Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. Breast implants can improve your breasts’ size, shape, or projection. Implants come in several types, so your surgeon at Longwood Plastic Surgery can help you choose the perfect ones for you.
What Are Breast Implants Made Of?
Breast implants either contain silicone or saline (sterile saltwater). Silicone implants may come in a soft gel inside a capsule. Silicone also comes in the form of a sturdy, solid gel called a “gummy bear” implant. Your LPS surgeon will select an implant that gives you the breast shape you desire. Whether you want more upper breast fullness or breasts with more projection, a breast implant can help you accomplish it.
How Much Do Breast Implants Weigh?
Surgeons offer a basic formula for estimating breast implant weight. Manufacturers usually measure implants in cubic centimeters. In a saline implant, 100cc weighs .21lbs. In a silicone one, 100cc weighs .23lbs. According to this formula, a 300cc silicone implant would weigh about .69lbs. While silicone implants may weigh slightly more, this does not usually affect your surgeon’s recommendations.
Rather than implant weight, we select your implant size and material by letting you feel different implants, try on sizers to determine your ideal volume, and may use 3D photography simulation to see what you will look like with a chosen set of implants. Volume, shape, and feel make the most significant differences in implant satisfaction.
What is Breast Implant Surgery Like?
Your LPS surgeon performs breast augmentation using hidden incisions to access the breast tissue. They will create a pocket either in front of or behind the pectoralis muscle and place the implant. Breast implant surgery is usually performed in our private outpatient surgical suite. Your procedure will take about an hour and a half, and after a period of observation, you can go home. You will need someone to take you home, and plan on having someone help you for the next 24 to 48 hours.
How Much Are Breast Implants?
Making generalizations about the cost of breast implants is difficult since each person’s surgery will be different. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of breast implant surgery is $4516. Different areas and providers will have higher or lower pricing. This estimate does not include medications, anesthesia, or other fees.
How Long do Breast Implants Last?
While breast implants last between ten and twenty years or even longer, some may need to be replaced sooner. Breast implant technology continues to improve, so you may decide that newer implants will give you better results. Some people also develop issues such as scar tissue around the implants. This requires removal of the scar tissue and implant replacement.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Implants?
If you want larger, more symmetrical breasts, you may make a good candidate for breast augmentation. Healthy nonsmokers make the best candidates, and smokers need to stop before surgery.
Take the Next Step
Interested in learning about breast implants? Schedule your consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery today by calling our Brookline office at (617) 383-6250. We serve the Brookline and Greater Boston area with distinction