What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a type of cosmetic surgery that changes the size and shape of a person’s breasts. It's also known as breast enlargement, augmentation mammoplasty, or a boob job. It typically involves placing implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles to make breasts bigger, fuller, or more even. People choose to get breast augmentation surgery for various reasons, including reconstruction after a breast cancer mastectomy or as part of gender-affirming surgery. Others may want to do it as a way to feel more confident about their appearance.
This article focuses on cosmetic breast augmentation only. It explains the types of breast implants available, the procedures used, and possible complications.
Types of Breast Implants
There are two types of breast implants: saline and silicone.
Saline breast implants
Saline-filled implants are silicone shells filled with sterile salt water (saline). They can be filled either before or during surgery, with the option to adjust the amount of saline afterward. These implants usually have a rounder, fuller look to them and feel firm to the touch. On average, saline implants last 10-20 years before they need to be replaced.
Silicone breast implants
These implants use silicone shells filled with a body-safe silicone gel. The gel’s soft, gummy texture makes silicone implants look and feel more like natural breasts compared to saline implants. They also generally last longer than saline implants, sometimes lasting 20 years or longer. . Silicone implants are available in different levels of firmness: firmer ones tend to look fuller and perkier, while softer options often have a more neutral tear-drop shape.
Saline vs. silicone breast implants
Both saline and silicone implants come in different shapes and sizes, and each has pros and cons.
Saline implants are usually less expensive than silicone ones, but they’re more likely to fold, shrink, or even rupture over time. If the implant does shrink, you might notice a rippling effect, where the skin over the implant looks wavy. If a saline implant leaks or ruptures, your body will absorb the salt water without any harmful effects.
Silicone implants, on the other hand, tend to look and feel more natural and last longer. But if they break, the silicone can sometimes leak and form lumps in the breast or other parts of your body. While this isn’t likely to cause any health problems, it can be hard to remove silicone if it spreads outside of the breast area.
The choice of implant ultimately comes down to personal preference. People with less body fat tend to have better results with silicone implants because they are less noticeable under the skin. For anyone undergoing breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, saline implants that can be refilled are sometimes used to stretch the breast tissue in preparation for an implant later on.
Breast Implant Costs
How much breast implants cost depends on the location, doctor, and type of implant used.
Typically, the surgery ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. Because it is a cosmetic procedure, health insurance usually doesn't cover breast augmentation.
Finding the Right Surgeon
Before having any cosmetic surgery, the most important step is finding a trained and experienced plastic surgeon.
Start your research by creating a list of potential surgeons. Ask friends who have had breast implant surgery for recommendations, or check in with your general physician or gynecologist for referrals. Once you’ve made your list, schedule a free consultation with each surgeon to learn more about their approach and experience.
Questions to Ask About Breast Implant Surgery
Preparing a list of questions to ask ahead of your breast augmentation surgery can help you make an informed decision.
Take two copies of your list to each meeting: one for yourself and one for the surgeon. Don't hesitate to ask tough questions. Open communication will help you feel more confident and comfortable, and you'll go into the surgery feeling fully informed about your choice.
Qualifications and experience
- Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? If not, why?
- How long have you been performing breast implant surgery?
- How many breast implant surgeries do you perform a month?
- How many revisions of your own work, on average, do you perform?
- Have you been involved in any medical malpractice suits?
- Do you have hospital privileges at an accredited surgical facility? Which hospitals?
The surgeon’s past work
- Can I see some before-and-after photos?
- Can I speak with some of your past breast implant patients?
- Is there someone on your staff who has been a patient, and can I speak to them?
- If I don't like the results of my surgery, what can I do?
Questions to ask about breast implants
- Are silicone breast implants or saline implants better for me, and why?
- What breast size do you suggest for my body frame?
- Will I lose any sensation in my nipples or breasts?
- Will I be able to breastfeed after having implants?
- Will the implants make mammograms less accurate in detecting breast cancer?
- Do you have a video I can watch about breast implant surgery?
- What is the warranty for this breast implant, and what fees do I have to pay if it ruptures?
Breast implant complications and risks
- What are the possible risks of breast implant surgery?
- Is it possible to prevent breast implants from rupturing, rippling, or wrinkling?
- Are there possible breast implant complications that I should be aware of?
- Will my current medical conditions (such as diabetes or high blood pressure) impact the procedure and/or my recovery?
- If I have any breast implant complications, what is your policy? Do you cover expenses? Do you recommend a cosmetic surgery complication insurance policy?
Breast implant surgery preparation
- What diet and lifestyle changes will I need to make before breast implant surgery?
- What do you recommend to treat swelling, bruising, and pain?
- Will my regular pills -- birth control pills, antidepressants, diet pills, etc. -- affect the anesthesia?
- How long should I take off from work?
The breast implant procedure
- Where will my breast implant surgery be performed, and is the surgery center accredited?
- Is the center set up to handle a life-threatening emergency?
- What hospital would I be taken to if there were a problem?
- Will I have general anesthesia, and will it be given by a certified anesthesiologist?
Recovery from breast implant surgery
- If I have an emergency after going home, how can I reach you?
- How long will healing take?
- How soon can I get back to my regular exercise routine?
Breast implant financial issues
- What is included in the surgical fee? What is not covered?
- If I am not satisfied and need a revision surgery, is that included in the initial fee?
- Is implant removal included in the initial fee?
- If there are breast implant complications after surgery, is that included in the initial fee?
- How much deposit is required, and when is it due?
- Do you offer financing, or do you expect full payment upfront?
- Do you take credit cards?
- Will my deposit be refunded if I change my mind?
How the Breast Implant Procedure Is Done
Because breasts can continue to develop into the late teens or early 20s, the FDA requires that those who have breast augmentation surgery be at least 18 years old for saline-filled implants and at least 22 years old for silicone implants.
Before your breast implant procedure, you will meet with your surgeon for a medical evaluation. This is a chance to talk about what you want from the surgery and get feedback from the surgeon. They may ask you to stop taking certain medicationsa few days or weeks before your surgery.
You can get breast augmentation done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day, or you may stay overnight in the hospital if needed.
The surgery usually takes between one and two hours. You will likely receive general anesthesia, so you’ll be “asleep” and pain-free during the procedure.
The surgeon will make a cut under your breasts, under your arms, or around your nipples, depending on your body, the type of implant, and the amount of enlargement. Your surgeon will then place the breast implant into a pocket either above or below your chest muscle. After the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the cuts with sutures or surgical tape.
Breast Implant Recovery
After surgery, your breasts will be covered with gauze. You may have drainage tubes, which are usually taken out after a few days. You might also need to wear a surgical bra for support as you heal.
It’s important to take it easy for the first few days after your breast augmentation surgery. Avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for up to six weeks to allow for proper healing.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen, can help manage any discomfort, but your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication if needed.
You can expect some swelling, soreness, or bruising around the surgical area after your breast implant surgery. As you heal, the swelling should ease, and the scars will gradually fade.
Breast implant recovery week by week
Recovering from breast augmentation surgery usually takes six to eight weeks, but this can vary depending on the type of surgery you had. Most surgeons recommend taking at least a week off of work to rest after the procedure. During this first week, avoid driving.
If you have stitches, your doctor will usually remove them after one to two weeks, unless they used dissolvable stitches. Most people can go back to work after five to seven days, but if your job involves physical labor, it’s better to wait at least three weeks. During the first two weeks after surgery, you should avoid lifting heavy objects or other activities that raise your blood pressure, including sex. Gradually ease back into your regular routine and light exercise.
Your doctor may also recommend massaging your breasts daily for the first two weeks to help with healing.
By six weeks, you should be able to do most physical activities again. By this point, your scars should look a bit lighter. Some surgeons suggest wearing a sports bra for extra support for up to three months. After three months, your breasts will start to look and feel more natural.
Breast Implant Complications
Although breast implant surgery is a cosmetic procedure, it comes with potential risks, including:
- Breast pain
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Formation and hardening of scar tissue in the area around the implant
- Visible scarring
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Problems with the size or shape of the implants (for example, the breasts may not be symmetrical)
- Associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (AALCL), a rare cancer that may be linked to textured implants
- Breast implant illness, which can include symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, rash, and “brain fog”
Implants can also rupture and leak. If a saline implant ruptures, it will deflate and the body will safely absorb the saline. When a silicone implant leaks, the silicone may stay inside the implant shell or leak into surrounding tissue. Silicone breast ruptures often cause no obvious symptoms. This is called silent rupture.
Breast implants also may make it harder for you to breastfeed.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. You may need to have them replaced if you have complications or if your breasts change in size and shape over time.
If you have silicone gel-filled implants, it’s important to get regular screenings. Along with yearly mammograms, you should have an MRIor ultrasound scan five to six years after your initial implant surgery and then every two to three years to check for silent ruptures. If you have symptoms at any time or an ultrasound shows uncertain results for a breast implant rupture, an MRI can help determine whether you'll need to have them removed or replaced.
Takeaways
Breast augmentation is a common surgery that changes the size and shape of a person’s breasts using saline or silicone implants. While the surgery is generally safe, it does come with some risks. So, it’s important to choose a qualified surgeon and ask thorough questions to make sure you have the best outcome. After the surgery, regular follow-up screenings, especially for silicone implants, are necessary to monitor the implants and make sure everything stays in good condition.
Breast Implant FAQs
What type of breast implant feels the best?
The type of breast implant that feels best will depend on your personal preference, but silicone implants are softer and usually feel more like natural breasts compared to saline implants.
What is the best age to get breast implants?
There’s no best age to get breast implants, but you need to be at least 18 years old for saline implants and 22 years old for silicone implants.
Is breast augmentation safe?
Yes, breast augmentation surgery is generally safe. Breast implants are tested and approved by the FDA, and most people recover from the procedure in six to eight weeks. But, like all surgeries, it does come with some risks, so it’s important to discuss these with your surgeon first.
Does insurance cover breast augmentation?
Since breast augmentation surgery is a cosmetic surgery, most insurance companies don’t cover it.