Breast Implants

Not Recommended For Breast Implants

Breast implants are not recommended for patients that suffer from any type of infection in the body, women who are breast feeding or pregnant and women battling cancer.

Discharge From Hospital

Usually overnight stay is not required

Duration Of Operation

Around 1 hour

Minimum Stay

5 to 7 days

Overview

Breast implant surgery, also known as a “boob job” is a type of breast augmentation in which a prosthesis is used to change the shape, size and texture of a woman’s breast.

Preparation

The patient should not take any medications containing aspirin, vitamin E, anti inflammatory medication or ibuprofen for at least 10 days before the surgery. Smoking is prohibited for at least 2 weeks before and after the surgery as it can interfere with the anaesthesia. Alcohol is prohibited at least 1 week before and after the surgery.

Recovery

The patient can usually return to work and normal activities in around 5-7 days. Physical exercise is allowed around 2-3 weeks after surgery. During the recovery period the patient will be provided with a medical bra and a set of instructions from the doctor. These instructions need to be followed very carefully in order to ensure the success of the procedure.

Scars After Surgery

Scars depend heavily on the area where the incision will be made. Scars made in the inframammary fold will fade away in a couple of months but they will never disappear completely.

Risks

A 2017 survey on breast implant complications sets the rate at around 2%. Complications can include:
● Developing capsule contracture 
● Difficulty in breast feeding 
● Implant ruptures 
● Breast ptosis 

Side Effects

The patient may feel nausea from general anaesthesia, inflammation, bruising and a lot of swelling during the first 2 or 3 weeks after surgery. Painkillers can be used to soothe some of these post-operatory effects.

Success Rates

A survey based on 225 breast implant reviews sets the satisfaction rate at 98%.

Before And After

Women experience a higher self esteem, an increase in libido, higher feelings of attractiveness and a general increase in life satisfaction after a breast implant surgery.

Back To Work

5 to 7 days

Back To Sports

2 - 3 weeks

Extra Content

Types of Breast Implants

Traditional Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Traditional silicone gel breast implants are made from silicone gel. These implants are approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for use in breast reconstruction procedures as well as breast enhancement surgery for patients over the age of 22. Silicone gel implants feel more lifelike, mimicking natural breast tissue compared to saline solution implants. 

Advantages:

• These are the most common types of implants used for breast augmentation due to their look and feel.
• Rippling of the implants is less likely to happen, compared to saline solution implants.
• Silicone gel breast implants are the softest and most natural looking implants.

Disadvantages:

• They are not available in a teardrop shape, only a round one.
• If a silicone gel implant ruptures, the gel will remain inside the shell or inside the implant pocket, making it difficult to detect.
• Silicone gel implants are pre-filled, meaning that they require a larger incision as opposed to saline implants. This also means that they usually cannot be placed through the belly button, underarm or the areola.

Form Stable Implants

Form stable breast implants, also known as “Gummy Bear Implants” or highly cohesive silicone gel breast implants are made from a highly cohesive gel that makes them firmer and thicker compared to traditional silicone gel implants. These types of implants are becoming more and more popular among patients due to the results they offer.

Advantages:

• Form stable implants offer better long term performance compared to regular silicone gel implants or saline implants. This includes lower rates of capsular contracture, rippling or rupture.
• They are better able to maintain their position and shape, with a lower rate of malposition.
• These implants are available in both anatomic or teardrop shape as well as round shape.
• Teardrop shaped form stable implants offer a more natural looking result compared to round implants, but with a firmer feel.

Disadvantages:

• Form stable implants feel somewhat firmer compared to traditional silicone gel implants.
• Placing these implants usually requires a longer incision in the skin, making it impossible to place them through the belly button, underarm or areola.
• Shaped form stable implants have a chance of malrotation, while round implants to not carry this risk.
• Shaped highly cohesive silicone gel breast implants are somewhat more expensive than other implant options.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are implants filled with sterile salt water. These implants usually less popular among patients nowadays.

Advantages:

• Saline breast implants can be adjusted during surgery, making them a good choice for patients with unequal breast sizes.
• These implants require a slightly smaller incision for placement.
• Implant ruptures are much easier to detect with saline breast implants.
• They are more affordable than their silicone gel counterparts.

Disadvantages:

• Saline breast implants are firmer than their silicone counterparts.
• Rippling or rupture of the implant are more likely with saline implants.
• Saline implants tend to weigh more than silicone gel implants.

This content is written and reviewed by our medical content team in January, 2019.