradual slope—especially if you have a thin body type without much natural breast tissue to work with. This placement softens the appearance of the implants so their edges are less obvious.

If a highly natural look and feel are your goal, keep in mind that larger implants may be tempting, but that they also tend to look more obvious. It’s best to choose a diameter, projection, and volume that fits your body type. If you have a significant amount of existing, natural breast tissue, your implants may also have a very natural feel.

So, does breast augmentation feel real? Our Portland, OR-based Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery team can provide more advice about what to expect from the popular breast surgery. Call us at 503-646-0101 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation if you’re interested in learning more.

Kathleen Waldorf