Breast Implants

By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Prof. Zeynep Sevim, on Sep 15, 2024

Who is not a good candidate for breast implants?

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

How long should you stay in the hospital after the surgery? 

Usually, an overnight stay is not required.

How long is the procedure? 

Breast implant surgery will take around 1 hour.

How many days should I travel/stay abroad to do the treatment?

5 to 7 days.

What you should avoid before the surgery? 

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 anesthesia. Alcohol is prohibited at least 1 week before and after the surgery.

The recovery timeline 

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.

Does the surgery leave scars?

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.

Do breast implants shorten your life?

A 2017 survey on breast implant complications sets the rate at around 2%. Complications can include:

• Developing capsule contracture 
• Difficulty in breastfeeding 
• Implant ruptures 
• Breast ptosis 

Side effects of breast implants 

The patient may feel nausea from general anesthesia, 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.

Breast implants success rate

Breast implants have a success rate of 98%.

What to expect after breast implants 

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

How many days should I travel/stay abroad to do the treatment?

5 to 7 days.

When can I get back to sports after the surgery? 

You can get back to sports after 2 - 3 weeks.

Types of Breast Implants

There are many types of breast implants, with different advantages and disadvantages. 

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 like 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 around 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 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 shapes as well as round shapes.
• 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 do 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 saltwater. These implants are 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 is more likely with saline implants.
• Saline implants tend to weigh more than silicone gel implants.