Questions about Breast Implants
Questions About Breast Implants
What Are Breast Implants?
Breast implants are silicone shells, filled with either saline solution or silicone gel, used in breast augmentation and breast reconstruction to add volume to the breasts.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Implants?
Any woman aged 18 or older (22 or older for silicone breast implants) who want to increase the size of her breasts is a candidate. The ideal candidate is not pregnant or nursing, is in generally good health, has no active infections, and is free from breast tumors. Ideally they should not smoke. During your consultation, Dr. Charles Feagin or Dr. William Owen will evaluate your condition and talk to you about your medical history to ensure there are no concerns.
How Long Is Recovery From Breast Implant Surgery?
Everyone’s recovery rate is different, but in general recovery from breast implant surgery is relatively quick. Most women are back to normal activity within days. Most office-type workers may return to work in 2 days. Usually, you can drive the day after surgery. However, strenuous activities, including vigorous exercise, may be restricted for up to four weeks. We will evaluate your condition as you heal and let you know when you are cleared to return to various activities.
Is Breast Implant Surgery Painful?
Most patients report that the discomfort of breast implant surgery is relatively minor, generally less than they expected. We control discomfort during the procedure with anesthesia and after the procedure, you will be given pain medication to help minimize post-operative pain. The tissue is also injected with a long-acting local anesthetic. Most patients take pain medication for only two or three days after surgery.
What Are My Options for Customizing Breast Implant Surgery?
There are many breast enlargement options to ensure you get the surgery that is right for you. These options include:
- Type of breast implant
- Size of breast implant
- Placement of breast implant whether under the pectoralis major muscle or on top
- Location of a surgical incision
During your consultation and pre-surgical appointment, Dr. Feagin or Dr. Owen will talk to you about your options and how they affect your results.
What Types of Breast Implants Are Available?
Breast implants can be filled with saline solution or silicone gel. They also come in round or anatomic shapes. Round breast implants can come in a variety of profiles to help women of all sizes and shapes to get natural, attractive-looking breasts. The silicone gel implants are cohesive which means the gel is almost solid. These are often called gummy bear implants. Dr. Feagin and Dr. Owen have extensive knowledge of all types and shapes of breast implants and they will be helping you choose the best implant for you.
Will Breast Implants Put Stretch Marks on My Breasts or Make My Areolas Grow?
No. Although the skin envelope will expand to accommodate the breast implants, this does not generally show as stretch marks. The areola will also not become stretched, although large areolas may look larger and rounder because more of them will be presented.
Do My Breast Implants Have to Be Replaced Regularly?
No. Breast implants only have to be replaced if they become damaged or deflated. You do not have to replace your breast implants regularly. Statistically studies show that 90% of saline and gel implants are intact at ten years.
Why Should I Choose Feagin & Owen for My Breast Implant Surgery?
Dr. Charles Feagin and Dr. William Owen are board-certified plastic surgeons with about 60 years of combined experience helping the women of Dothan, Alabama; Enterprise, Alabama; Panama City, Florida; Destin, Florida, and surrounding areas to get great results from breast implant surgery. You can see some of their results in our Before & After gallery.