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?

  • 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?

Silicone implants in NYC are approved for healthy women over the age of 22. They can effectively correct flatness, volume loss, and asymmetry in the chest. Ideal candidates for surgery are non-smokers in good mental and physical health who are free from any untreated medical concerns that might interfere with their procedure. Note that silicone implants are a better choice for thinner patients with less body fat due to their more natural appearance and shape. 

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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?

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. 

Silicone Implants FAQs

How do silicone implants compare to saline implants?

Are silicone implants safe?

How long do silicone implants last?

What is the recovery time after silicone implant surgery?

How do silicone implants compare to saline implants?

Silicone implants tend to feel more like natural breast tissue compared to saline implants, which may feel firmer. Additionally, silicone implants are less likely to ripple under the skin than saline ones.

Are silicone implants safe?

Silicone implants are FDA-approved and have undergone extensive testing to ensure their safety. To ensure long-term safety, regular check-ups and monitoring with your surgeon are recommended.

How long do silicone implants last?

While silicone implants are durable, they may need to be replaced after 10-15 years. However, some patients may keep their implants longer without issues.

What is the recovery time after silicone implant surgery?

Most patients can return to work and light activities within 1-2 weeks, though full recovery and resuming strenuous activities may take several weeks.

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