Breast Implants FAQ
What are the various types of breast implants?
The two types of breast implants available are silicone gel and saline. These implants also have variations such as textured, smooth, high profile, round or teardrop.
What type of breast implants are safest?
Extensive testing has been done by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deeming both silicone and saline implants safe for breast augmentation surgery. Yet, there are always risks and complications associated with all procedures. A qualified plastic surgeon can determine which type of breast implants are right for you.
What did the FDA base their approval of silicone implants on?
The FDA conducted a 14-year study testing silicone breast implants. Their findings indicated that silicone has no negative effects on the body; therefore, the conclusion was that it is safe to use this type of implant for breast enlargement surgery.
How long do silicone breast implants last? How long do saline implants last? Do breast implants expire?
Breast augmentation results are long-lasting.
Do breast implants require any kind of maintenance?
No, breast implants do not require maintenance. However, it is important to know that they may need to be replaced in the future.
How do silicone breast implants compare to saline breast implants?
The most obvious difference between silicone gel and saline breast implants is that the size of silicone implants is filled after they are placed in the breasts, while saline implants are pre-filled. Additionally, it is said that silicone gel breast implants provides a more natural look and feel.
Why is the age requirement for silicone implants higher than for saline implants?
Although there is no clear answer as to why this requirement was implemented, it is believed that it may be because of maturity level. Even though silicone gel breast implants are safe, there is still a great deal of paperwork that needs to be filled out prior to the surgery.
How much do silicone breast implants cost compared to saline implants?
According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), in 2007 the national average cost of breast implants were as follows: silicone was $4,087, and saline was $3,690. This represents physician/surgeon fees only and does not account for pricing of the surgical facility, anesthesia, and other surgical costs.
What do implants feel like once they're inside the body? Once implanted, do they make noises like sloshing, squeaking, etc.?
Once implants are placed within your body, they should feel no different than your own breasts. During the first few months, you may experience soreness or numbness, but that should subside.
What are the symptoms of a ruptured breast implant?
With both silicone gel and saline breast implants, rupture may be noticed by loss of breast size and shape. Additionally, silicone gel breast implant patients may experience hard knots, pain, tenderness, swelling, and numbness.
Do breast implants get hard over time?
There is a possibility of breast implants becoming hard over time. There is no set timeline as to when or if this will happen.
Can my implants be enlarged or adjusted after the surgery?
If you have saline breast implants, your plastic surgeon may be able to inflate the implants to a larger size. But, with silicone implants, they will have to be completely taken out and replaced with the new size that you desire.
Can bacteria or fungus get inside of the implant once it is placed in my body?
With any surgical procedure there is a chance of infection occurring. Once the breast implant is placed inside the body, the chances lessen. If a patient follows her physician's pre- and post-operative instructions carefully, the risk of bacteria and/or fungus decreases.
What is "bottoming out," "capsular contracture," and "malposition/displacement," and how do those conditions affect breast implants surgery?
Bottoming out, capsular contracture, and malposition/displacement all refer to implants moving within the breast. If this happens, a secondary surgery to remove and replace the implants will to be performed.