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silicone implants overview

Sculpt Confidence: Silicone Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation can boost a woman's confidence, expand her wardrobe options, and reshape her physique after aging, pregnancy, or massive weight loss. Silicone implants are prefilled with cohesive gel and they come with a reduced risk of leakage or rippling when compared to their saline counterparts. 

What are silicone implants?

Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved devices used to augment the chest and increase a woman’s cup size. Their cohesive gel consistency gives them the advantage of being long-lasting and versatile, easily customized to the patient’s unique wishes and preferences. Silicone implants can be used as part of a breast reconstruction procedure after injury, trauma, or illness, allowing women to experience improved quality of life and peace of mind. 

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Why do women choose silicone implants?

Women choose silicone implants for various personal and aesthetic reasons. They can help enhance self-confidence and provide a sense of empowerment by achieving desired physical goals. Some common reasons include:

  • To reconstruct the breasts after cancer or other illness
  • To enhance the upper body contours
  • To feel and look more feminine, confident, and attractive
  • To enjoy a wider range of clothing choices
  • To combat volume loss after aging or pregnancy
  • To restore breast volume after significant weight loss

What are the differences between silicone and saline implants?

Silicone breast implants come prefilled with cohesive silicone gel. They are available in many shapes and sizes and can thus be adjusted for individual tastes. Saline implants are made with a silicone shell filled with sterilized saltwater. They are usually inserted unfilled. In terms of how they look and feel, silicone implants are more realistic in their shape and texture while being only marginally heavier than saline implants. 

Both implant types come with the risk of rupture. However, silicone devices tend to last 20-40 years, whereas saline implants might last 10-20 years. Saline devices are more prone to rupture and rippling, a contour irregularity where the edges of the implant become visible beneath the skin.

How is breast augmentation with silicone implants performed?

Dr. Hyman will conduct a thorough consultation process, discussing the best incision pattern and implant placement position for your needs. On the day of surgery, patients will receive general anesthesia to ensure their complete comfort and relaxation. Dr. Hyman will also administer a long-lasting local anesthetic to help curb postoperative pain. 

Dr. Hyman will then create an incision according to your unique treatment plan. Since silicone implants are prefilled, the incision must be large enough to allow for the insertion of the devices. Through the incision, Dr. Hyman will create a breast pocket or capsule in the chest that houses the implant. If the patient lacks sufficient breast tissue to cover and camouflage the implant, he may utilize a tissue expander.

After the pocket is created, Dr. Hyman will place the implants behind or in front of the pec muscles. He will then carefully close the incisions with fine sutures or taping and place the patient in the recovery suite for observation.

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What will my recovery entail?

Breast augmentation patients with silicone implants can usually go home within a few hours accompanied by a friend or family member. Dr. Hyman advises several days of complete rest to maximize the body’s healing process. He will provide detailed instructions on showering, caring for your incisions, sleeping, and resuming work, driving, exercise, and intimacy. Dr. Hyman will also provide prescriptions for pain medications to help alleviate discomfort after surgery. In general, swelling and bruising will subside within about two weeks, at which point the patient can begin to feel more confident and excited about their results. Over the coming months, swelling will continue to fade and the breasts will settle into their new youthful shape.

Who is an ideal candidate for silicone implants?

Ideal candidates for silicone implants in NYC meet the following criteria:

  • Are healthy women over the age of 22 (as per FDA approval)
  • Seek to correct flatness, volume loss, or asymmetry in the chest
  • Are non-smokers in good mental and physical health
  • Do not have any untreated medical concerns that could interfere with the procedure
  • Are thinner patients with less body fat, as silicone implants offer a more natural appearance and shape
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What are the benefits of silicone implants?

Silicone implants offer patients a reliable option for breast enhancement with a natural look and feel. For example:

  • They provide a more natural breast texture
  • Long-lasting results with durable implants
  • A variety of sizes and shapes are available
  • Implants offer enhanced breast contour and symmetry
  • Silicone implants are FDA-approved and thoroughly tested for safety
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Why choose Dr. Hyman for Silicone Implants?

Dr. Joshua B. Hyman is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive expertise in the field of body contouring. He is devoted to patient safety and to delivering beautiful, natural-looking outcomes that elevate patient confidence. During his consultations, he never rushes, giving patients a chance to express their goals, wishes, and preferences in detail. After surgery, Dr. Hyman is always available and attentive, ensuring a seamless, stress-free recovery experience. Dr. Hyman currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, and he has full surgical privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital and New York Presbyterian Hospitals. 

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Silicone Implants Q&As

Will the incision type affect the visibility of my scars?

What if I have very little breast tissue—will my implants look natural?

Can I choose a very specific breast shape or profile?

What happens if I change my mind about my implant size later on?

Will the incision type affect the visibility of my scars?

Yes, incision placement plays a major role in scar visibility. I carefully evaluate your anatomy, lifestyle, and desired results to recommend an incision pattern that offers both optimal access for implant placement and minimal visibility post-surgery. For most patients, the inframammary incision (in the natural breast fold) heals very discreetly and gives me excellent control during surgery. Over time, with proper aftercare, these scars fade significantly.

What if I have very little breast tissue—will my implants look natural?

Absolutely. In patients with limited natural tissue, achieving a natural appearance requires meticulous planning. I often recommend placing the implant beneath the pectoral muscle, which provides better coverage and a more seamless look. In select cases, I use tissue expanders to gradually prepare the area for implants, especially when additional soft tissue support is needed. My goal is always to create balanced, beautiful results that look and feel as natural as possible.

Can I choose a very specific breast shape or profile?

Definitely. During your consultation, we’ll discuss not just implant size, but shape, profile, and projection as well. Whether you're looking for a fuller upper pole or a more subtle slope, there are a variety of silicone implant options—round, teardrop, high-profile, moderate-profile, and more. I use advanced imaging tools and visual aids so you can confidently select the aesthetic that best aligns with your goals.

What happens if I change my mind about my implant size later on?

It’s not uncommon for patients to reassess their preferences over time. If you decide to go smaller, larger, or even remove the implants entirely, we can discuss revision surgery options. My role is to ensure you're happy with your body long-term, and I always prioritize aesthetic harmony, safety, and satisfaction—whether it's your first procedure or a future adjustment.

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