Total Body Surgical Blog

Choosing Breast implants 2.0....

Very funny huh!! Problem is, most women stress about how to pick implants. There are many questions that must be answered before making a life altering decision. Questions that you should ask are:

1. Saline or silicone, what are the risks and benefits?

2. Approach, how should I have the implants placed?

3. Size and how they will look IN me?

4. Price, how much can I afford?

5. Recovery, how long will it take?

6. Implant warranties....what are they?

7. Should I place the implants above or below the muscle?

8. Do I need a Breast lift? 

At Total Body Surgical we have a check list that we cover with every patient to cover all of these questions and more. I will answer the questions in a short fashion here but you should ask your Doctor as his or her opinions may differ.

1. Saline or Silicone....I like them both. Some women prefer the feel of silicone as they think they look and feel "more Natural". Some women have a fear of silicone. I let them feel both, explain the cost difference and let them decide. I cover what I have discussed in previous blogs about the implants.

2. Approach.....we do them all. Silicone can be placed around the nipple, under the breast, through the arm pit. Saline can be placed through all of these approaches and through the belly button as well. I prefer the arm pit as I can use creases in the skin that heal well and are concealed leaving no scar on the breast. I let you decide however.

3. Size. As explained before, we let you help choose. I will give you a range based on the size of your chest and let you try them on. My bias is this...if a Doctor tells you he will decide based on experience what looks best for you....don't walk....run from his office. This is an important decision that you should be involved in. You try on clothes don't you????

4. Price. Saline implants are usually about $1000 cheaper than saline. This is because they are more expensive to make, and carry more liability for the manufacturer. In my office, it is up to you to choose. I explain the benefits of each and you try them on. Unless you want a high profile implant, you decide based on look and feel. High profile implants are a bit different as I feel that the silicone have a far superior look.

5. Recovery. Recovery is usually a few days. I like for you to be careful lifting or raising your arms for around 2 weeks but pain is minimal after the first 3 days if you have any at all. The implants will find their home after about 1-3 months if under the muscle and shorter if above.

6.  Implant warranties, what about them?  Both of the major manufacturers will cover the cost of the implant if there is a mechanical failure due to a manufacturers defect.  This does not pay for the surgery to replace them.  They both do have a very inexpensive insurance policy that will cover this cost for 10 years.  The implants are also covered for 10 years.

7. Above or below the muscle. I usually put them below the muscle. I put them below with saline, always to avoid seeing the implant or ripples in the implant. I put silicone above the muscle in women with a slight bit of droop of the nipple.

8. Do I need a lift?? The answer to that question is complicated. Usually if you look at the fold under the breast where it attaches to the chest wall and the nipple is above this fold, you probably won't need a lift, if below, you may. However, there are other factors involved that you will need to consult your physician about.

These are the most commonly asked questions.  Hope this helps.  Breast augmentation is a very personal event.  You should have a big say in how it is done.  One of the biggest problems I see is when a girl comes in with a centerfold picture and her body is very different.  This is an expectation that cannot be fulfilled.  BE REALISTIC!! 

Come see me at INTEGRIS Total Body Surgical.  Our spring introductory offer is:

Call 918-786-7780 now for and appointment.