Did you know around 8 in 1000 women in the United States reported having had some type of breast implant? It’s a common procedure that can transform your confidence and outlook on life. If you’re interested in getting cosmetic work done, you’ll want to do your research.

Part of that research is knowing that there are different types of breast implants. It can be overwhelming to plan for a procedure but this article will put your mind at ease.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.

Saline and Silicone

The two main types of implants are silicone gel and saline.

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. Some they pre-fill while others are filled during the operation.

Silicone breast implants are made out of a silicone shell that is filled with a plastic gel. Many women who have breast implants say that silicon feels more like real breasts than saline. Unfortunately, it’s more of a risk if they leak.

Both silicone and saline come in a variety of sizes. You can also choose between smooth or textured shells. Since each option has its own set of pros and cons, deciding between them is a matter of preference.

Cost

The cost of breast augmentation surgery depends on the doctor, location, and type of implant used. You can expect to pay between $5,000 to $10,000. Since it is a cosmetic procedure, health insurance doesn’t tend to cover it.

Finding the Right Surgeon

It’s important that you find the right plastic surgeon for any cosmetic surgery. You’ll want them to be trained and experienced. There are plenty of doctors who advertise themselves as plastic surgeons but don’t have the credentials to back it up.

As soon as you get interested in breast augmentation, you’ll need to get a list of surgeons’ names together. Talk to friends who have had the surgery as well as your physician or gynecologist. Once you have a solid list of potential surgeons, it’s time to make a consultation with each doctor.

You’ll want to create a list of questions and see how each surgeon answers. Don’t be afraid to ask some tough questions. Getting everything out in the open will not only raise your comfort level but you’ll be able to look forward to your surgery knowing you made the best choice.

The same thing goes when looking for breast augmentation revision. You’ve presumably already had a less-than-ideal experience with cosmetic surgery so it’s crucial that you go to the best plastic surgeon to right any wrongs.

How a Breast Implant Procedure Is Done

Breasts develop until women reach their early 20s. You have to be at least 18 years old to get augmentation with saline implants. You have to be at least 22 years old to receive the silicone option.

The first step is meeting with your surgeon for a medical evaluation. You’ll talk about what you want and get feedback from the doctor. You’ll likely need to stop taking certain medications before your surgery.

You can either stay overnight in the hospital or have breast augmentation done as an outpatient procedure. Generally, it’s a 1 to 2-hour procedure. You’re given anesthesia so no worries about feeling any pain.

The surgeon makes a cut under the breasts, arms, and around the nipples depending on the type of implant, how much enlargement is done, and your body.

The surgeon will put a breast implant into a pocket either below or above your chest muscle. Once it’s in place, the cuts will be closed with surgical tapes or sutures.

Recovery

After surgery, breasts are covered with gauze. There may be drainage tubes that are removed in a few days. You might also need to wear a surgical bra.

The first few days are reserved for taking it easy after breast augmentation surgery. You shouldn’t do any heavy lifting for up to 6 weeks after implants.

If you’re feeling any discomfort, your doctor can prescribe pain medication for you. You should also be fine with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Swelling in the area is common but over time, the swelling should ease and the scars will fade.

Complications

Even though breast implant surgery is a cosmetic procedure, it still has risks. This includes:

• Scarring
• Bleeding
• Breast pain
• Changes in sensation in the breast and nipple
• Infection
• Scar tissue hardening in the area around the implant
• Problem with the shape or size of implants

It’s also possible for implants to rupture and leak. If saline implants rupture, the saline is absorbed by the body. It’ll also deflate.

When a silicone implant leaks, it may stay inside the shell or leak outside.

Maintenance

Unfortunately, breast implants aren’t meant to last a lifetime. There’s a chance you’ll need them replaced if any complications come up or if the shape changes over time.

If you get silicone implants, you’ll need an MRI scan done 3 years after the surgery. Every 2 years you’ll need to check for silent ruptures. If this happens, you’ll need them replaced or removed.

Different Types of Breast Implants

Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. Whether you’re interested in getting breast implants or simply curious to learn more, knowing the different types of breast implants is important. The best plastic surgeon will make you feel comfortable from the very beginning but there’s no harm in finding peace of mind online.

Once you understand the different options, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

Looking for more articles like this? Want to learn more about implants like chin implants, hair implants,  jawline implants, or butt implants? Be sure to check out the health and fitness section of our blog!