Are breast implants safe?

Breast implants are one of the most studied and safest cosmetic surgical procedures. Breast implants have been used for more than 40 years, with more than 1 million women worldwide having undergone this procedure.

Over the past few decades, research has shown that breast implants are safe when placed appropriately and treated promptly if an infection develops. This is called breast implant illness.

How much do breast implants cost?

Breast implants can cost anywhere between $3,500 and $7,500 per breast. The price depends on your desired size, as well as the type of implant you choose (silicone gel filled implants or saline filled implants). If you want to add a breast lift to your procedure, this will also affect the overall cost of your surgery.

For example:

• Breast augmentation costs $6,000–$11,000
• Breast reduction costs $8,000–$13,000
• Breast lift with augmentation costs $8,000–$15,000

The average total cost for all three surgeries combined would be about $30-40K for most patients in South Dakota.

Breast Implant Placement Options

Breast implants can be placed below the muscle or above the muscle, and either sub-muscularly (in a pocket under the breast tissue) or over-the-muscle (where they sit on top of your pectoralis major muscles). Sub-muscular placement allows for more natural feel and movement of the breast.

Over time, some women need to have their implants replaced or removed because they've lost volume due to aging, weight loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Breast implant surgery will cause some breast pain but it's worth it for those saline breast implants. The breast implant procedure is better than anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift is a surgical procedure to elevate and reshape the breasts. The most common type of breast lift is the anchor or lollipop breast lift, in which excess skin and fatty tissue are removed to tighten the chest wall and shape the breasts into a more youthful appearance.

A breast lift can also be combined with other procedures such as a breast augmentation to provide patients with fullness and volume.

How do I choose the right size implant?

There is a lot of variety in implant size, shape and thickness. When selecting an implant, it's important to consider what you would like your new “look” to be.

Your board-certified plastic surgeon will help guide you through the process of choosing the right size and shape for your body type and aesthetic goals.

There are two measurements that affect breast size: cubic centimeters (ccs) or grams. These measurements represent the amount of saline or silicone gel used in each breast pocket during surgery.

Ccs refer to volume while grams refer to weight, but both measurements translate into cup sizes: 300 cc implants are equivalent to a D cup; 400 cc implants equate with DD cups; 500 cc implants translate into E cups; etc.

Large implant sizes tend to produce more natural-looking results as they spread out more evenly over your chest wall than smaller ones do—but there are other factors that contribute as well!

Can I still get breast augmentation if I have had cancer or radiation treatment?

You can have breast implants placed if you have had cancer or radiation treatment. Breast implants are safe for women who have had breast cancer. If you develop a recurrence, the implants can be removed and replaced with new ones.

Breast implants may be removed if you develop a capsular contracture or rupture in an implant capsule (the scar tissue that forms around the implant). Your plastic surgeon will advise you about your risk of this happening.

Typical Recovery Time

While it's important to remember that every surgery is different, it typically takes about three weeks for a mommy makeover patient to fully recover from the operation. You should be able to return home after just one night in the hospital and start walking around within 48 hours of your surgery.

Over the next two weeks, you'll experience some swelling, bruising and soreness in your breasts and abdomen area as your body heals itself. In addition to rest, you'll need plenty of water and healthy food during this time so that your body can repair itself properly.

• Breast Augmentation Recovery Time

Breast augmentation recovery is also similar—you'll likely go home after one night in the hospital and be able to walk around after 48 hours or so. You may feel some tenderness around your incisions but should otherwise feel well enough to go back to work within two weeks after surgery.

You likely will have no noticeable issues other than possibly needing extra time when lifting heavy objects or getting dressed each morning due to soreness from having both arms operated on at once (this isn't something all patients experience).

Unexpected Consequences of Breast Augmentation

• Capsular Contracture
• Hematoma / Seroma
• Rupture
• Infection
• Asymmetrical Result / Scarring

What are the different types of implants that I can get?

The type of implant you get will depend on your surgeon’s recommendation and your personal preference. The most common types of breast implants are:

Silicone—a soft, durable silicone shell filled with saline or silicone gel. This is the most popular type of implant in the United States because it’s safe and highly effective.

Gummy bear—a textured silicone shell that looks similar to a gummy bear; these are generally used in exchange for more volume or to correct certain types of contour issues that may have resulted from previous breast surgeries (for example, if you had an augmentation with a textured implant and now want an augmentation with a smooth implant).

Lollipop—a round, tear-shaped silicone shell; this shape is typically recommended for smaller breasts but can also be used for larger breasts if desired by your surgeon for aesthetic reasons (for example, if he or she prefers this shape over other options).

Am I too old for a mommy makeover or breast augmentation surgery?

If you are in good health, age is not a barrier to having breast augmentation surgery or a mommy makeover. Your surgeon will help you determine what type of procedure is best for your situation. However, if you have had breast cancer, talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you.

Mommy makeovers usually involve some combination of liposuction, abdominoplasty and breast surgery

A mommy makeover is a combination of procedures that can include breast augmentation and breast lift; liposuction; tummy tuck; and sometimes, arm or thigh lifts. Each procedure has its own benefits and risks, so it's important to consult with your plastic surgeon about what will work best for you.

Can I go bigger when replacing my implants?

It's possible to go bigger, but it is best to consult with your surgeon to determine whether that's the best option for you. It would be helpful if you could bring in photos of what you would like your breasts to look like after surgery.

If you have had implants in place for several years and are looking into getting them replaced, it is still possible that larger implants could be inserted at that time. This decision will depend on your body type and how much weight has changed since the time when the original implants were placed.

Even if one loses weight or gains weight, it is possible to get replacement surgery done on their current set of implants because they were placed correctly originally by a breast augmentation expert (such as Dr. Kim Sauer).

A mommy makeover or a breast augmentation will help restore your self-confidence.

A mommy makeover or a breast augmentation will help restore your self-confidence. Whether you are single again, dating for the first time, or newly engaged to be married, having a more attractive body can make it easier for you to feel better about yourself and your life.

A mommy makeover will help you feel more confident in your clothes. You can wear clothes that were not practical before because of loose skin and stretch marks from pregnancy. You may even look forward to dressing up again!

A mommy makeover will also help with social situations where people stare at one another's bodies like at the beach or poolside lounges because there is no longer awkwardness about clothing choices (or lack thereof).

This can result in renewed confidence which means better conversations among friends because conversations won't go as far off topic quickly due to discomfort on either side of conversation!

Is there anything else I should know before my mommy makeover?

• You must be in good health. If you have any medical conditions, from high blood pressure to diabetes, you need to treat them before surgery.
• You should be in good shape. Body contouring procedures like liposuction are not for people who are out of shape and have extra weight that needs to be removed.
• Your attitude is important. It may take time for the results of your mommy makeover procedure to become apparent—be patient with yourself!
• Be prepared for the recovery period after surgery: it can take up to six weeks before swelling goes down completely and full mobility returns (and even longer if there is muscle repair involved). During this time, it’s important that you don't lift anything heavy or participate in strenuous physical activity—this includes sex!
• You must remain realistic about the results that can be achieved through cosmetic surgery; no procedure will allow someone who is overweight or out-of-shape (or both!) to suddenly look like a runway model!

You will have to make a decision about whether or not you would like to undergo a mommy makeover. If you do decide to go through with the surgery, then it’s important that you find a board certified plastic surgeon who can perform this procedure with skill and expertise.

You should also look at before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone similar procedures in order to get an idea of what their results might look like.