Do Breast Implants Feel Heavier Than Your Natural Breasts?

Say you’re an athletic woman with a small frame who has thought about getting breast implants for years, but you’re worried that larger breasts would interfere with your active lifestyle. It’s a concern I hear often, especially from women who wonder if breast implants feel heavier than natural breasts.

It’s a question that doesn’t have a simple answer. Yes, breast implants add volume to the breasts. That doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that they’ll feel heavier than your natural breasts. To understand that nuanced answer, let’s review the factors involved in choosing breast implants and the options involved in breast augmentation surgery.

Which Implants Are Right for You?

Most breast augmentation patients say they want results that look natural. That’s a bit vague, but in general, it means their breasts slope gently from the décolleté to the middle of the breasts. This slope avoids too much “roundness” in the upper area that appears unnatural. To achieve this goal, experienced plastic surgeons take careful measurements of the torso and breasts to help patients choose implants that are proportional to the body’s frame.

Our patients also have the opportunity to visualize potential results using a state-of-the-art 3D imaging system called Crisalix, which enables women to see how their breasts may look with different implant sizes.

Cohesive Silicone Gel or Saline?

The feel of breast implants is another factor that influences a patient’s choice. Within the silicone gel category is a range of options. These options are based on the consistency of the gel filling the implant. Some implants, such as “gummy bear” breast implants, are firmer than other silicone gel implants. Saline implants, which are filled with a highly concentrated saltwater solution, tend to feel less like natural breasts, according to most patients. You can read more about silicone and saline implant options in a previous blog post.

Do Breast Implants Feel Heavier Than Natural Breasts?

Back to the original question—will your breasts feel heavier with breast implants? If you choose implants that are proportional to your body’s frame, you’ll likely grow accustomed to the increased size and not notice an increased “heaviness” to the breasts.

Initially, it can take several weeks or months to adjust to having larger breasts. As the implants “drop and fluff”—meaning they gradually settle into a more permanent position—they’ll feel like a natural part of your body. Wearing a supportive bra reduces any strain the implants may cause during the first several months after breast augmentation surgery.

You may have heard or read that women often regret going too small when choosing implants. Even so, patients typically are more likely to adjust to this issue than if they choose implants that they consider too large. I’ll reiterate that women who are most satisfied with their results believe their breasts look in harmony with their bodies. Browse our gallery of breast augmentation before-and-after photos to see the natural-looking results of some of my actual patients.

Ready To Discuss Breast Augmentation?

Getting breast implants can enhance your confidence and expand your wardrobe options. If you’re considering breast augmentation in the Boston area, request a consultation using the online form or call our office at (781) 740-7840 to schedule an appointment.