What Is a Breast Implant?

A breast implant is a prosthesis used to enhance the size and projection of a patient’s breasts. This allows women with smaller breasts to increase the fullness and volume of their breasts. They are placed in the tissues of the chest during breast augmentation surgery.

The various characteristics of breast implants define their results, both in terms of look and feel. At The Plastic Surgery Group, our plastic surgeons will work with you to find the ideal breast implants for your body type and aesthetic goals.

Types of Breast Implants

A patient needs to decide the type of breast implant they want for their breast augmentation surgery. Breast implants are filled with either saline or silicone. Saline implants are recommended to patients who are at least 18 years old, while silicone gel implants are ideal for patients who are at least 22 years old.

Saline: Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They are FDA-approved and are typically less expensive than silicone implants. There are no restrictions when it comes to incision placement. The volume of these implants can be easily adjusted after they are inserted into the breasts. Saline implants are very safe, even when ruptured, since saline can be absorbed by the body naturally and safely.

Silicone: Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. They are FDA-approved and are pre-filled before insertion. They are often thought to have a more natural feel than saline implants.

Form-Stable Silicone (“Gummy Bear”): Form-stable silicone implants are FDA-approved implants with a more solid consistency than traditional silicone breast implants. They are firmer and retain their shape. The silicone does not leak from the shell when a rupture occurs, making them very safe.

Other Breast Implant Characteristics

Aside from the type of implant, the following factors should also be considered when selecting breast implants:

• Shape – The shape of breast implants can be round or teardrop (anatomical).
• Size – Breast implant sizes are measured in ccs instead of cup size.
• Profile – This refers to the projection of the implant and takes width and depth into account. Profile options include low, moderate, moderate plus, high, and ultra-high.
• Texture – The patient has two options for texture: smooth and textured breast implant shells.

Your Breast Implant Consultation

Your consultation with one of our skilled surgeons will involve discussing your goals and identifying the best breast implants to use, including the type, size, shape, profile, and texture. We use the Mentor® Volume Sizing System during consultations to help patients experience different breast sizes and identify their ideal breast size.

Once your ideal breast implants have been chosen, a surgical plan for your breast augmentation will be created and discussed with you. All questions will be answered during the consultation.

The Procedure

Breast implant surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, so the patient will be unconscious during the procedure. The surgeon will make an incision, typically in one of three locations: under the breast (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary). The choice of incision location depends on the patient’s anatomy and the type of implant being used.

The surgeon will create a pocket either behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or under the chest muscle (submuscular). The choice of placement depends on factors like implant type and body type. The implants are then inserted into the pockets. After the implants are placed, the incisions are closed using sutures.

Recovery After Breast Implant Surgery

The recovery period after your breast implant procedure depends on your body’s natural healing ability. You may experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort.

You will need someone to drive you home and assist with daily activities. You should rest and avoid strenuous activities during the recovery period. Pain and swelling are common during this period, but pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort.

For support throughout the healing process and to lessen swelling, you might need to wear a surgical bra. Within a week or two, the majority of patients are able to resume light activities and work. Heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks.

How Much Do Breast Implants Cost?

The cost of breast implants depends on the characteristics of the chosen implants. Manufacturer, model, and filling can all impact the overall price of the implants.

Contact Us to Learn More

Contact The Plastic Surgery Group to learn more about breast implants in Albany, NY. Our surgeons will be happy to answer any questions you may have during your personalized breast augmentation consultation.

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