Breast Implants

Alexandria, and Richmond, Virginia, Annapolis, and Columbia, Maryland, Washington D.C.

Breast Implants come in a variety of shapes, styles and profiles and are filled with either saline or silicone gel. All breast implants that we currently offer to patients are FDA approved. Each offers a level of security and patients can choose the best for them. Based on your measurements, we will work with you to select the best profile to fit your body type and shape to achieve the most natural look. Ultimately, you make the decision and choose the breast implant best for you!

Breast Implant Information

• Breast Enhancement
• Breast Augmentation Surgery
• Breast Lift Surgery
• Breast Reduction Surgery
• Recovery After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Saline Breast Implants

Saline Breast Implants are an excellent choice for patients who are ready to have Breast Augmentation along with their Breast Lift Surgery, but unsure if they want gel breast implants. The breast implants are filled once they have been placed in the breast pocket. There are several choices for your breast augmentation incision site and the doctor may recommend one based on your body type. The incisions will gradually fade with time. Saline implants are filled with salt water. If the Breast Implant shell ruptures, the saline will be absorbed by your body. Breast implant failure rates vary from each manufacturer, but a yearly average rate is less than 1%.

If patients select a saline breast implant, they are invited to participate in a Breast Implant Follow-up Study. Patients will be reimbursed by the manufacturer a total of $100 over a 10-year period. Patients will also receive a yearly questionnaire and will receive a $10 check for completing it.

Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Silicone gel breast implants are now available to patients who are 22 years old or older. Gel breast implants offer a lot of benefits and may be recommended by your physician. This is a personal decision and the physicians at the Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery will work with you to help you select the best breast implant for you. Benefits of gel breast implants include:

• Breast Gel Implants can look and feel more natural
• Breast Gel Implants have a less chance of wrinkling over saline implants
• Breast Gel Implants are an excellent choice for patients who are very thin or smaller in frame

Gel breast implants come pre-filled. The physicians at the Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery have more than 20 years of experience using gel breast implants. They were chosen to participate in studies leading to their FDA approval. Patients are very excited to have the option of gel implants!

If patients select a gel breast implant, they are invited to participate in a Breast Implant Follow-up Study. Patients will be reimbursed by the manufacturer a total of $400 over a 10-year period. There will be three office visits at 1-year, 4-year and 10-year. After the visit, the patient will eligible for a $100 coupon towards any aesthetic procedure at the Austin-Westin Center for Cosmetic Surgery. Patients will also receive a yearly questionnaire and will receive a $10 check for completing it. All coupons and checks come directly from the implant manufacturer.

Breast Implants: Over or Under the Muscle?

Breast implants can be placed over and under the muscle. Typically, our physicians prefer to place them under your muscle for the most natural look.

By placing the implants over the muscle, there is the possibility that you could see the outline of the implant. Patients who benefit placing the implants over the muscle include athletes who do a tremendous amount of chest exercises or women who simply want smaller implants. Regular exercise and weight-lifting is acceptable and should not cause any damage to your implant or pocket.

Breast Implants Settling after Surgery

Patients are typically swollen after their Breast Lift Surgery and Breast Implants can sometimes appear higher in your chest area. The swelling will go down and we will work with you to help your breast implants settle faster. Our staff will show you simple massaging exercises which you will do to help keep the pocket open and your implants in place. On occasion, medications are prescribed.

Breast Implant Wrinkling

Saline breast implants have a higher chance of visible wrinkling under the skin that can be noticeable. Occasionally, the edge of the breast implant can be felt. Breast implants can be removed and replaced with gel breast implants, which have a less chance of wrinkling. Many patients are able to detect this wrinkling, but it does not bother them.

Breast Implant Warranty

All breast implants come with warranties and breast implant manufacturers also offer extended warranties. Detailed information will be given to you during your consultation or pre-op visit.

Breast Augmentation Case StudiesBreast Lift
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