#1 They’re not always filled with saline

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Photo: Mean Girls / Paramount Pictures

Medical advancements have come a long way when it comes to breast implants. The common implants all of us have in mind are the transparent, saline-filled ones. They’re more natural to the touch, but not quite when it comes to the anatomy.

The implants of choice these days are made of cohesive gel (which feel kinda like gummy bears), when in the case of a tear or rupture, does not “deflate” or leak into the body. They’re also able to manufacture them into anatomically correct shapes, like teardrop shape to resemble natural breasts.

#2 There are many ways to insert an implant

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Photo: Pitch Perfect 2/ Universal Pictures

There used to be four ways where the implant can enter the body – through the armpit. under the breasts, from the nipples and through the navel. The last method is hardly utilised these days as it is hard ensure the symmetry of the implants.

There is also the option of placing the implant above or under the pectoral muscles. Typically, most people opt for subglandular (below the breast tissue and above the muscles) as it heals faster and causes less discomfort while healing, but submuscular implants (below the muscles) are a better option for those who lack breast tissue. Submuscular implants would look more natural for these people.

#3 They can rupture if you’re not careful

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Photo: Mean Girls / Paramount Pictures

Most women who have implants are advised not to practice contact sports. There is also the unfortunate incident where an Australian woman had a kangaroo launch off her chest, causing multiple broken ribs and a ruptured breast implant. Although this incident is uncommon, one should always be careful – harnesses that go across the chest could cause potential problems when doing high-impact activities like bungee jumping, or speed boating.

However, regular activities like riding an airplane isn’t going to affect the breast implants unless the integrity of the implant had been compromised prior to the change in atmospheric pressure.

#4 You’ll have to revamp your wardrobe

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Photo: 2 Broke Girls / CBS

Obviously, your old bras aren’t going to fit and depending on the size of implant, could affect your regular clothes as well. Shirts and blouses that looked professional and office-friendly could end up bursting at the buttons or gaping.

But fret not, an added boost in chest measurements do give women new-found confidence when shopping for new clothes – figure-hugging dresses now flatter you, or your bottom-heavy figure now looks proportionate. It’s a whole new ball game when finding clothes that flatter you, but whatever it is, find joy in being able to wear clothes you previously couldn’t, and experiment with different looks.

#5 They don’t droop or change much unlike natural breasts…

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Photo: Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23 / ABC

… which can be both good or bad. Breast tissues behave in ways which can be hard for implants to mimic. This means they don’t have the “drop” which natural breasts have, but this gravity-defying feat also means that they will look better in the long run when natural breasts suffer drooping and sagging with age.