Types of Breast Implants
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Boston, MA
A breast implant is a medical device that is inserted into the breasts to enhance their shape, symmetry, and volume. A breast implant is used in breast augmentation, a procedure that enhances the breasts through the use of implants. Breast implants are available in a range of sizes, normally measured in cubic centimeters. Implants are available from 180cc to 800cc, with most patients choosing a size between 210cc to 650cc. (1) Breast augmentations are one of the most popular procedures in the country, with hundreds of thousands of people undergoing breast augmentations each year. (2)
Dr. Jeffrey Lee is a Harvard-educated, double-board-certified plastic surgeon at JL Plastic Surgery. Dedicated to his craft, Dr. Lee has published numerous journals and book chapters while giving presentations and lectures about plastic surgery. Patients can feel confident that they are receiving the highest level of care, as safety is our number one priority.
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Lee at our Boston office, please call (617) 340-2822 or complete our online contact form. A member of our team will respond as soon as possible.
To learn more about other procedures offered at JL Plastic Surgery, please read Dr. Lee’s blog!
Contents
Before and After Photos
About the Types of Breast Implants
Breast implants are medical devices that can be inserted into the chest during a breast augmentation procedure to enhance the shape, volume, and structure of the breast. There are two main types of breast implants we offer at JL Plastic Surgery: silicone and saline. Both implants have unique benefits and are designed to help restore the shape and contour of the breasts.
Implants may also arrive with a smooth or textured outer shell, although smooth implants are by far more popular.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants consist of a biocompatible silicone shell filled with a cohesive gel. Silicone implants look and feel like natural breast tissue. Patients with thinner skin may be recommended for silicone implants as they are less prone to visible rippling. Silicone implants can either be round or tear-shaped, although round is much more popular. Gummy bear implants are composed of a more cohesive silicone gel and are designed to hold their shape while allowing for natural movement. These implants are the most popular as the cohesive nature prevents any silicone from leaking in the event of a rupture.
Saline Implants
Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with a sterile saline solution. These implants can be inserted pre-filled or empty. These implants are designed to be filled to a variety of sizes, creating a fully customizable experience for each patient. (1)
Benefits of Breast Implants
There are a variety of reconstructive and cosmetic benefits to receiving breast implants. Women who have undergone a mastectomy may undergo a breast augmentation to correct any trauma, injury, or deformities in the breasts. Patients who are unsatisfied with the shape, volume, symmetry, or elasticity of the breasts may also choose to undergo this procedure to improve their confidence.
Candidates for Breast Implants
The best candidates for breast implants are individuals who are:
- Interested in enhancing the shape and symmetry of the breasts
- Experiencing deformities to the breast caused by injury or trauma
- Looking for breast reconstruction after having undergone a mastectomy
- Interested in improving the effects of breast ptosis as well as other signs and symptoms of aging
In addition, all candidates interested in breast augmentation with implants should be in good general health with no underlying medical conditions that may potentially impact healing. Candidates should be prepared to quit smoking before the procedure, if applicable.
To find out if you are a candidate for breast implants, please call our Boston office at (617) 340-2822 or complete our contact form, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.
Preparation
Before the procedure, Dr. Lee will medically examine each patient to confirm their health condition and medical history. A set of tailored preparation instructions will be prepared for each patient to ensure they are properly informed before undergoing their treatment. We may ask that patients cease the use of certain medications or supplements like fish oil or vitamin E. Patients who smoke will be asked to stop smoking before the procedure and refrain from tobacco or nicotine use until fully healed. They should also avoid alcohol consumption and make arrangements for time off of work and transportation to and from their breast augmentation procedure.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
This procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia before an incision is made. The placement of the incision and other methodology used in the procedure is dependent upon multiple factors, such as the patient’s unique anatomy and their ideal breast image.
Potential incision placements are the inframammary crease (the fold beneath the breast) or periareolar incisions (around the areola/nipple complex). Once the incision is made, a pocket is created to place the implant in. The placement can either be subfascial or submuscular. Subfascial placement is when the implant is placed above the pectoral muscle and beneath the mammary glands and the muscle fascia. Submuscular placement methods place the implant underneath the pectoral muscle. (1) Implant placement is dependent upon a discussion held between Dr. Lee and each patient at their consultation. Understanding each patient’s unique anatomy and final breast appearance goals will guide incision and placement methods.
Patients are typically placed under general anesthesia or sedation, and patients are released on the same day as their treatment. This procedure typically takes anywhere between 60 to 90 minutes to perform, depending on the discussed treatment plan.
Keller Funnel “No Touch” Technique
Dr. Lee has adopted the use of specialized techniques and practices to help ensure the best outcomes possible for his patients. One of these practices is the use of the Keller Funnel “no touch” technique. This technique utilizes a tool that helps insert silicone implants into the body using a smaller incision than traditional techniques. The risk of any bacteria transferring to the implants is minimized as Dr. Lee will not need to directly touch the implant itself. By decreasing the risk of transmitted bacteria, the risk of complications during recovery, such as capsular contraction or infection, is decreased as well. (4)
Recovery & Results
Following the procedure, patients are expected to take 4-7 days off from work and any social commitments to rest. Patients should follow any instructions given by Dr. Lee or another member of our staff to ensure the best outcome. There may be swelling and discomfort experienced at the treatment site, but these effects can be managed through the use of prescribed pain medications. Most patients can return to their daily routines within a week but should refrain from more strenuous physical activity for 6 weeks or until approved by Dr. Lee. Over the following 8-12 weeks, the implants will gradually settle into a normal position on the chest.
Patients will be able to enjoy the full results of their newly sculpted chest around 3-6 months after the procedure. Any scarring left will fade as you continue to heal. Patients will be able to enjoy more voluminous and symmetrical breasts. The results of breast augmentation are long-lasting, with patients reporting high levels of satisfaction and restored confidence.
Corresponding Procedures
Many women receiving breast implants will also undergo a mastopexy, better known as a breast lift. These procedures are particularly effective at reducing the effects of breast ptosis. By removing excess skin on the breasts and tightening underlying muscles, aged, deflated, drooping breasts are raised to a higher position and sculpted to a rejuvenated, youthful appearance. This procedure can be combined with breast augmentation to increase the volume and adjust the shape of the breasts while simultaneously giving them a younger, perkier appearance.
Cost of Breast Implants in Boston
The cost of breast augmentation and breast implants can depend on several factors, as each procedure is fully customized to each patient. The total pricing of the treatment plan will be discussed at each patient’s consultation once our team has a better understanding of the patient’s ideal procedure outcome.
We are currently partnered with multiple reputable financing companies to help our patients break down the cost of their procedure into affordable monthly payments.
Our knowledgeable team can help answer any questions you may have regarding our accepted payment methods or financing options.
To understand the cost of your breast augmentation and begin planning your treatment, please schedule a consultation. If you have any questions, please call (617) 340-2822 to get the information you need.
FAQ
What are the different types of breast implants?
Breast implants come in two main types: silicone or saline. Silicone implants are filled with a gel and are enclosed in a silicone shell. These are sometimes referred to as “gummy bear implants” due to their consistency. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water.
What type of breast implant is right for me?
The type of breast implant you receive will be discussed at your consultation. Silicone implants more closely mimic the natural feel of breast tissue. Saline implants can be placed with slightly smaller incisions but do not achieve an accurate breast feel. Your implant choice will depend on your anatomy, ideal breast image, and procedure preferences.
Are there any risks associated with breast implants?
Capsular contracture, implant rupture or leakage, incision infection, and implant rejection are the main risks associated with breast implants. By following your preparation and recovery instructions, you can minimize your risk of complications.
Is breast augmentation painful?
Patients do not feel any pain during the procedure because of anesthesia. Some soreness and tenderness around the breasts are common during recovery.
References
- Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Lotter L, Zucal I, Brébant V, et al. Intraoperative 3D Comparison of Round and Anatomical Breast Implants: Dispelling a Myth. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021;11(1):149. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11010149
- Suat Morkuzu, Ozdemir M, Leach GA, Muholan Kanapathy, Afshin Mosahebi, Reid CM. Keller Funnel Efficacy in “No Touch” Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction: A Systematic Review. 2022;10(11):e4676-e4676. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004676