Breast Augmentation with Implants

Breast implants require ongoing annual surveillance, ultrasound or MRI imaging, and implantation of a foreign device in the body. Augmentations are usually performed under general anesthesia in the operating room as keeping the procedure sterile is critically important since an implant is being placed in the body. Some surgeons perform these in the clinic setting, but it can be difficult to get all of the areas numb and also maintain a perfectly sterile environment to minimize the risk of infection.

Patients seek augmentation to achieve improved appearance in clothing, more pronounced cleavage, or to restore volume that is lost after pregnancy or with aging. Breast implants can lead to secondary problems that require revision and are not a permanent solution for the above problems. Common issues from breast implants can be related to sagging of the breasts over time from the weight of the implant, painful scar tissue around the implant called “capsular contracture”, or vague symptoms of illness that may or may not be related to the silicone used to construct implants. Due to more natural and lasting solutions being available, Dr. Elston does not offer augmentation mammaplasty with breast implants.

Patients with implants eventually require revision of the implants either with placement of newer and often larger implants, as well as significant surgical revision of the implant pocket to reshape the position of the breast on the chest wall. Some patients ultimately desire to have the implants removed and forego replacement of the silicone implants to have a breast lift and volume replacement with their own fat.

For alternative solutions to help achieve your goals, please read our pages on organic breast augmentation breast lift with autoaugmentation or breast augmentation with fat transfer.