What Do Breast Implants Feel Real?

Great question.
The answer is, it depends.
There are three things to consider when thinking about how implants feel.

First - Where has the implant been placed. Typically, breast augmentation is done "below the muscle". This means that the implant is usually placed in a subpectoral plane. This provides a significant amount of camoflage for the implant (you feel skin, subcutaneous fat and breast tissue and muscle before you feel the implant). The qualifier here is that it is rare to have an implant that is completely under the muscle and typically the inferior border is not covered. Most people have more breast tissue at this level.
Second - What type of implant was used? Silicone implants mimic breast tissue more readily than saline imlpants do. Properly filled saline implants tend to feel more like water balloons in your hand. The larger the implant, the more you may be able to feel that implant.
Third - What is the nature of the capsule around the implant? Over time, patients can develop capsular contracture. This is typically what causes breasts to feel hard after the implant. This is not a normal result after breast augmentation, but there is an increased chance of occurrence over time. For patients with capsular contracture, the capsule usually needs to be removed surgically to improve the feel of the breasts.
In addition, remember that immediately after breast augmentation surgery, the breasts will feel more firm until the swelling comes down.
I hope this helps!

This is a good question as the majority of patient that wish
to have a breast augmentation desire a result that is going to feel and look
natural.



One of the benefits that women have today is the vast
options of breast implants. The new
silicone (gummy bear) implants have a very soft, natural feel to them. The satisfaction after breast augmentation is
extremely high as the new implants are much softer than the saline implants we
used for years.



There are also currently a wide range of different shape and
size of implants available to women that will allow them achieve the look and
feel that they desire. If you desire a
soft and natural implant I would recommend a silicone implant.



It is important to see your board certified
plastic surgeon to help guide you to an implant that will give you an
aesthetically pleasing breast.

If the right choices are made with regard to implant type and size, and the implants are placed by an expert, and your body is appropriate for implant surgery, they most definitely can feel real.

Silicone implants tend to feel softer than saline implants, which usually feel somewhat more firm. This occurs in part because saline implants must be filled to a slightly higher pressure than the silicone implants in order to keep the saline implants from wrinkling or collapsing. Most patients can obtain outstanding results with either type of implant, and be very happy with the results, as long as they understand the firmness difference before surgery. That difference is more important in patients with little fat and breast tissue, since the implants would then be more "superficial," or close to the skin. Patients with more fat or breast tissue may not appreciate the difference as much, since the implants will be beneath a thicker layer of padding. Implants of either type usually will not feel "hard" unless capsular contracture develops. This refers to scar tissue that tightens around the implants, resulting in the unnaturally round, hard look and feel that we sometimes see. 

Silicon gel implants feel very soft and real after few months .
At the beginning they are going to feel harder but this generally settle within 12 months.
Kind Regards

Mr Giorgio Netri

Most plastic surgeons and patients would agree that silicone breast implants feel more real than saline implants. If you are having a consultation with a plastic surgeon, make sure you ask to feel actual saline and silicone implants. The silicone implants contain a cohesive gel which feels very much like breast tissue. Once the implants are in place, the amount of breast tissue that you have may influence the feel of your breast. If you have a fair amount of breast tissue, this tissue will cover the implant and it will be very difficult to actually feel your breast implant. If you have no breast tissue, I encourage my patients to choose silicone implants because they will feel more natural when you don't have any tissue to cover the implant with. 

Silicone implants placed under the muscle provide the most natural feel and appearance. At your consultation you can try on different implants and see what best works for you. Best of luck. Warm regards, Lane Smith MD8871 W Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89117(702) 838-2455

Hello,If implants are placed under the muscle, they are less palpable, meaning they'll feel more "real."Also, silicone implants typically feel more natural than saline. If you have a fair amount of your own breast tissue, they will feel more real. If you have very small breasts before surgery, the implants are more palpable. All the best,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Thank you for your question. It is normal that they will feel swollen and firm for the first few weeks after surgery, but they will then settle giving the breast a more natural feel. Dhaval M. PatelDouble board certified Plastic surgeonHoffman EstatesBarringtonOakbrookChicago

Implants can feel very natural.  Generally, the more breast tissue a patient starts out with, the more undetectable the implant is.  If an implant is soft, most of the general population would find it difficult to determine whether a breast has an implant or not.  Saline implants feel less natural than silicone.

This is a great question.  While some plastic surgeons vary on their preference on using silicone gel or saline implants, I believe that most would agree that the silicone gel implants, generally speaking, tend to feel much more natural than saline implants.  How soft and natural your implants will be can also be attributed to factors such as, amount of native breast tissue, placement of implants (sub-pectoral or below the chest muscle is overwhelmingly preferred), size of implant, profile of implant and surgeon expertise.  Hardening of implants is often attributed to capsular contracture or scar tissue formation, and can happen with both silicone or saline implants.  I hope this helps!