Breast implants are medical devices (prostheses) used in cosmetic surgery to enlarge or reconstruct the breasts. They can be filled with sterile saline or silicone gel and are placed under the breast tissue or pectoral muscle to improve the shape, size, and contour of the breasts. The breast augmentation procedure with implants is popular for correcting breast asymmetry, restoring volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, but also for improving self-esteem and body image.
Breast augmentation surgery can also be found under the name of augmentation mammoplasty or breast augmentation surgery with implant.
Types of breast implants
According to The American Association of Plastic Surgeons, there are several types of breast implants:
- Breast implants with saline: Breast implants with saline are filled with sterile salt water. If the implant shell cracks, the saline implant will deflate and the serum will be absorbed and eliminated naturally by the body. These saline implants provide an even shape, firmness, and natural feel.
- Silicone breast implants: Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels more like natural breast tissue. If the implant cracks, the gel may remain inside the implant shell or leak into the breast implant pocket. A cracked implant filled with silicone gel will not deflate. If you choose silicone implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are working properly.
- Anatomical or gummy bear breast implants: Shape-stable implants are sometimes referred to as anatomical gummy bear implants because they hold their shape even when the implant shell is broken. The consistency of the silicone gel inside the implant is thicker than that of traditional silicone gel implants. These implants are also firmer than traditional implants.
- Round breast implants: Round breast implants tend to make the breasts appear fuller than shape-stable implants. Because round implants are the same shape everywhere, there are fewer concerns about them rotating out of place.
- Smooth breast implants: Smooth breast implants have the softest feel. They can move in the breast implant pocket, which can provide a more natural movement. Smooth implants can sometimes have palpable or visible ripples under the skin.
- Textured breast implants: Textured breast implants develop scar tissue to stick to the implant, making them less likely to move inside the breast and reposition. Texturing provides an advantage in reducing the risk of a tight scar capsule forming.
It is important to note that breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma most commonly occurs in patients who have breast implants with textured surfaces. Discuss all the benefits and risks of your breast implant procedure with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Understanding all the potential risk factors will help you make a better decision that is best for you and your health.
Types of incisions in breast augmentation surgery
- Incision in the inframammary fold: The surgeon makes a cut on the lower part of the breast, in the natural fold of the skin, where he places the implant. The scar may be a little more noticeable if the patient is younger, thin, and has not had children.
- Incision under the arm: The implant can be placed through a cut under the arm. The surgeon may use an endoscope and an instrument with a camera, inserted through the cut. There will be no scar around the breast, but there may be a visible scar on the lower arm.
- Periareolar incision: The surgeon makes a cut around the edge of the areola, the dark area around the nipple. The implant is placed through this opening. The patient may have several problems with breastfeeding and loss of sensation around the nipple. There is a higher risk of capsular contracture, where scar tissue causes the breast to become hard or deformed.
- Transumbilical incision: A saline implant may be placed through a cut near the navel. An endoscope is used to move the implant to the breast area, where it is filled with saline once it is placed.
Benefits of breast implants
Many people want breast augmentation surgery. The most common reasons why people resort to breast implants are:
- Restoring the previous size of the breasts: The breasts can decrease in size after pregnancy, weight loss or aging.
- Correction of asymmetrical breasts (different sizes or shapes): Asymmetry of the breasts is common, but it can be more prominent if you have tissue damage in one of your breasts before you go through puberty.
- Gender affirmation: Breasts can help you accurately express your gender identity.
- Increased confidence: Breast implants can help you improve your self-esteem and body image.
- Breast restoration after a mastectomy (breast removal). In women who have had their breasts removed due to cancer or any other serious health condition, breast implants restore feminine features and help them feel complete.
You may also be interested in: Mastectomy or breast cancer surgery.
Risks associated with breast implants
- Loss of sensation in the nipple area: It is possible to experience partial or total loss of sensation in the nipple area.
- Small scars: The surgery can leave small scars, usually in an area where they are not very visible.
- Thickened, raised scars: In some cases, scars can become thickened and raised, affecting the aesthetic appearance.
- Uneven positioning of the nipples: After surgery, the nipples may have an uneven position.
- Rupture or leakage of the implant: Breast implants may rupture or leak fluid.
- Pain after breast implant: Many women may experience pain after breast implantation, which can range from mild to severe and may require proper medical management.
- Visible implant ripples: Visible ripples may appear under the skin, affecting the aesthetic appearance.
- Need for additional surgeries: Additional surgeries may be needed to correct problems that arise after the breast implant.
- Difficulty breastfeeding: Some women are able to breastfeed successfully after breast enlargement. For others, however, breastfeeding is a challenge.
You may also be interested in: Breast implants and breastfeeding or Breast implant after pregnancy.
What are you not allowed to do after a ”boob job”?
- Don’t lift heavy objects: Avoid lifting heavy objects for about 2 weeks after putting on silicones. Lifting weights can overload the chest muscles and cause complications such as bleeding, bruising, or displacement of implants.
- Don’t engage in strenuous activities: Avoid strenuous activities like running, jumping, or aerobics for 4 to 6 weeks. They can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Don’t smoke or use nicotine: Smoking and using nicotine products can seriously affect healing and increase the risk of complications after putting on silicones. Nicotine restricts blood flow, affecting the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the surgery site.
- Don’t sleep on your stomach: Sleeping on your stomach can put pressure on your incisions, leading to unsightly scarring and displacement of implants. Sleep in a semi-reclined position or use pillows to support yourself until you heal completely.
- Don’t neglect proper wound care: Proper wound care is essential for preventing infections and speeding up the recovery process after breast implants. Keep the surgery site clean and dry and avoid touching the incisions.
- Do not expose incisions to water: Keep incisions dry during the recovery period. Avoid immersing the incisions in water until you are completely healed to reduce the risk of infection. This includes avoiding bathrooms, swimming pools, hot tubs, and other water sources.
- Don’t wear bras or wire swimsuits: Avoid wearing bras or wire swimsuits for at least 4-6 weeks after putting on silicones. The wire can put pressure on the surgery site, leading to swelling, pain, and even displacement of the implants. Opt for loose clothing and soft sports bras.
- Don’t ignore signs of complications: Monitor your recovery from breast implants closely and report any signs of complications to your surgeon immediately, such as fever, redness, swelling, or discharge from the incision site.
Recommendations from Soma Clinic
- If you decide to remove your implants, you may need a breast lift or other corrective surgery to restore the appearance of your breasts. Read our article on Mastopexy or breast lift without implant.
- There is no guarantee that breast implants will last a lifetime. The average lifespan of an implant is about 10 years, and implant rupture is a possibility. Also, your breasts will continue to age, and factors such as weight gain or weight loss could change the way they look.
- Mammograms could be more complicated. If you have breast implants, in addition to routine mammograms, you will need additional, specialized consultations.
- The insurance does not cover breast implants. Unless medically necessary — such as after a mastectomy for breast cancer — breast augmentation is not covered by insurance. Be prepared to manage your expenses, including related surgeries or future imaging tests.
- Screening for silicone implant rupture is recommended. Some institutions recommend routine monitoring with a breast MRI five to six years after placement to detect silicone breast implant rupture. Then, an MRI of the breasts is recommended every two to three years. Ultrasound can be an alternative screening method – unless you have symptoms. Talk to your plastic surgeon about the specific type of imaging needed for routine monitoring of your implants.
- Your doctor may adjust certain medications before surgery. For example, it’s important to avoid aspirin or other medications that can increase bleeding.
How much does a breast implant cost?
The price of breast implant surgery varies depending on several factors, and there is no universal fixed cost. It is established following a consultation, where the type of surgery and breast prosthesis is decided. At Soma Clinic, the final cost includes all the necessary services: preoperative tests, hospitalization, surgery, prostheses, bra and postoperative check-ups for 5 years. Thus, there are no hidden costs, and patients are informed in advance about all expenses.
For more details about costs, go to: price – breast augmentation.
How long does breast augmentation surgery take?
Breast augmentation surgery generally takes between one and two hours. The exact duration may vary depending on the complexity of the individual case and the surgical technique used. The procedure involves general anesthesia and may require additional time for preoperative preparation and immediate postoperative recovery.
Breast implant exchange
Breast implants, whether filled with saline or silicone, are not meant to last forever. Over time, implants can undergo changes, such as tears or leaks, hardening, or shifting in the breast pocket. These changes can lead to discomfort, changes in the appearance of the breasts, or even health problems such as infection or implant migration.
Dr. Nicoleta Ferariu recently underwent a breast implant replacement operation. The video explains the details and steps involved in this procedure, providing essential information for those considering such an intervention.
