“Implant awareness”: Will I be able to “feel” my breast implants?
Let me put your mind at ease right from the start: the vast majority of my breast augmentation patients are pleasantly surprised by how natural their implants feel once they’ve fully healed.
Yes, there will be an adjustment period, and yes, you’ll be aware that something has changed. But for most women, this awareness quickly becomes as natural as being aware of any other part of their body.
Here’s what “implant awareness” really means and what you can expect during your breast augmentation journey.
What is “implant awareness”?
Implant awareness refers to the ability to physically sense or feel the presence of your breast implants. This can range from a subtle awareness that something is different, to more noticeable sensations depending on various factors. Some degree of implant awareness is completely normal, especially in the first few months after surgery.
Another extremely common time to become more aware of implants is after weight loss or body composition change.
The key is distinguishing between normal awareness and problematic sensations that might indicate complications. Most patients find that initial awareness diminishes significantly as their body heals and adapts to the implants.
Normal implant awareness includes:
- A subtle sense of fullness or weight, particularly when lying down
- Mild awareness of the implant edges in certain positions
- Slight differences in sensation compared to your natural breast tissue
- Temporary awareness during physical activity or exercise
When to be concerned:
- Persistent pain or discomfort beyond the normal healing period
- Hard, visible rippling or obvious implant edges
- Significant asymmetry in how the implants feel
- Changes in sensation that develop months or years after surgery
Factors that influence how much you’ll feel your implants
Several factors will affect how much you’ll notice your new implants:
Your natural breast tissue
If you’ve got more natural tissue to start with, you’re probably going to feel them less, as there’s more cushioning over the implant. If you have very little natural breast tissue, you may be more aware of the implant, particularly along the edges.
Implant size and your body frame
Choosing the right implant size for your body is crucial. Implants that are too large for your frame are more likely to be noticeable and feel unnatural. During our consultation, I spend considerable time helping you select an implant size that complements your natural proportions. This isn’t about copying what looks good on someone else (say, Kylie Jenner), but finding what’s right for you.
Implant type: silicone vs. saline
Silicone implants tend to feel more like natural breast tissue due to their cohesive gel consistency. Saline implants, while safe and effective, can sometimes feel slightly firmer and may have more noticeable rippling in certain patients, particularly those with minimal natural breast tissue.
Implant placement
The placement of your implants significantly affects how they feel:
- Total Submuscular (under the muscle): Generally provides better coverage, especially for women with thinner natural breast tissue; however the implant is substantially separated from the breast sometimes leading to the appearance of the implant not being associated with the breast and breast animation changes.
- Subglandular (over the muscle): May feel more noticeable but can provide good results for women with adequate natural tissue coverage. With a good match of implant shape to the breast, this often leads to very natural results,
- Partial Submuscular aka Dual plane, Split plane: Combines some benefits, and drawbacks, of both placements, offering a natural feel with more coverage in the upper breast, while having more exposure, yet natural projection in the lower breast. This placement, in many patients, can lead to the most breast animation abnormalities.
- Subfascial: Fascial coverage throughout for a very even appearance. Strong coverage without the isolation of the implant from the breast and much reduced breast animation abnormalities. Flexible technique, though not ideal for women with tight lower breast pole shape and for most gender affirmation procedures.
Surgical technique
The precision of the surgical technique also, of course, matters tremendously. Creating the right pocket size, proper implant positioning, and meticulous attention to detail all contribute to how natural your results will feel. This is why choosing a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with extensive breast augmentation experience is so important.
With proper implant selection, surgical technique, and realistic expectations, most of my patients are pleasantly surprised by how natural their implants feel.
What to expect during your recovery
Here is a general timeline of how things will likely feel as you heal:
Immediately after surgery (0-2 weeks)
Your implants will feel quite firm and may sit high on your chest. This is completely normal; your chest muscles need time to relax, and swelling needs to subside. You’ll definitely be aware of your implants during this phase.
Early recovery (2-6 weeks)
As swelling decreases and your muscles begin to relax, your implants will start to settle into a more natural position. You may still feel them, but the sensation should be less pronounced.
Continued healing (3-6 months)
This is when most patients notice significant improvement in how natural their implants feel. The implants continue to settle, and your tissues adapt around them. Many patients tell me they “forget” about their implants during this phase.
Long-term (6+ months)
By this point, most patients have adapted to their implants and experience minimal awareness in their daily lives. The implants should feel soft, similar to breast tissue, and move naturally with your body.
“The surgery itself went exactly as Dr. Sobel had explained it would. His clear communication about what to expect helped alleviate any anxiety I had leading up to the operation. I appreciated his honesty and transparency throughout the process, which further solidified my trust in his capabilities. Post-surgery, I was pleasantly surprised at how well I tolerated the recovery process. Dr. Sobel provided thorough aftercare instructions and was always available for any follow-up questions or concerns I had during this time. His attentive approach made a significant difference in how comfortable I felt during recovery.”
Tips for minimizing implant awareness
While some degree of awareness is normal, we can do things to keep it minimal:
Choose the right surgeon
Working with an experienced, board-certified Seattle cosmetic surgeon who takes time to understand your goals and anatomy is crucial. I believe in thorough consultations where we discuss not just what you want, but what will work best with your unique body.
Select an appropriate implant size
Bigger isn’t always better. I often tell my patients that the goal is to enhance your natural beauty, not to look obviously augmented. We’ll work together to find a size that gives you the fullness you desire while maintaining a natural feel.
Consider your lifestyle
If you’re very active or have concerns about implant awareness during exercise, we’ll discuss placement options and implant types that work best with your lifestyle.
Follow post-operative instructions
Proper healing is essential for optimal results. This includes wearing your surgical bra as directed, avoiding certain activities during recovery, and attending all follow-up appointments.
Be patient with the process
Your final results—including how your implants feel—won’t be apparent immediately. Give your body time to heal and adapt.
When implant awareness might indicate a problem
While some awareness is normal, certain symptoms shouldn’t be ignored:
- Capsular contracture: If your implants become increasingly firm or distorted over time
- Implant malposition: If one or both implants shift to an unnatural position
- Rippling: Visible or palpable wrinkling of the implant
- Rupture: Changes in size, shape, or firmness (more obvious with saline implants)
If you experience any concerning changes in how your implants feel, don’t hesitate to contact us. Early intervention can often address issues before they become more significant problems.
While some degree of implant awareness is completely normal, the key is distinguishing between normal awareness and problematic sensations.Schedule your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Sobel in Seattle
If you’re considering breast augmentation and have questions about implant awareness, I’m here to help you make an informed decision. At our Seattle cosmetic surgery center, my team and I are committed to ensuring you feel comfortable, informed, and confident throughout your entire journey.
Give us a call at (425) 453-9060 to schedule your complimentary breast augmentation consultation, or contact us online. Together, we’ll create a plan that helps you achieve the natural-looking, (and natural-feeling) results you’re hoping for.