Breast Implants FAQ: Your Questions Answered

If you are researching breast implants in Bloomfield Hills, MI, you likely have questions about the procedure, risks, recovery, and what to expect. Dr. Ellen’s team addresses the most common questions patients ask about breast augmentation, implant types, implant size selection, and long-term considerations. Whether you are in the early stages of exploring your options or preparing for a consultation, these answers are designed to help you make an informed decision. Individual results vary, and every patient’s situation is unique. If you would like to discuss your specific situation, contact Ellen Cosmetic & Reconstructive. 

What Are Breast Implants?

Breast implants are medical devices placed by a plastic surgeon to increase breast size, restore breast volume, or reconstruct the breasts following surgery or injury. Implants consist of a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a sterile saline solution. They are used in breast augmentation procedures for cosmetic purposes and in breast reconstruction for patients who have undergone mastectomy or experienced breast tissue loss. A board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Ellen, evaluates your anatomy, goals, and health history to determine whether implants are appropriate for you.

What is the Difference Between Saline Implants and Silicone Implants?

Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and inserted empty, then filled once in place. Silicone implants come pre-filled with silicone gel, which many patients describe as feeling closer to natural breast tissue. Silicone gel implants, including cohesive silicone gel implants, sometimes called gummy bear implants, hold their shape and tend to maintain a more natural contour. Saline implants may be an option for patients who prefer to minimize incision size. Your surgeon will discuss which implant type aligns with your anatomy, desired outcome, and lifestyle during your consultation.

What is a Gummy Bear Implant?

A gummy bear implant is a cohesive silicone gel implant that maintains its shape even when the outer shell is compromised. The silicone gel inside is firmer than traditional silicone gel implants, helping the implant maintain a defined shape. These implants typically have a teardrop form designed to mimic the natural slope of the breast. They may require textured implants to prevent rotation within the breast pocket. Your surgeon will help determine whether this implant type is appropriate based on your breast size goals and existing breast tissue.

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Good candidates for breast augmentation are generally women in good overall health with realistic expectations for results. Women choose this procedure to enhance breast size, address asymmetry, or restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight changes. Candidates should have fully developed breasts and should not be pregnant or breastfeeding. Patients with certain connective tissue diseases or other health conditions may not be ideal candidates. A board-certified plastic surgeon will review your medical history, chest wall anatomy, and existing breast tissue to determine candidacy. 

What Implant Size is Right for Me?

Implant size is determined by a combination of your existing breast tissue, chest wall measurements, skin elasticity, and your desired outcome. Larger implants are not always appropriate for every body type, as the breast skin and tissue must adequately support the implant. Your surgeon will review sizing options during your consultation; selecting an appropriate implant size is one of the most important decisions in breast augmentation, and your surgeon will guide you toward options that complement your proportions and goals.

What is Implant Placement, and How Does it Affect Results?

Implant placement refers to whether the implant is positioned above or below the pectoralis major muscle in the chest wall. Subglandular placement positions the implant between the breast tissue and the muscle, while submuscular placement positions it beneath the pectoralis muscle. 

Placement below the pectoralis muscle may reduce the visibility of the implant edges and is often recommended for patients with limited existing breast tissue. Your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy and goals to recommend the most appropriate implant placement for your breast augmentation procedure.

What Are the Risks of Breast Augmentation?

As with any surgical procedure, risks of breast augmentation include infection, bleeding, changes in nipple sensation, and scarring at the incision site. Additional risks specific to implants include capsular contracture, implant rupture, and the need for additional surgery over time. Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue surrounding the implant hardens, potentially causing discomfort or changes in breast shape. Implant rupture, while uncommon, requires additional procedures. Your surgeon will discuss all risks in detail before your procedure.

What is Breast Implant Illness?

Breast implant illness is a term used by patients and health care providers to describe a range of systemic symptoms some women attribute to their breast implants. Reported symptoms include joint pain, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and other systemic symptoms. 

If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms, discuss them openly with your health care provider. A plastic surgeon can review your situation and help you understand your options, which may include implant removal or replacement.

What is Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, and How Does it Relate to Implants?

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that has been associated primarily with textured implants, according to the FDA and published medical literature. It is not breast cancer, but rather a cancer of the immune system that can develop in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Most cases have been identified in patients with textured implants. The FDA continues to monitor and report on adverse events related to breast implants. 

What is Recovery Like After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Recovery time after breast augmentation surgery varies by patient. Most patients experience temporary swelling, bruising, and manageable discomfort in the days following the procedure. Many patients return to light normal activities within one to two weeks, though recovery time depends on implant placement, implant size, and individual healing. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting are typically restricted for several weeks. 

Will Breast Implants Affect My Ability to Breastfeed?

Breast implants may affect the ability to breastfeed, depending on the incision site and implant placement used during surgery. Incisions around the nipple carry a higher risk of affecting milk ducts or nipple sensation than other approaches. Many women with implants are able to breastfeed successfully, though this is not guaranteed. If preserving the ability to breastfeed is a priority for you, discuss this goal with your surgeon before your breast augmentation so incision and placement decisions can be made with that consideration in mind.

Do Breast Implants Need to Be Replaced?

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, and additional surgery may be needed over time. While many implants remain intact for many years, health care providers generally advise patients to plan for the possibility of replacement or removal in the future. Reasons for additional operations include implant rupture, capsular contracture, changes in breast size following pregnancy or weight changes, or personal preference. Your surgeon will outline a monitoring plan appropriate for your implant type during your consultation.

Can a Breast Lift Be Combined with Breast Implants?

A breast lift can be performed at the same time as breast augmentation when a patient has both volume loss and sagging breast tissue that implants alone would not address. Combining a breast lift with implants is a more complex surgical procedure and requires additional recovery time. Some patients may be advised to stage the procedures separately, depending on their anatomy and health. 

Why Choose Ellen Cosmetic & Reconstructive for Breast Augmentation in Bloomfield Hills, MI?

Ellen Cosmetic & Reconstructive offers breast augmentation and breast reconstruction in Bloomfield Hills, MI, with a focus on personalized care and thoughtful surgical planning. Our practice serves patients throughout the greater Detroit metro area. Our approach centers on patient education, detailed consultation, and individualized treatment plans tailored to your anatomy, goals, and concerns. We are committed to transparent conversations about the risks, benefits, and realistic expectations associated with breast implants and other cosmetic procedures. 

When to Schedule a Consultation

During your appointment, your surgeon will review your anatomy, discuss implant type and implant size options, explain risks, and help you understand what to expect throughout the process. Many patients find that an in-person conversation answers questions that written resources cannot. Schedule your consultation at Ellen Cosmetic & Reconstructive in Bloomfield Hills, MI; we look forward to helping you make a confident, informed decision.