What are Silicone Breast Implants? Introduction, Benefits and Photos for 2024

Choosing the right type of implant is essential when considering breast augmentation surgery. Among the options available, silicone breast implants are popular because of their natural look and feel. In 2024, many women turn to them to enhance their figure or reconstruct their breasts.

Silicone implants come in various shapes, sizes, and textures to suit individual needs and desired outcomes. Below, we’ll give you a comprehensive overview of silicone breast implants — covering their types, benefits, and associated costs. We’ll also go over the surgical procedure and what to expect during recovery.

What are silicone breast implants?

Silicone breast implants consist of a silicone outer shell filled with silicone gel. This gel is a thick, sticky fluid that mimics the feel of human fat. The cohesive nature of the gel helps the implant maintain its shape, even if the outer shell is damaged.

Unlike saline implants, which are filled with sterile salt water, silicone implants come pre-filled. They're available in various sizes and shapes, including round and teardrop. The outer shell can be smooth or textured, depending on your needs.

Why choose silicone breast implants?

Patients often prefer silicone implants for their natural look and feel. The silicone gel moves like natural breast tissue, creating a more realistic appearance and texture. This is ideal for women with little natural breast tissue, as the implants are less likely to show rippling or wrinkling under the skin.

Silicone implants also offer excellent durability and longevity. With proper care and regular check-ups, these implants can last 10 to 20 years without needing revision.

Recent stats and trends around silicone breast implants

Silicone breast implants continue to lead the market in breast augmentation procedures. A study by Brainy Insights revealed that in 2023, silicone implants held a dominant position with a market share of about 77%. This high percentage underscores the preference for silicone implants among patients and surgeons.

The different types of silicone implants

When it comes to silicone implants, you have four options to choose from:

Traditional silicone implants

Traditional silicone implants use a cohesive silicone gel inside a silicone outer shell. This gel has a fluid consistency. The movement of the gel mimics the natural movement of breast tissue, providing a soft, natural feel. Women with thinner breast tissue may prefer this type of implant as it’s less likely to ripple or wrinkle under the skin.

Form-stable or "gummy bear" implants

Form-stable implants, often called "gummy bear" implants, have a highly cohesive silicone gel. This thicker gel holds its shape even when the implant shell is cut or broken, similar to gummy bears in candy form. These implants provide a firmer feel and maintain shape better than traditional silicone implants. Women looking for a more structured look may choose this implant type.

Smooth silicone implants

Smooth silicone implants have a soft, even outer shell. Many patients prefer smooth implants for their soft feel and natural movement. However, this freedom of movement means they may be more likely to ripple or shift position over time.

Textured silicone implants

Textured silicone implants have a rough outer surface that adheres to the surrounding tissue. This reduces the risk of implant rotation and displacement. While textured implants may feel slightly firmer than smooth ones, they offer more stability. They may also lower the risk of capsular contracture, a complication where scar tissue hardens around the implant.

Benefits of silicone breast implants

Below are five key advantages of silicone implants:

Natural look and feel

The texture and movement of silicone gel implants are similar to natural breast tissue. As a result, patients enjoy a more realistic look and feel. Many love that silicone implants are nearly indistinguishable from natural breasts to the touch.

Durability and long lifespan

Breast implants made of silicone gel resist wear and tear well. They often last up to two decades or more. This longevity means patients are less likely to need frequent replacement surgeries.

Reduced risk of rippling

Silicone implants are less likely to show visible rippling under the skin compared to saline breast implants. The cohesive nature of the silicone gel helps the implant maintain a smooth, uniform shape. Reduced rippling means you get a more natural-looking result, even in various body positions.

Versatility in shapes and sizes

You can get silicone implants in various sizes, shapes, and profiles. This helps surgeons customize the augmentation to your unique body type and cosmetic goals. Whether you want a subtle enhancement or a more dramatic change, there’s likely to be a silicone implant option to achieve the desired look.

Stability in shape over time

Even if the outer shell gets damaged, the cohesive gel stays in place (instead of leaking). This stability preserves the breast shape and reduces the risk of noticeable changes if a rupture happens.

Average cost for silicone breast implants

The cost range for silicone breast implants falls between $10,000 and $15,000 for the total procedure.

However, the exact cost varies based on the following factors:

• Geographic location: Prices are usually higher in major metropolitan areas and coastal cities.

• Surgeon expertise: More experienced surgeons may charge higher fees for their specialized knowledge and skills.

• Implant type: Advanced implant varieties may cost more than traditional silicone implants.

• Additional procedures: Combining breast augmentation with a breast lift or other surgeries will increase the overall cost.

• Facility and anesthesia fees: These can differ based on the surgical setting and duration of the procedure.

Disadvantages of silicone gel implants

While silicone gel implants offer many benefits, consider the following potential drawbacks:

Higher cost compared to saline implants

Silicone implants typically cost more than saline implants. They can cost around $1,000 more than saline implants. Account for this extra cost when deciding between implant types.

Risk of silent rupture

Unlike saline implants, silicone implants can develop a “silent rupture.” This means the implant leaks without causing noticeable symptoms. Instead of deflating when ruptured, silicone gel often stays put within the breast capsule. As a result, it’s harder to detect this issue without imaging. The FDA recommends regular MRI scans every few years to check for silent ruptures. Consider these long-term care requirements and costs before committing.

Longer incisions during surgery

Since silicone implants come pre-filled, they require longer incisions for insertion. These bigger cuts may result in more noticeable scarring, depending on the placement and your healing journey.

The cost in California for silicone breast implants

In California, the average cost of silicone breast implants ranges from $10,000 to $15,000. The higher investment reflects the state’s higher cost of living in major cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. If you’re thinking about getting breast augmentation in California, your quote may differ based on your surgeon’s expertise and whether you get complementary treatments with your procedure.

The procedure for silicone breast implants

Here’s what you can expect once you decide to get breast augmentation with silicone implants:

Step 1: Consultation

The first step is discussing your goals with your surgeon. They’ll evaluate your breast tissue, overall health, and body type. Together, you’ll decide on implant type, shape, and placement. This initial consultation sets the foundation for the entire procedure.

Step 2: Pre-operative assessment

Before surgery, patients undergo medical tests to ensure they’re healthy enough for the procedure. The surgeon will give you instructions on medications to avoid, dietary restrictions, and lifestyle changes to prepare for surgery. This step helps minimize risks and optimize healing.

Step 3: Anesthesia

On the day of the surgery, an anesthesiologist administers either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. This keeps you comfortable and pain-free throughout the breast augmentation. The type of anesthesia used depends on your health and the surgeon’s recommendation.

Step 4: Making the incision

The surgeon creates incisions based on your treatment plan. Common locations include under the breast fold (inframammary), around the nipple (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary). Each incision type has benefits and considerations, which the surgeon discusses during consultation.

Step 5: Insertion of implant

The surgeon creates a pocket for the implant, either above or below the chest muscle. They carefully insert the silicone implant into this pocket. Proper placement is important for achieving the desired shape and size.

Step 6: Closing the incisions

After positioning the implants, the surgeon closes the incisions using sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape on the skin. This step ensures proper healing and minimal scarring.

Step 7: Recovery

Immediately after surgery, your surgeon’s team monitors you in a recovery area. You’ll get detailed instructions for post-operative care, including pain management and activity restrictions. This marks the beginning of the recovery process, which continues at home over the following weeks.

Recovery process

Recovery from silicone breast implant surgery takes several weeks. In the first few days, you’ll experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Prescribed pain medication can help manage it. Most patients return to light activities within a week but should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for four to six weeks.

Key milestones in recovery may look like this:

• Days 1 to 3: Rest at home, wear a surgical bra, and take prescribed medications.

• Week 1: Return to light daily activities but continue wearing the surgical bra.

• Weeks 2 to 4: Gradually increase activity levels but avoid heavy lifting.

• Weeks 4 to 6: Resume normal activities and exercise with surgeon approval.

• Months 3 to 6: Final results become visible as swelling subsides.

Potential risks and complications

Silicone breast implant surgery is generally safe.

But you should still know about potential risks:

• Infection

• Capsular contracture

• Implant rupture

• Changes in nipple or breast sensation

• Implant displacement

• Scarring

Reduce your chances of experiencing these complications by:

• Following your surgeon’s instructions

• Attending all follow-up appointments

• Reporting any unusual symptoms right away

Maintenance and lifespan of silicone breast implants

Silicone breast implants are durable but not lifetime devices. Regular check-ups with your plastic surgeon are paramount for monitoring implant health and detecting any problems early. The FDA recommends women with silicone implants get an MRI five years after surgery and every two years after that to check for silent ruptures.

Before and after photos

Real patient before and after photos help you visualize what you could get after silicone breast implant surgery.

These images showcase the improvements in breast size, shape, and proportion after the procedure:

But remember, each person's results will be unique based on their body type and chosen implant size.

How to choose a doctor for your silicone breast implant procedure

Picking the right surgeon is imperative for a comfortable and successful breast surgery.

Follow these tips to find a qualified surgeon:

1. Check board certification: Ensure the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (or equivalent).

2. Verify experience: Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation procedures, particularly with silicone gel implants.

3. Review before and after photos: Examine the surgeon’s portfolio to assess their work.

4. Read patient reviews: See what previous patients have to say about their experiences.

5. Schedule a consultation: Meet the surgeon to discuss your goals and assess your comfort level.

6. Ask about surgical facilities: Check that the surgeon operates in an accredited facility.

7. Discuss potential risks: A good surgeon will be transparent about possible complications and how you can manage them.

Visit Dr. Lowenstein for your silicone breast implants

Considering breast augmentation in Southern California? Dr. Adam Lowenstein brings extensive experience and expertise to every procedure he performs. Having been board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, he offers a wealth of knowledge in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

Dr. Lowenstein’s approach combines advanced cosmetic surgery techniques with unparalleled patient care and education. To learn more about silicone breast implants and what they can do for you, call 805-969-9004 to book a consultation with his team at Montecito Plastic Surgery.