The choice of breast implants for breast augmentation surgery is a personal one, depending on a variety of factors.

Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants feature a silicone shell filled with medical silicone gel. You can choose different levels of cohesion in the gel. The overall consensus is that silicone feels closer to natural tissue than saline implants. Increasing in popularity are “Gummy Bear” implants, which are teardrop shaped and consist of a firmer (think gummy bear) silicone gel. The advantage of this type of gel is that if the implant develops a leak, the silicone is more likely to stay within the implant. That is the disadvantage of traditional silicone implants — the patient doesn’t always know when the implant has ruptured, as the silicone leaks slowly if at all. For that reason, regular mammograms are required with silicone breast implants to check their condition.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are made of a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water solution. Unlike silicone implants, saline implants are inserted into place empty and are then filled. This means a smaller incision is required. The benefit of saline is that if an implant should leak, then the salt water will be naturally absorbed by the body posing no risk. The downside is that most people believe saline implants do not feel the same as natural breast tissue.

Prior to your breast augmentation surgery, you will also decide on the shape and, of course, the size of your breast implants. Various shapes are available with different projections. The two main shape categories are round or teardrop. Teardrops are often thought to present a more natural shape and are less prone to the rotation once in place.

Determining the appropriate size is crucial to your satisfaction with your breast augmentation. Dr. Saltz believes the best results are proportional to the patient’s anatomic features. We will help you choose the size and projection that fits your goals for your breast augmentation.

You’ll also choose where you want your breast implants placed during your breast augmentation, along with the incision location. This may seem obvious, but it’s not. You can opt to have the breast implants placed either under or on top of the pectoral muscle, and your incisions can be made either along the crease at the bottom of the breast, under the areola, or in the underarm area. By utilizing the underarm (axila) method, there isn’t any scarring on the breasts themselves.

Like any surgery, the recovery time for breast augmentation varies for every patient. Although recovery from the surgery is not difficult, there will be pain and discomfort from two to three days after the procedure. Prescription medication will be provided for pain management. Breast augmentation patients are usually able to return to work after four or five days. After one to two weeks, patients can begin non-impact lower body exercise. Impact exercise can be resumed after four weeks, with upper body exercise following at six weeks.

Your immediate post-operative visits include drain removal, learning how to massage your breasts to keep them soft, and a complimentary lymphatic drainage massage to reduce bruising and swelling. Regular visits to see Dr. Saltz and his nurse will continue until the first anniversary of your breast augmentation.

Yes. During your consultation, your surgeon may use sizing tools, implant sizers, or advanced imaging technology to help you visualize potential outcomes. These tools allow you to see how different implant sizes and profiles may look on your body, helping you make an informed decision and set realistic expectations for your results.

For many patients, placing implants partially or fully under the chest muscle (submuscular placement) often produces the most natural-looking results, especially for those with less natural breast tissue. However, implant placement is highly individualized. Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.

Implant rupture occurs when the outer shell of an implant develops a tear. With saline implants, rupture is noticeable as the breast deflates. Silicone implant ruptures are often “silent,” meaning there may be no visible symptoms, which is why periodic imaging may be recommended. While rupture is uncommon, it can be safely addressed with implant replacement if it occurs.