Body positivity across all spectrums is something that needs to be more inclusive and less judgmental over time. Contrary to what toxic naturalists would say, getting cosmetic surgery for one’s self is a form of body positivity and self-care. The importance of it is emphasized through making informed and well-researched decisions in this area. Modifying and improving your appearance according to your standards is a means of boosting one’s confidence and self-satisfaction.
Cosmetic procedures are considered medical procedures. As it goes with any procedure that affects the body, there are always long-term benefits and procedural risks involved. In 2020, among the sought-after cosmetic surgical procedures according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) are nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, facelift, liposuction, and breast augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty. For minimally-invasive procedures, ranking high are botox, soft tissue filler, chemical peel, laser hair resurfacing, and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment.
Amidst these procedures, popular implants and fillers used for it are divided into three: saline, silicone, and hyaluronic acid. Each is unique and has both similar and different effects on the human body. We are long past the horror stories and lawsuits that came from silicone being directly injected into parts of the body to enhance them. With thorough research and technological advancements, silicone has been developed to be safe for use in augmentation procedures.
Silicone as an implant.
The use of silicone in cosmetic and beauty procedures dates back to the early 19th century. In the past, they can be dangerous and can cause a lot of undesired side effects when directly injected into the soft tissue of any body part that one would want to improve. However, further research and clinical trials have transformed silicone into a safe material for medical procedures through the use of silicone implants.
Silicone implants are composed of an outer casing and filler, both of which are made of silicone gel. Nowadays, it comes in varieties, especially mammary augmentations. There are gummy bear implants that are known for maintaining their shape even when the implant casing is broken. Round implants add more volume and accentuate the breast more than a gummy bear implant would.
Smooth implants can move in the implant pocket and can give more natural movement, having the softest feel among all the types of silicone implants. They are also used in gluteal augmentation to add more volume and fill the area as well.
Saline in cosmetic procedures.
Like silicone implants, saline implants are made of a silicone gel casing. However, their difference is in the filler that they use. In the case of saline implants, it contains a filler of saline solution instead. They are often used in augmentation mammaplasty but are not recommended for gluteal augmentations. Similar to silicone implants, they also come in varieties and shapes.
Round saline implants are most suitable for women since the result gives a rounder and proportioned look. Due to its shape, it can rotate in the body but will not cause any kind of deformity. There are also teardrop shape implants that are more oval. They give off a more natural look as they tend to be fuller at the bottom. Their shells are also textured to avoid movement within the implant pocket and hold it in place.
There are also saline fillers in the market being used as lip fillers. After the procedure, the effects of saline lip fillers only last for a few days. This makes them a viable option for those who want to try out and see the effect of having plumper lips.
Hyaluronic acid as a lip filler gamechanger.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring chemical found in the human body, highly concentrated in fluids found in the eyes and joints. Aside from its potential benefits in treating eye and joint conditions, aestheticians and cosmetologists have also ventured into using it in skincare and cosmetic procedures. Hyaluronic acid is also associated with smoothness and skin repair.
Nowadays, hyaluronic acid fillers have overhauled the use of collagen lip fillers. Their effect lasts for around six months before touch-ups would have to be implemented to maintain the desired lip plumpness.
The possible side effects associated with using the aforementioned cosmetic procedures and materials are irritation, swelling, pain, lumps, change in size and shape on the area where it was applied, and hardening of the area itself. However, consulting with reputable cosmetic surgeons and professionals ensures that such drastic changes are avoided. They are also able to tell determine and recommend the most suitable materials and procedures for a person who wants to get certain cosmetic procedures done on themselves.
Ultimately, the choice still lies in the client’s hands. Whether you go through these procedures for the sake of aesthetic or reconstruction, what matters is that you are knowledgeable and sure of what you’re getting into. On top of the reasons why you proceed with it is for your self-betterment, confidence, and satisfaction.