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Breast Implant FAQS

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Home » Resources » Breast Implant FAQS

Breast Implant FAQS

Breast Implant Surgery is an extremely popular surgery in the United States and is performed to enhance a patient’s breast size to the desired extent. Some breast augmentation patients desire a revision procedure because they have changed their mind about the type of breast implant they selected. This is why it is extremely important that potential breast augmentation patients spend time researching the procedure and the different types of breast implants so they can make an informed decision that they can continue to be happy with. This blog aims to help potential breast implant surgery patients inform themselves of the procedure by asking some of the most frequently asked questions during consultations.

Guide 

When Were Breast Implants Invented? 

Many patients are interested in the history of breast implants so they can be assured of their safety. Breast implant surgeries have been performed for nearly 60 years and both saline and silicone implants are safe and FDA approved.

The first breast implant procedure was performed in 1962 on a female patient who is now around 80 years old. The first type of breast implants to be created were silicone breast implants and it wasn’t until 1976 that the FDA regulated silicone breast implants and ensured they met certain standards. It wasn’t until 1996 that saline implants were first sold in the United States.

What Do Breast Implants Feel Like?

The specific feel of breast implants is determined by the material used to fill the implants. Saline implants are filled with a solution of saltwater and so they tend to feel harder than natural breasts. Silicone breast implants tend to feel more natural than saline implants since a gel is used. Gummy bear implants are a type of silicone breast implant that are filled with a gel that aims to mimic the feel of breast tissue. These implants tend to be more expensive than other implants, but they are very popular due to their natural feel.

During your consultation, you can view and feel the different types of breast implants so that you are sure what they will feel like and choose the material you are happiest with. For information on the cost of different types of breast implants, you can read our blog ‘How Much Does A Breast Augmentation Cost In Dallas, Texas?‘

How Much Do Breast Implants Weigh?

The weight of a patient’s breast implants will significantly vary depending on the size chosen by the patient and the material of the implants. According to MyBreastAugmentation.info saline implants tend to weigh more than silicone implants. They explain that a 300cc saline implant weighs 301.5gr and so two saline implants will weigh 1 pound 5.25 ounces while a 300cc silicone implant weighs 291 gr, so two implants will weigh 1 pound 4.5 ounces. 

During your consultation, you will be able to view the sizes of different implants and can discuss the various weights with your surgeon to determine what would be suitable for your frame and goals.

What Size Breast Implants Should I Get?

The size of implant you select is completely your decision and it is important to spend time researching the various sizes and thinking about your surgical goals. During your consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, they will discuss your surgical goals and assess your overall frame so they can suggest the most suitable type of implant for you. It is important to see a surgeon who specializes in breast procedures so you can receive expert advice and information. Although you should take their opinion into consideration, the size you decide is ultimately your decision.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Breast Implants?

The minimum age to get a breast augmentation or any type of breast implant surgery is 18 years old. The FDA has approved of saline breast implant procedures being performed on patients over the age of 18. Patients who are under 18 years old have not reached the age of consent and so still require a patient’s consent to be able to undergo any kind of surgical procedure. However, since breast implants are not FDA approved for patients until they are 18, teenagers under this age should not undergo a breast augmentation procedure unless they are having reconstructive breast surgery after an illness.

Patients who desire silicone implants have to be over 22 years old as the FDA has only approved this type of implant for patients over 22. This is because the clinical studies for silicone breast implants have only been undertaken on patients who are 22 years old or older and so there is only a manufacturer warranty if patients are at least 22.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

The length of time that breast implants last for does vary from patient to patient. The average time implants last is around 10-15 years. However, some patients need to have their implants removed much earlier than this if they are unhappy with how their implants look and desire a Breast Implant Revision Procedure, or if they encounter problems with their implants. For example, some patients suffer from capsular contracture which causes a capsule to form around the implant and can cause both pain and aesthetic changes. Furthermore, some patients’ breast implants rupture and so they also require new breast implants. Either of these issues can lead to implants lasting only a couple of years or less. However, many patients encounter no issues and are able to keep their implants in place for around 20 years without a problem. Although your surgeon can discuss the likelihood of you facing issues such as capsular contracture, there is never a guarantee of how long your implants will last and the majority of patients will require a Breast Implant Exchange Procedure to replace their implants in the future.

How Do I Know When My Breast Implants Need Replacing?

Since there is no set date for how long implants last, many patients have concerns regarding how they will know when to replace their implants. As explained above, both capsular contracture and ruptured implants are why patients should replace their implants. In cases of capsular contracture, the patient generally experiences pain and their breasts appear different since a capsule has formed. If you experience symptoms of capsular contracture you should see your surgeon as this can be a clear sign they need replacing. 

Patients who have a saline implant rupture will be able to tell that the implant needs replacing visibly. Saline implants are made out of saltwater and so if the implant’s shell ruptures this saltwater is released into the breast and absorbed by the body. Although this process poses no medical risks, the implants will need removing or replacing since one or both breasts will have deflated and the shell will be remaining. If patients have silicone or gummy bear implants it tends to be less obvious if the implant has ruptured since the silicone is not absorbed by the body. This is why regular breast screenings are recommended for patients with these implants so they can check whether or not their implants have ruptured and need replacing. 

Ultimately, if a patient is experiencing pain or other symptoms they are concerned about they should consult a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to check that their implants do not need replacing.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Breast Implant Surgery?


According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, it takes between four to six weeks for a breast augmentation patient to recover from the procedure. After this time most patients can return to their regular activities and the implants should have settled and so the breasts will look and feel more natural.

Most patients choose to have a couple of weeks off work to give themselves time to rest and recover from the procedure. During the first week, patients tend to have their breasts bandaged up and after this point, it is important that a support garment is worn. Patients should also wear loose clothing to avoid applying too much pressure on the breasts and should sleep in an upright position to avoid too much fluid build-up in the chest. It is normal for swelling to occur after the surgery and a cold compress can be applied to help reduce this. For more information on the specific aftercare process and recovery stages, you can read our blog ‘Aftercare Tips And Instructions For Breast Augmentation Patients In Dallas’.

Conclusion

This blog should have helped to provide information on breast implant surgery and the various types of breast implants. It is important that patients who are interested in getting breast implants to perform significant research into all the customizable elements of breast implants including the size, shape, material, and projection. Additionally, it is important to have a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation procedures so that you can get expert advice on your implant choice and have any further questions answered.

Dr. Liland is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in breast procedures. To book a consultation so you can receive expert advice, contact us.

Additionally, view our Dallas Breast Surgery Gallery or our Dallas Breast Implant Gallery to see real patient before and after images.

Disclaimer

Please note: All materials on the Site, such as text, treatments, outcomes, photographs and images and any other material provided on the Site are for information purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding treatments. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Site.

Though the content of this blog has been carefully prepared, the author of this content is not a medical doctor and the content has not been reviewed by a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon. 

Unless specifically stated, patients referred to in this blog have not received a breast augmentation procedure from Dr. Liland. This blog does not endorse the work of any doctors or surgeons mentioned. Stories relating to patients’ personal experiences of breast implant surgery should be treated as anecdotal only.

Any application of the material provided is at the reader’s discretion and his, her, or their responsibility.