An Honest Conversation About Breast Implants Today

All relationships take care and effort, and your breast implants are no different!  With modern implants designed to last upwards of a decade, that’s a relationship you’ll want to love long-term. Of course, the high degree of satisfaction among breast implant patients isn’t an accident, it’s all part of a comprehensive, patient-centric approach to keep you in love with your implants.

The Modern Breast Implant

There are two main types of implants, silicone and saline. Saline implants are filled with saltwater, while modern silicone implants are made with cohesive gels.

“I tend to use silicone implants for their natural feel and look, especially the newer cohesive gel or ‘gummy bear’ types, which offer improved safety in the event of rupture,” Dr. Preminger says. “That said, I always individualize my recommendations based on a patient’s anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.”

Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance

Avoiding complications and heading-off potential sticking points is all part of the approach, where careful planning from top-to-bottom ensures the best outcome now and long-term. “The best outcomes come from thoughtful planning,” Dr. Preminger says. “I talk to patients not just about what looks good now, but what will age well over time.”

And this planning has to start at the beginning of the process, choosing an implant.

“Choosing an implant that fits the patient’s frame is critical — going too large increases the risk of rippling, bottoming out and discomfort,” Dr. Preminger explains. “I also consider the thickness of the tissue envelope, the quality of the skin and whether a lift is needed to support long-term results.”

Bigger Doesn’t Equal Better              

When it comes to implants, there’s a reason why expert practitioners and breast implant brands recommend a size range of options that are suited to your body.

“A bigger implant doesn’t always equal a better outcome,” Dr. Preminger says. “Oversized implants can stretch tissue, accelerate drooping, cause back or neck pain, and lead to unnatural-looking results.”

Taking your chest wall and body frame into account also produces more balanced, natural-looking results. 

“My goal is always harmony, something that enhances the body without overpowering it,” Dr. Preminger notes. “It’s not about chasing a number; it’s about achieving balance.

Addressing Patient Concerns 

“Modern implants are safer and more durable than ever, but they’re not lifetime devices, explains New York plastic surgeon Aviva Preminger, MD. “While manufacturers rate them to last 10 to 15 years, some patients may need revision sooner due to aging, weight changes, or personal preferences.”

“Patients sometimes express concerns about Breast Implant Illness (BII)—a constellation of symptoms like fatigue, brain fog or joint pain,” Dr. Preminger notes. “While research is ongoing and the connection isn’t fully understood, I take every concern seriously.”

Though BII is not a formal medical diagnosis and cases are not necessarily common, that doesn’t mean that the symptoms women are reporting are not real. “Listening carefully, validating the patient’s experience, and offering appropriate workups or referrals are key,” Dr. Preminger adds. 

Your Implant Relationship Status

Just like some of our key relationships in life, your implants require attention and maintenance. “Patients should think of breast implants as a commitment that may involve maintenance or revision over time,” Dr. Preminger says. “As we age, our bodies change, and sometimes our aesthetic preferences do too. I always encourage patients to be open to reevaluating their goals every 10 years or so.”

And for patient safety, Dr. Preminger advises sticking to the FDA’s recommended schedule of imaging to check for silent ruptures. “Starting at five to six years post-op, patients should receive an MRI or ultrasound to detect silent ruptures, and then every two to three years thereafter,” she says. “Even without symptoms, it’s wise to stay proactive. I recommend my patients see me once a year for an exam. Think of it as preventative care, just like you would for your skin, teeth or general health.”

We all know that keeping a relationship healthy and happy might take work and maintenance, but the impact is well worth it. For breast implants, and loving them long-term, your happiness over time means having an expert surgeon on your side and the right care from the planning process all the way to upkeep and device replacement. From start to finish, your goals, feelings and experiences need to be accounted for and responded to, ensuring your experience is positive all the way through.