Breast augmentation surgery can help you achieve your perfect breast size and shape. Breast implants are either saline-filled or made of silicone, and there are multiple incision and placement options to minimize scarring and get your desired look.

Saline vs silicone implants

Saline implants have a silicone outer shell and are either pre-filled with saline (salt water) or are filled after placement. Saline implants are usually less expensive than silicone implants, and are easier for your surgeon to place. The size of some saline implants can be adjusted post-surgery through a special fill port to help you achieve your ideal size.

Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone, which is a gel that can have a more natural feel. Silicone implants are more expensive than saline implants, and can be more difficult to place if your incisions are in your armpit or areola. Silicone implants are less likely to cause rippling in your skin compared to saline implants.

How breast augmentation surgery is performed

Surgery can be done under intravenous sedation so you’re awake during the procedure, or under general anesthesia so you’re asleep.

Your surgeon makes small incisions in either your armpits, along the bottom creases of your breasts, or around the edge of your areola. Incisions in your armpits or areolas can help hide scarring, but implant placement is easier with crease incisions. It’s also possible to insert implants through an incision in your bellybutton, but this more difficult and risky.

Your surgeon makes pockets in your breast tissue and/or chest muscles to create space for the implants. Pockets under your breast tissue can help shape your breasts, and pockets under your chest muscles can minimize the risk of rippling in your skin. During surgery, your plastic surgeon may insert and remove multiple implant options to ensure your desired size and shape.

After your implants are placed, the incisions inside your breast tissue are closed with sutures, and the incisions in your skin are closed up with adhesive or surgical tape.

Recovery 

Your breasts will be wrapped in gauze and you’ll be given a sports bra or elastic band called a bandeau for support. Pain usually subsides in one to five days, and you’ll be prescribed pain medication to help. You may have soreness and swelling for a few weeks. You’ll have to avoid strenuous activity until you are fully healed. Recovery can be psychologically difficult as well because the temporary swelling and bruising can mask the final look of your breasts. It’s important to discuss post-surgery expectations with your surgeon.

Risks 

Complications are rare for breast augmentation. Most risks are the same as with any surgical procedure, which may include pain, adverse reaction to anesthesia, infection, blood clots, bruising, or bleeding. Here are other possible complications:          

• Capsular contracture occurs when the natural scar tissue around your implant grows too thick and squeezes the implant.          
• Rippling is the appearance of ripples or wrinkles on the breast. Women with thinner breast tissue are more likely to experience rippling. Saline implants have a higher risk of causing rippling compared to silicone implants.         
• Scarring can occur at the incision sites. Most scarring will fade in time, or can be camouflaged with medical tattooing. Incisions in your armpits or areolas can help hide scars.        
• Implant leaks or ruptures can cause health problems and require implant removal. Leaks in saline implants are easily detected. It’s recommended that women with silicone implants get MRI imaging done every three years to detect any issues.          
• Fluid accumulation (seroma) is a buildup of clear fluid in the implant area that usually goes away on its own, but may require drainage in severe cases.       
• Changes in breast or nipple feeling is rare, buy may be caused by large implants that overstretch the nerves in your breasts and nipples.

Costs of breast augmentation

The cost of breast augmentation surgery varies depending on many factors, including the cost of anesthesia, what type of implant you choose, and any additional surgical or diagnostic fees. Many plastic surgeons offer payment plans. Health insurance typically doesn’t cover breast augmentation surgery, but related treatments after surgery may be covered. You can speak with your plastic surgeon and health insurance provider for more exact cost information.