Suzie M Wants To Know: This is a little bit embarrassing, but I’d like to know how to tell when someone has had a boob job. My friends think they can spot fake ones a mile away, but I’m not so sure. Are there any technical tip offs that we should know about?
The Right Boob, uh, I mean Brain, Replies:
We’re cosmetic scientists, not cosmetic surgeons, but we did some research on breast enlargement surgery and we think we can help on this one. A lot of this information is common sense, but we’ve tried to look at this as scientifically as possible.
First let’s point out that factors such as body type, original breast size and shape, and type and placement of the implant are important in the resulting appearance. And of course, don’t underestimate the skill and experience of the surgeon. Having said that, there are a few key things to look for when deciding if someone’s breasts are Real or Real Expensive.
In the interest of good taste, we’ll limit this discussion to observations you can make on a woman who’s fully clothed and not talk about how you can tell from touching them or from things you could see on a naked breast, like scars.
1) Size
While size alone can’t tell you if breasts have been augmented or not, it certainly is an important factor. Pay attention to whether or not a woman’s breasts look disproportionate to her body. If they look too big and you want to know if they’re fake, consider the rest of the visual cues listed below.
2) Shape
Is the shape too perfect? If so, they might be fake since the majority of natural breasts aren’t perfect orbs. Furthermore, real breasts are not exactly identical, so if they look like perfect twins they might be artificial. Also look for too much roundness as opposed to a more relaxed pear-like shape. Natural breasts have a natural sliding curve line from top to bottom. They slope down gradually. Implants tend to have a much higher arc as you look from top to bottom. Firm appearance is another cue; augmented breasts can look more like solid muscle.
3) Placement
Vertical placement: Look at where the breast are positioned on her chest. Breasts are naturally found at about armpit height. Frequently, implants are placed too high on the chest. This is particularly noticeable if she’s not wearing a bra. Horizontal placement: look at the spacing between the breasts. If they’re more than a fist’s width apart, they might be fake. If the surgeon didn’t properly scrape the pectoral tendons, the implants may not be spaced close enough together.
4) Movement
Real breasts are mostly fat, which gives them a jiggle quality; implants don’t move that way. Look at the way her breasts shift (or don’t shift) when she she reaches back or stretches. If they maintain the same dimensions, instead of flattening out, then they’re probably fake. Observe how they follow her body movements, particularly when she’s moving and swinging her arms. Watch how they behave as she bends over, you should see them fall if they’re real. If you’re looking at someone at who’s laying down at the beach or the pool or whatever, see if her breasts naturally fall to the side or if they unnaturally stick up.
5) Other Visual Cues
Depending on what she`s wearing, you might be able to see some additional visual cues like the shape and location of her nipples. A bad boob job may put them too high, too low, or not pointing in the same direction. You might also be able to catch a glimpse of stretch marks that could be a byproduct of the surgery. (Of course, stretch marks can also occur naturally from weight gain and loss.)
Take the Quiz
Think you’ve got it now? Then take this online quiz on Augmentation Mammoplasty. You get to guess if 30 different pairs of breasts are natural or augmented. Good luck!
FAQs
Most women's breasts have 2 or 3 inches of space in the middle, but implants narrow the gap. “If it looks like her breasts are touching in the middle, they're likely fake.” If they're set too high on the chest, instead of around where the armpits are, they're probably implants.
How can you tell if a woman has had a boob job? ›
Side line: When viewed from the side, natural breasts tend to have more volume in their lower half (you can thank gravity for that). Fake breasts often look as full on top as on the bottom. Pointers: Most nipples point straight ahead or slightly up—but if an implant is too big, it could make the nipples tip downward.
Can people tell if you have implants? ›
They don't want everyone privy to this. Rest assured. For most women, no one in your office will notice. Even if you go with a significant augmentation, if you wear clothes that are not form fitting, it is very unlikely that anyone will detect the change.
Can you feel if someone has breast implants? ›
However, when the implants are placed properly, it will be difficult to feel anything. Breast implants may look more obvious on people who are naturally very thin with very little padding on the chest. Many people consider any type of implants to feel slightly harder than actual breast tissue.
How do you detect breast implants? ›
Diagnostic imaging studies such as mammography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging are used to evaluate implant integrity, detect abnormalities of the implant and its surrounding capsule, and detect breast conditions unrelated to implants.
What do breasts look like after implant? ›
Immediately after your breast augmentation, you can expect your breasts to be swollen, have a “tight” appearance, and sit higher on your chest. This is all normal and expected.
What do guys think about girls with breast implants? ›
For many men, the self-consciousness of breast implants is a remarkable, and I think legitimate, turn-on. To them it feels like an offering. "You can't deny the power of it," a buddy told me of sleeping with his girlfriend now that she's had augmentation.
Do men care if a woman has breast implants? ›
It's a 50/50 split. The reasons why some men may like or dislike breast implants in women they are pursuing varies as well. You should feel comfortable in your own skin and make this decision for yourself first.
Can a man feel breast implants? ›
Some men will say that they notice no difference, while others may claim that the implants feel a bit different and unnatural. There is no definitive answer when it comes to wondering if breast implants feel real for men or not. Instead, it will depend on the individual and their own experiences.
How many years do breast implants last? ›
You can expect your breast implants to last at least 10 years after your surgery. For many recipients of breast implants, these devices also last far longer than that duration and might go up to 20 years. For some patients, implants can also cross that duration and last for more than 20 years.
"One of the first things I tell them is 'This implant is not permanent and it will inevitably fail and have to be changed. ' It's remarkable how many people aren't aware of that." Did you know that implants don't last a lifetime? Or that one quarter of all women will have a "redo" surgery within five years?
How hard can you squeeze breast implants? ›
Today's “5th generation” silicone implants can withstand up to 300 lbs. of pressure. Many patients ask us what it would take to break a breast implant: can contact sports, a car accident, a mammogram, or an overzealous partner cause a rupture?
How can you tell the difference between real and fake breast implants? ›
Differences include: Appearance: Implants offer a more consistent look, while natural breasts may vary in size and shape. Texture: Silicon feels firmer and less natural compared to the softer texture of real breasts. Maintenance: Implants need care and may need replacement, unlike natural breasts.
Are breast implants visible on chest xray? ›
Implants do not usually interfere with reading chest X-rays, but older implants or those with thickened capsules may be obvious (Figure 1.) Figure 1. Chest X-ray showing bilateral implants. More subtle implant appearances can cause diagnostic uncertainty.
Can guys tell if you have breast implants? ›
The size increase, the material used, and the profile of the breast lift can all be a factor in how “noticeable” your implants are. There is no way to tell and most modest increases in breast size will not be as readily noticeable as a 4 letter jump in cup size.
How long do breast implants last? ›
Well, today's breast implants last on average anywhere between 10 to 20 years, with some women having their implants beyond 20 years. It's important to note that breast implants do not come with an expiration date or a shelf life. The FDA does not consider breast implants to be lifetime devices.
