When considering breast implants, the size 36D is a popular choice for many women looking to enhance their bust. This particular size can bring about a significant change in appearance, but like any breast implant option, it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of 36D breast implants to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Breast Implant Basics
Before delving into the specifics of 36D implants, it’s important to know about the different types of breast implants available.
Saline Implants
How They’re Made: Saline implants are filled with sterile saline solution, which is simply saltwater. The outer shell is made of silicone. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including those suitable for achieving a 36D cup.
Advantages for a 36D Size
Cost – Effective: Generally, saline implants are more budget – friendly compared to some other types. This can be a major plus if you’re looking to achieve a 36D size without breaking the bank. For example, the manufacturing process for saline implants is relatively straightforward, which helps keep the cost down.
Easier Rupture Detection: If a saline implant ruptures, it’s often easier to notice. The breast may deflate or change shape, alerting you and your doctor. In a 36D size, this can be especially noticeable as the volume change is more significant. The saline solution is also harmlessly absorbed by the body.
Customizable Filling: These implants can be filled after being inserted into the body. For a 36D implant, this means the surgeon can adjust the volume during the procedure to get the exact look you desire. This can be particularly useful if you have specific aesthetic goals for your 36D bust.
Disadvantages for a 36D Size
Rippling Risk: Saline implants are more prone to rippling, and this can be more pronounced in larger sizes like 36D. Rippling occurs when the implant’s shell wrinkles or folds, which can be visible or felt under the skin. In a 36D size, especially if you have less natural breast tissue, the rippling may be more noticeable.
Less Natural Feel: The saline solution inside the implant can slosh around, giving the breast a less natural feel compared to other implant types. In a 36D size, this movement can be more pronounced, making the breast feel less like natural tissue.
Higher Capsular Contracture Risk: Capsular contracture is when the scar tissue around the implant tightens. Saline implants in a 36D size have a slightly higher risk of this condition. This can cause pain, change the shape of the breast, and make it feel hard.
Silicone Gel Implants
How They’re Made: Silicone gel implants are filled with a thick, silicone – based gel that mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. The gel is cohesive, meaning it holds its shape well.
Advantages for a 36D Size
Natural Look and Feel: One of the biggest advantages of silicone gel implants, especially for a 36D size, is their ability to provide a very natural look and feel. The gel moves and feels like natural breast tissue, making the 36D bust look more realistic. This can be a huge confidence booster for women who want a natural – looking enhancement.
Lower Rippling Risk: Compared to saline implants, silicone gel implants have a much lower risk of rippling, even in larger sizes like 36D. The gel conforms better to the body’s contours, reducing the likelihood of visible or palpable wrinkling under the skin. This results in a smoother and more natural – looking breast appearance.
Shape Stability: Silicone gel implants maintain their shape well over time, which is important for a 36D size. The cohesive gel keeps the implant looking and feeling consistent, even with factors like weight fluctuations or normal body movements. This means your 36D bust will retain its shape and volume more effectively.
Disadvantages for a 36D Size
Higher Cost: Silicone gel implants are typically more expensive than saline implants, and this cost difference can be more significant when considering a 36D size. The manufacturing process for the high – quality silicone gel and the specialized implant shells contribute to the higher price.
Difficult Rupture Detection: A rupture in a silicone gel implant can be more difficult to detect, especially in a 36D size. Since the gel is thick, it may not cause an obvious change in the breast’s appearance or feel immediately. Special imaging techniques, such as MRI, are often required to accurately diagnose a rupture.
Potential Health Concerns: Although extensive research has been done, there are still some concerns about the long – term effects of silicone on the body. Some studies have suggested a possible link between silicone implants and certain autoimmune – like conditions, although the evidence is not conclusive. This can be a worry for women considering a 36D silicone gel implant.
Gummy Bear Implants (Highly Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants)
How They’re Made: Gummy bear implants have a unique gel structure with a very high level of cohesion. They are named for their resemblance to gummy bear candies in terms of their firmness and shape – holding ability.
Advantages for a 36D Size
Enhanced Shape Stability: Gummy bear implants are known for their excellent shape – holding properties, which is a great advantage for a 36D size. They are less likely to change shape or sag over time, providing a long – lasting and well – defined 36D breast shape. This can be especially appealing for women who want a more permanent and stable enhancement.
Natural – Looking Uplift: These implants can provide a natural – looking breast shape with good uplift, even in a 36D size. They are designed to mimic the natural slope and projection of the breast, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing and proportionate appearance. This can give you a more youthful and attractive look.
Lower Rupture – Related Complications: In the event of a rupture, the highly cohesive gel in gummy bear implants is less likely to leak and spread throughout the body compared to traditional silicone gel implants. This is an important safety factor, especially for a larger size like 36D, where the volume of the implant is greater.
Disadvantages for a 36D Size
Limited Size Options: Gummy bear implants may have more limited size options compared to other implant types, and this can be a drawback when aiming for a 36D size. The availability of larger – sized gummy bear implants may be restricted, which could limit your choices if you specifically want a 36D bust.
Higher Cost: Similar to other high – quality silicone – based implants, gummy bear implants are relatively expensive, and this cost is also applicable for a 36D size. The advanced manufacturing process required to create the highly cohesive gel and the specialized implant design contribute to their higher price tag.
Surgical Complexity: The implantation of gummy bear implants, especially in a 36D size, may require a more experienced surgeon due to their firmness and shape – holding properties. The surgeon needs to be skilled in handling these implants to ensure proper placement and to achieve the desired aesthetic results. This may limit the number of surgeons who are qualified to perform the procedure, and in some cases, may also increase the cost of the surgery.
The Surgical Process for 36D Breast Implants
Pre – Surgery Consultation
Medical History Review: Before getting 36D breast implants, your surgeon will review your complete medical history. This includes any past surgeries, medical conditions, allergies, and medications you’re taking. For example, if you have a history of certain autoimmune diseases, it may affect the type of implant recommended for your 36D size.
Physical Examination: A physical examination of your breasts and chest area will be conducted. The surgeon will assess the size, shape, and quality of your natural breast tissue, as well as the elasticity of your skin. This information is crucial in determining the best implant type and placement for your 36D implant to achieve the most natural – looking result.
Aesthetic Goals Discussion: You and your surgeon will have a detailed discussion about your aesthetic goals. You’ll talk about why you want a 36D size, what kind of look you’re aiming for (such as a more natural, rounded look or a more lifted, prominent look), and any concerns you may have. The surgeon will use this information to plan the surgery.
Implant Placement Options
Subglandular Placement: In subglandular placement, the implant is placed directly behind the breast gland, but in front of the chest muscle.
Advantages for 36D Implants: This placement can provide a more immediate and prominent increase in breast size, which may be desirable for those wanting a 36D size. It can also create a more natural – looking upper breast fullness. The surgery may be less invasive in terms of muscle manipulation, which could potentially lead to a shorter recovery time in some cases.
Disadvantages for 36D Implants: However, in a 36D size, there may be a higher risk of implant visibility or rippling, especially if you have less natural breast tissue. The implant may also be more likely to move around or shift over time.
Submuscular Placement: With submuscular placement, the implant is placed behind the chest muscle.
Advantages for 36D Implants: This placement can offer better long – term support for a 36D implant, reducing the risk of sagging over time. The chest muscle can also provide an extra layer of protection for the implant, and it may help to reduce the visibility of the implant and the risk of rippling. In a 36D size, the muscle can help to distribute the weight of the implant more evenly.
Disadvantages for 36D Implants: The surgery for submuscular placement is generally more invasive as it involves dissecting and moving the chest muscle. This can lead to a longer recovery time, more pain in the initial post – surgery period, and a higher risk of muscle – related complications.
Recovery and After – Care for 36D Breast Implants
Immediate Post – Surgery
Pain and Discomfort: After the surgery for 36D breast implants, you will likely experience pain and discomfort. The level of pain can vary from person to person, but your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to help manage it. You may also feel some tightness in the chest area as the body adjusts to the new implants.
Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common in the days following the surgery. The breasts may appear larger and firmer than the final desired 36D size due to the swelling. The bruising can range from mild to more extensive, depending on the individual and the surgical technique used. Cold compresses may be recommended to help reduce swelling.
Short – Term Recovery (First Few Weeks)
Rest and Limited Activity: In the first few weeks after getting 36D breast implants, you’ll need to rest and avoid strenuous activities. This includes heavy lifting, intense exercise, and any activities that could put stress on the chest area. You may also need to sleep in a specific position, often on your back with your upper body slightly elevated, to help with the healing process.
Wound Care: Proper wound care is essential. You’ll need to keep the incisions clean and dry as directed by your surgeon. Your surgeon will also provide instructions on how to change any dressings or bandages. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to prevent infection.
Long – Term After – Care
Regular Follow – Up Appointments: You’ll need to schedule regular follow – up appointments with your surgeon. These appointments are crucial for monitoring the healing of your 36D implants, checking for any signs of complications, and ensuring that the implants are maintaining their shape and position. Your surgeon may also recommend periodic imaging tests, such as mammograms or ultrasounds, to check the integrity of the implants.
Bra Selection: Choosing the right bra is important for long – term support of your 36D implants. You’ll need to wear a supportive bra, often a surgical bra initially and then a well – fitted everyday bra. A good bra can help to keep the implants in place, reduce the risk of sagging, and provide comfort.
Lifestyle Considerations with 36D Breast Implants
Clothing and Fashion
Finding the Right Fit: With a 36D bust size, finding well – fitting clothing can be a challenge. You may need to invest in bras and clothing that are specifically designed for larger busts. This can include bras with wider straps for better support and tops that are cut to flatter your new 36D shape.
Style Options: On the positive side, a 36D size can open up new style options. You may be able to wear clothing that accentuates your curves and gives you a more feminine and confident look. However, it may take some time to adjust to dressing for your new bust size.
Physical Activity and Exercise
Impact on Exercise: While you can still engage in physical activity with 36D breast implants, you may need to make some adjustments. High – impact exercises, such as running or jumping, may require more support to prevent discomfort or potential damage to the implants. You may need to invest in a good sports bra that provides extra support for your 36D size.
Strength Training Considerations: When it comes to strength training, exercises that involve heavy chest – pressing movements may need to be modified. You’ll need to work with a trainer or your surgeon to determine the best way to exercise your chest muscles without putting too much stress on the implants.
Social and Psychological Impact
Positive Impact: For many women, getting 36D breast implants can have a positive impact on their self – confidence and body image. The enhanced bust size can make them feel more attractive and feminine, which can improve their overall quality of life.
Negative Impact: However, it’s also important to note that some women may experience negative social or psychological impacts. There may be unwanted attention or comments from others, and in some cases, women may not be happy with the final result. It’s important to have realistic expectations and to consider the potential social and psychological implications before getting 36D breast implants.
Conclusion
36D breast implants can offer a significant change in appearance, but they come with a range of pros and cons. The choice of implant type, the surgical process, recovery, and lifestyle considerations all play important roles in the overall experience. It’s essential to have a thorough consultation with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to discuss your specific needs, goals, and concerns before making a decision. Remember, your health and well – being should always be the top priority when considering breast augmentation.
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