In the past few years, an increasing number of patients have looked to plastic surgery for something known as subtle breast augmentation. Also known as mini boob jobs, many women are seeking these to achieve more natural-looking volume without a significant increase in size.
If this sounds like you, a subtle breast augmentation might be the perfect solution. Yet, what does subtle mean? Is it the same as ‘small’? And will you regret maybe not going a little bigger? After all, how can you possibly know the right size, shape, and placement without being able to see how it will look?
Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the first requirement. He or she will be a trustworthy guide in helping you make informed decisions.
Bigger Is NOT Always Better
For many decades, breast augmentation (or a regular boob job) was associated with a fuller and more robust look. But now, some patients want more understated results. They want enhancement more than announcement.
Subtle augmentation shouldn’t be considered a lesser option. It’s just a different one. The most important determining factor starts with your personal goals. If you’re seeking subtle volume and proportion with a more natural shape, smaller implants can be an effective solution.
What Constitutes a Smaller Implant?
Implants don’t come in small, medium, and large. It’s more complex than that. While there are implants as small as the 100cc range, the visible results are minimal. But this isn’t the case with a 200-300cc implant. They can improve shape and proportion, enhance how clothing appears, and restore lost volume as a result of breastfeeding.
The profile of the implant must also be considered. Profile refers to how far the implant projects from the chest. A low profile is wider with less projection, a moderate has balanced width and projection, and a high profile implant is narrower but with more projection.
Your anatomy and personal goals, along with your surgeon, will help to determine the right profile for your body. Generally speaking, for subtle augmentation, lower or moderate profiles create a more natural fullness.
What Are the Benefits of a Subtle Breast Augmentation?
There are some very practical and long-term benefits of a subtle augmentation. Smaller implants weigh less, don’t place as much stress on the tissue, and are less likely to shift or stretch over time. This lower likelihood of movement and reduced strain can mean more stable long-run results with a lowered risk of complications. In addition, breasts that are too large can cause back pain.
As for recovery, placement and technique have as much to do with healing as size. Yet, newer approaches for subtle augmentation, such as placing the implants above the muscle and utilizing techniques aimed at tissue preservation, can reduce recovery time.
Many patients who have had this procedure report minimal discomfort, quicker return to normal activity, and less overall downtime.
Breast Augmentation Is Not a Single Decision
Whether you’re interested in regular or subtle breast augmentation, the goal is to align the proper size, shape, profile, and placement with your aesthetic and practical goals.
So if you’re considering any type of breast augmentation procedure, don’t hesitate to contact us.
During your consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss your goals, implant options, and lifestyle considerations, and look at 3D imaging to preview potential results on your body so you can feel confident in your decision.