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Breast Implants

Breast Implants/Breast Augmentation is one of our most popular procedures. It enhances or restores natural breast volume.

Breast Implants

Breast implants also known as breast augmentation is one of our most popular surgical procedures. Breast implants can be made of saline or silicone and come in varying sizes. Implants are placed in the operating room under general anesthesia. The surgical time can be 1-3 hours and you are discharged home the same day.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for breast implants are otherwise healthy individuals with realistic expectations desiring to enhance or restore their natural breasts.

Considerations for Breast Implants

Types of Implants

  • Saline Implants – Filled with sterile salt water. In case of rupture, the body absorbs the fluid.

  • Silicone Implants – Filled with silicone gel. They feel more natural but require regular monitoring (MRI or ultrasound) to check for leaks.

  • ​Gummy Bear Implants – Form-stable silicone implants that retain shape even if the outer shell breaks.

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Size and Shape

  • Proportion to Body Frame – Implants should complement body shape and proportions.

  • Round vs. Teardrop (Anatomical) – Round implants provide more fullness at the top, while teardrop implants mimic natural breast shape.

  • Volume and Projection – Implants vary in how much they project from the chest, affecting overall appearance.

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Incision and Placement Options

Incision Locations:

  • Inframammary – Under the breast fold.

  • Periareolar – Around the areola.

  • Transaxillary – Through the armpit.

Placement Options:

  • Subglandular (over the muscle) – Faster recovery but may show rippling.

  • Submuscular (under the muscle) – More natural look, less rippling, but longer recovery.

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Risks and Complications

  • Capsular Contracture – Scar tissue forming around the implant, causing firmness or distortion.

  • Rupture or Leakage – Implants can break over time, requiring replacement.

  • Infection – Post-surgery infection risk.

  • Breast Pain and Numbness – Possible after surgery.

  • Implant Illness – Some report systemic symptoms, known as Breast Implant Illness (BII).

  • BIA-ALCL – A rare cancer linked to textured implants.

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Longevity and Maintenance

  • Implants are not lifetime devices; they typically last 10-20 years.

  • Regular check-ups and imaging are necessary to monitor implant condition.

Downtime

The downtime for breast augmentation can vary depending on the specific techniques used and the patient's individual healing process, You will need at least 5-7 days off (depending on job type; longer for physically demanding jobs) Rest is essential. Light walking is encouraged, but avoid strenuous activity. Expect soreness, swelling, and tightness. Prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers are typically needed for the first few days. Patients will need to sleep on their back, slightly elevated, to reduce swelling and avoid pressure on the chest.

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Key Considerations:

  • Desk Jobs: Return in 5-7 days.

  • Physical Jobs: 3-4 weeks off or more if heavy lifting is involved

  • Full Recovery: It can take 3-6 months for the implants to fully settle and scars to mature.

 

One to Two Weeks:

  • Return to Light Work: Most people can return to non-physical work after one week.

  • Driving: Resume driving after stopping narcotic pain medications (typically around day 5-7).

  • Light Activity: Walking is encouraged, but avoid lifting anything heavier than 5-10 pounds.

  • No Arm Lifting: Avoid raising your arms above your shoulders.

 

​Three to Four Weeks:

  • Light Exercise: Light lower body workouts can resume, but avoid chest exercises, running, or high-impact activities.

  • Gradual Return to Daily Tasks: Most normal activities (like shopping, light cleaning) can resume by week 3, but avoid heavy lifting.

  • Bra Support: Continue wearing a supportive or surgical bra.​

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Four to Six Weeks:

  • Resume Moderate Exercise: You can return to most types of physical activity, but chest-specific exercises should still be limited.

  • No Heavy Lifting: Avoid lifting anything heavier than 15-20 pounds until cleared by your surgeon.

  • Swimming/Hot Tubs: Usually allowed around 4-6 weeks if incisions are fully healed.

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Six to Eight Weeks:

  • Full Activity: Most patients can return to their normal exercise routines, including weightlifting and upper body workouts.

  • Final Stages of Healing: Implants continue to settle ("drop and fluff"), and swelling subsides significantly.

Alternative Treatments

  1. Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation (Natural Breast Augmentation): Fat is harvested from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks through liposuction. The fat is purified and injected into the breasts to enhance volume and shape.

  2. Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening tissue. A Breast lift can restore perkiness but does not increase volume.

  3. BodyTite: Radiofrequency-Assisted Lipolysis (RFAL): BodyTite uses radiofrequency energy to heat and tighten the skin and underlying tissue. BodyTite can be used on breasts, but it’s typically for breast tightening and lifting rather than significant augmentation or size increase.​​

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