For women who want larger, fuller breasts, breast implants are a safe, highly successful way to get the breast size they’ve always wanted. 

Three types of breast implants

There are three types of breast implants available in the United States today: 

• Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel
• Saline breast implants are filled with saline (sterile saltwater)
• New structured, saline-filled implant (Ideal Implant) that combines the natural look and feel of silicone gel with the safety and peace of mind of saline (not eligible for my special pricing)

For more information on breast augmentation, download our free fact sheet!

Are breast implants safe?

Silicone: In 1992, the FDA restricted the use of silicone breast implants and allowed only women having breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery to get them. For the next 14 years, women who wanted breast augmentation could only receive saline breast implants. In 2006, after reviewing research and finding no connection between silicone implants and disease, the FDA once again approved the sale of silicone breast implants.

Saline: If the implant shell leaks, a saline implant will simply collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.

Structured: Approved by the FDA and Health Canada in 2014, the structured, saline-filled IDEAL IMPLANT has undergone 10 years of development, testing and refinement, including the clinical expertise of numerous plastic surgeons. 

The risks of breast implants

Although both silicone and saline breast implants are both considered safe, there are some risks associated with each. While studies have not found evidence that breast implants, either silicone or saline, are connected with serious disease, there are still risks.

Here are some of the breast implant safety issues you might want to consider.

• Ruptures. Ruptures are a risk with either silicone or saline breast implants. 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 that has leaked out.
• The need for further surgeries. Over time, breast implants can wear out and might need to be replaced. The FDA estimates that breast implants should last at least ten years, but studies have shown that some breast implants last  longer, and others less.
• Change in breast shape. Breast implants can also change shape over time, causing one breast to look different from the other. One reason for this is that sometimes, the tissue around the implant hardens, requiring surgery.

Are you a good candidate for breast augmentation?

The best candidates for breast implant surgery are women who have all the facts they need to make an informed decision, fully understand what the surgery involves and its limitations, and have realistic expectations.

Besides improving a woman’s confidence, self-esteem and body image, the most common reasons for breast augmentation are:

• Small breasts
• Asymmetrical breasts
• Drooping or sagging breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Changes in breast size or shape due to weight loss
• Reconstruction after surgery to treat breast cancer
• Cosmetic improvements after breast reconstruction

During a no-fee consultation with me, I will assess the current appearance of your breasts, your reasons for wanting surgery, and your expectations. Then together, we will decide which options will bring you the results you’re looking for.

Considering breast augmentation?

If you are thinking about having breast implant surgery and would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact me and I will send you additional information prior to your appointment. I will assess the current appearance of your breasts, your reasons for wanting surgery, and your expectations. Then together, we will decide which options will bring you the results you’re looking for.

Seeing is believing

To see unretouched “before and after” photos of actual patients of mine who have had successful breast augmentation, please visit the Breast Augmentation page in the Photo Gallery section of my website.

If you already have breast implants, please come see me

If it has been a few years (or more) since your breast augmentation surgery, it’s important to get them checked. I highly recommend doing this once a year. Please make an appointment to come in and see me so I can check for any problems. 

More information on 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.