Like Goldilocks, some women think their breasts are too big. Others think they’re too small. And amazingly, a small minority of women think their breasts are just right. For women who want larger, fuller breasts, breast implants are a safe, highly successful way to get the breast size they’ve always wanted. For more information on breast augmentation, download our free fact sheet!
I offer three types of breast implants, all of them safe
- Silicone breast implants—filled with silicone gel.
- Saline breast implants—filled with saline (sterile saltwater).
- Natrelle® gummy breast implants—filled with silicone gel. Choose from five profiles (low to extra full), four degrees of fullness (minimal to maximum) and three levels of cohesivity (gumminess).
Most women—and most plastic surgeons, myself included—prefer the look and feel of silicone implants rather than saline. Silicone implants are generally considered to look and feel more like real breast tissue, while saline implants are more prone to cause rippling of the skin. Women are also reporting high satisfaction rates with the new gummy versions because they can choose the size and shape of their implants for a more customized, unique look.
Which type of implant is best: silicone, saline or gummy?
In my opinion, the answer is unique to each patient. It highly depends on how a woman feels about a host of issues, such as look, feel, cost, monitoring for silicone gel implant rupture, size of incisions, the potential need to replace the implants, pre-operative breast size and the desired post-operative size and shape. Your plastic surgeon may have a preference for one type of breast implant over another. For my patients, before deciding on which type, I always take into consideration:
- a woman’s body type
- her age
- the current size of her breasts
How much does breast augmentation cost?
One of the first questions my patients ask me when they’re considering getting breast augmentation is how much it will cost. My answer is that there is no one standard price. Every woman’s breasts are unique, and the results she is seeking from breast augmentation surgery are specific to her. That’s why I determine the exact cost of the procedure after I have met with the patient, evaluated her breasts and body type, overall physical condition and her personal goals and expectations. Then together, we will decide what type of procedure will achieve the best possible results. If you are a good candidate for breast augmentation without a breast lift or other surgery, you may qualify for our special pricing. For further pricing details, please contact me.
What Are the Risks Of Breast Implants?
Although silicone, saline and gummy gel breast implants are all considered safe, there are some risks associated with each. While studies have not found evidence that breast implants, either silicone, saline or gummy, are connected with serious disease, there are still risks. There are also long-term implications. Here are some of the breast implant safety issues that you need to consider.
- Ruptures
Ruptures are a risk with either silicone or saline breast. Ruptures might be caused by a surgical error, a fall or (very rarely) the pressure exerted on the breast during a mammogram.If a saline breast implant breaks, all that leaks out is saltwater which is harmlessly absorbed into the body. When a silicone breast implant breaks, the leaking silicone stays in your body and can sometimes spread outside the breast and into lymph nodes. Studies have not found that this results in any increased risk of disease. If a silicone implant ruptures, your physician will probably recommend removing the implant and any loose silicone. - The need for further surgeries
Over time, breast implants wear out and need to be replaced. In general, a rupture becomes more likely as breast implants age. The FDA estimates that breast implants should last at least ten years, but studies have shown that some breast implants last much longer than that, and others less. - Change in breast shape
Also over time, breast implants can change shape. One breast might start to look very different from the other. This is because sometimes, the tissue around the implant hardens, requiring surgery.
Choosing The Right Breast Implant For You
Whether you want to enlarge small or underdeveloped breasts, or breasts that have decreased in size after you have had children, getting breast implants is a safe, highly proven way to get the breast size you’ve always wanted. The vast majority of the 300,000 women who get breast implants every year are satisfied with their decision and with how their breasts look and feel. While some women may be concerned about health risks, research has generally not found any association between breast implants and adverse health effects.
If you are thinking about having breast implants, your initial step should be to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing successful breast implant surgeries. Whenever I have a patient seeking breast implants, I make sure that they thoroughly understand the benefits and risks of this specialized surgery. (For more information, please see my Breast Augmentation webpage.) As I always say, the more you know, the more confident you will feel in your decision and the happier you will be with the results.
If you are interested in breast implants
If you are thinking about having breast implant surgery and would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact me. I will send you additional information prior to your appointment. During our meeting, I will answer any questions you may have, assess your breasts, your reasons for wanting surgery and your expectations. Then together, we will decide which option would be the best one for you.
Want to know more about breast implant surgery?
You might also find these pages helpful on my website:
- Breast Procedures
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Lift
- Breast Reconstruction
- Breast Reduction
- Breast Revision
Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Samuel J. Beran, MD is a highly accomplished plastic surgeon with offices in Manhattan, Harrison and Mount Kisco, NY. With more than 20 years’ experience and a thorough command of the most advanced techniques and technologies, Dr. Beran consistently provides his patients with the highest level of plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, face, skin and body. Recently, Dr. Beran was named a “Top Doctor” by RealSelf for his dedication to responding to consumer questions and patient feedback. The “Top Doctor” designation is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf physician community.
