Breast Implants - Breast Enlargement - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Breast implants are devices that implanted either above or below the breast muscles and deep under the breast tissue to reconstruct and reshape a person’s breasts. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions that patients have about this surgical procedure. For more information about breast implants, contact a plastic surgeon in your area.

What are the uses of breast implants?

Breast implants are used to enlarge the shape and size of the beasts, to correct or revise a prior breast augmentation or reconstruction, or to fix certain breast abnormalities.

What types of implants are available?

Implants used for breast augmentation and reconstruction procedures are either saline filled or silicone gel filled. These two types of implants are the least reactive and more commercially available.

Do implants last forever?

Although breast implants do not expire, they do not last forever. According to the FDA, patients who have had breast implants have a great chance of going back for further surgeries, either to correct prior breast augmentations or to treat other complications.

Will there be a dramatic increase of size due to breast implants?

After having breast implants, the breasts will typically go up one size, depending on the size and shape of implants that the surgeon and patient have decided to use.

Can bacteria enter the implants?

Implants inside the breasts will not contract bacteria. However, bacteria may enter the implants when the solution is being filled into the implants at the time of the surgery. This is very unlikely to happen if the surgeon has a high level of expertise on breast augmentations and implants.

On what age can a person get breast implants?

Approved FDA saline-filled implants are approved for women ages 18 years and older, while silicone-filled implants are approved for women ages 22 and older. The FDA set these age limits so that the breasts are fully developed before any surgical procedure is done.

Do breast implants leak or rupture?

There is a chance for breast implants to leak or rupture. If a saline-filled implant ruptures, the breast will deflate in size and shape and may leak over a period of time. Implant ruptures may cause feelings of pain, numbness, and burning. In some cases, ruptured silicone-filled implants can go unnoticed by the patient and the doctor. This is called a silent rupture, and an MRI may be the only way to detect it.

What risks come with having breast implants?

Some risks of breast implants include breast pain, rupture, migration of silicone gel, change in nipple sensation, breast sensitivity, additional surgeries, rippling of the skin, and hardening of the areas of where implants are placed. You are in great hands when you work with a renowned plastic surgeon that specializes in breast implants.