When it comes to breast aesthetics, the conversation often turns to the debate between natural breasts and breast implants. Whether considering a cosmetic procedure or simply curious, many people wonder how to distinguish between the two and what features are characteristic of natural versus augmented breasts. We will explore the defining features of natural breasts, the characteristics of breasts with implants, and how to achieve a natural look with breast augmentation.

Features of Natural Breasts

Natural breasts vary significantly from person to person, reflecting the unique genetic makeup, age, lifestyle, and overall health of an individual. Despite this variability, some common features tend to define natural breasts:

Variability in Shape and Size:

• Natural breasts are rarely perfectly symmetrical. One breast may be slightly larger, higher, or differently shaped than the other. This asymmetry is entirely normal and a key indicator of natural breasts.
• The shape of natural breasts can range from round to teardrop, depending on factors like genetics, age, and the amount of glandular tissue versus fat. As a person ages, natural breasts tend to become more teardrop-shaped due to gravity and changes in skin elasticity.

Natural Movement:

• One of the most distinguishable features of natural breasts is how they move. Natural breasts are not static; they move freely with the body’s movements, whether during exercise, walking, or other activities. The level of movement is influenced by the breast’s composition, with fattier breasts generally having more natural movement.

Skin Texture and Elasticity:

• The skin of natural breasts can show signs of aging, such as stretch marks, slight sagging (ptosis), or a change in skin texture over time. These changes occur naturally due to factors like pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and the natural aging process.

Nipple and Areola Characteristics:

• Natural nipples and areolas also vary greatly. The areolas may differ in size and colour from person to person, and the nipples may point in different directions or be asymmetrical. These variations are all normal and can contribute to the natural appearance of the breasts.

Proportionality to the Body:

• Natural breasts typically complement the overall body proportions. They tend to have a more gradual transition from the chest wall to the breast mound, without a distinct line of demarcation.

Features of Breasts with Implants

Breast implants, commonly called fake tits, can enhance the size and shape of the breasts, offering a more symmetrical or fuller appearance. However, certain features can often indicate that a person has breast implants:

Increased Fullness in the Upper Pole:

• Breasts with implants often appear fuller in the upper portion (upper pole) of the breast, especially in the early months post-surgery. This fullness can give the breasts a rounder, more prominent appearance, which is less common in natural breasts, particularly in older women.

Symmetry:

• One of the goals of breast augmentation is to correct asymmetry, resulting in breasts that appear almost identical. While this symmetry is desirable, it can sometimes appear too perfect, which can indicate the presence of implants.

Firmness and Limited Movement:

• Breasts with implants or fake breasts tend to feel firmer to the touch than natural breasts, especially when the implants are placed over the muscle. Additionally, implants may limit the natural movement of the breasts. They might not move as freely or may have a more rigid or uniform movement compared to natural breasts.

Roundness:

• Implants can give the breasts a more rounded shape, particularly when using high-profile implants. This roundness can be particularly noticeable when a person is lying down, as natural breasts tend to flatten and spread out, while augmented breasts maintain their shape.

Position and Spacing:

• Breasts with implants are often positioned higher on the chest, especially immediately after surgery, before the implants settle. The spacing between the breasts may also be narrower than what is typically seen in natural breasts.

Scar Visibility:

• While skilled surgeons aim to minimise visible scarring, surgical scars may be visible around the areola, under the breast crease, or in the armpit, depending on the incision technique used. These scars can be a giveaway of breast augmentation.

How Can You Tell if Someone Has Breast Implants?

It can be challenging to determine whether someone has fake tits, especially with advancements in surgical techniques aimed at achieving a natural look. However, the following signs might indicate that a person has undergone breast augmentation:

Disproportionate Size to Frame:

• If the breasts appear disproportionately large relative to the person’s body frame, especially if they have a very slim build, this could suggest the presence of implants. Natural breasts, even when large, tend to align more with the individual’s overall body proportions.

Unnatural Firmness:

• Augmented breasts, particularly those with implants placed above the muscle, often feel firmer than natural breasts. This firmness can be noticeable upon palpation.

Unusual Roundness:

• If the breasts maintain a very round shape, particularly in the upper pole, regardless of the person’s position (standing, sitting, or lying down), this could indicate implants. Natural breasts typically flatten and spread out when lying down.

Minimal Sagging in Older Women:

• As women age, natural breasts usually experience some degree of sagging due to the loss of skin elasticity. If an older woman has very perky, rounded breasts with little to no sagging, this might suggest breast augmentation.

Visible Implant Edges:

• In some cases, especially in women with thin tissue coverage, the edges of the implants may be visible or palpable under the skin. This is more likely with saline implants or if the implants are not fully covered by breast tissue. This is also called rippling where the folds or creases in the implant are visible on the skin.

How to Achieve a Natural-Looking Breast Augmentation

For individuals considering breast augmentation but desiring a natural appearance, various techniques and considerations can help achieve this goal. Mr Nassab discusses how to achieve a natural looking boob job in the video below.

Choosing the Right Implant Type:

• Silicone Gel Implants: Silicone gel implants tend to feel more like natural breast tissue compared to saline implants. They are also less likely to ripple, making them a popular choice for those seeking a natural look.
• Teardrop-Shaped Implants: These implants mimic the natural slope of the breast, being fuller at the bottom and tapering towards the top. This shape is ideal for achieving a more natural appearance, especially in patients with little natural breast tissue.

Consideration of Implant Size and Profile:

• Choosing an implant size that complements your body frame is crucial for a natural look. Oversized implants can create an unnatural appearance, especially if they are too large for your chest width.
• The implant profile (how much the implant projects from the chest) should also be chosen carefully. A moderate or low-profile implant can create a softer, more natural slope, while a high-profile implant may look more artificial due to increased projection.

Placement of the Implants:

• Submuscular Placement: Placing the implants beneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) can help achieve a more natural look. This placement provides better coverage of the implant, particularly in women with less natural breast tissue, and allows for a smoother transition from the chest wall to the breast.
• Dual-Plane Technique: This technique involves placing the upper part of the implant under the muscle and the lower part under the breast tissue. It combines the benefits of submuscular and subglandular placement, leading to a more natural appearance.

Minimising Scarring:

• Incision placement is crucial for reducing visible scarring. Techniques such as inframammary (under the breast fold) incisions tend to be well-hidden and are a popular choice for those concerned about scars.

Gradual Increase in Size:

• If you’re aiming for a significant increase in breast size, consider a gradual approach. This might involve opting for a smaller implant initially and increasing size later if desired. A gradual increase allows the skin and tissues to adapt more naturally, avoiding the overstretched or “bolted on” look.

Personalised Surgical Planning:

• Every person’s anatomy is unique, and so should be their surgical plan. A skilled plastic surgeon like Mr Nassab will take into account factors like chest width, breast base diameter, skin elasticity, and overall body proportions when planning the surgery. This tailored approach is key to achieving a natural result.

Post-Surgery Care:

• Following post-operative care instructions diligently can significantly impact the final appearance of your breasts. Proper support, massaging techniques, and following activity restrictions are essential for helping implants settle naturally and avoiding complications.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between natural breasts and fake boobs can help in making informed decisions, whether you’re considering breast augmentation or simply curious about the aesthetics involved. Natural breasts are characterised by variability in shape, size, and movement, while breasts with implants often exhibit more symmetry, firmness, and upper pole fullness. However, with the right techniques and careful planning, breast augmentation can be performed in a way that achieves a highly natural appearance, blending seamlessly with your body and enhancing your overall proportions.

If you are considering a boob job, it is essential to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon like Mr Nassab who can guide you through the process, ensuring that your expectations are met with a result that looks and feels natural. Mr Nassab is the leading surgeon in the MiniAug or natural look breast augmentation. Remember, the key to a successful breast augmentation lies in personalisation, choosing the right implant, and following through with excellent post-operative care.