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Today’s advanced cosmetic climate offers breast augmentation patients a wide range of implant sizes, shapes, textures and brands.

What are Breast Implants?

Breast implants are implants usually filled with saline or silicone, that are inserted into the breasts to make them bigger and more shapely.

Selecting the right product for you is an important part of the consultation process, and Dr. Stevens, a board-certified plastic surgeon, will give you all the time and personalized attention needed to help you select the best breast implants available for your needs.

During your confidential consultation, Dr. Stevens will allow you to touch and feel each breast implant, placing it beneath your blouse to see how it will look. He will also employ our advanced 3D imaging technology to give you the most accurate projection of your final result with the selected implant. If you would like for your spouse or partner to be present during the selection process, Dr. Stevens is happy to arrange for this as well.

Saline vs. silicone breast implants

The two main types of implants are those filled with saline, and those filled with silicone. Both have a silicone shell that keeps the filling intact. Our saline breast implants are filled with sterilized saltwater, the same as is found in IV solutions. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, which Dr. Stevens can go over with you in greater detail during your Los Angeles consultation.

Is saline the best breast implant material?

Our Los Angeles saline implants will create a full look with full projection and a natural aesthetic. They are filled after they are placed in the chest pocket, so their size can be adjusted to suit the patient. The incision required for saline implants tends to be slightly smaller than that used for silicone, so this can be an advantage for those seeking minimal scarring. Additionally, saline implants are harmless if they rupture, as the saltwater solution is simply absorbed by the body. Saline implants tend to cost less than silicone at approximately $800 for a pair.

In terms of the cons of saline implants, these products tend to have a less realistic feel than silicone, and they are more likely to ripple and deflate. At the same time, saline implants are less likely to bottom out, and they do weigh the same as silicone. Dr. Stevens can discuss the best option for you.

PROS

  • Lower cost & Safety
  • Full, projected look
  • Potentially smaller incision

CONS

  • More likely to feel ripples
  • Less realistic to the touch
  • More likely to rupture and deflate

Is silicone the best breast implant material?

In terms of its advantages, our silicone breast implants in Beverly Hills feel more natural to the touch and are less likely to ripple. If you choose the “gummy bear” form-stable silicone gel implants, these have the most longevity and the lowest rate of capsular contracture. They tend to keep their shape with a lower risk rupture. The gummy bear comes in a regular round shape and a teardrop shape that many patients find highly natural-looking. The average cost for silicone implants is about $1800 for a pair.

The disadvantages of the silicone implant include the fact that it may require a slightly larger incision compared with saline implants, and the incision may have to be made within the breast crease. The gummy bear silicone implants tend to be more expensive as well.

PROS

  • More realistic feel
  • Lower rates of complications
  • Less likely to ripple
  • More natural appearance
  • Higher cost

CONS

  • Potentially larger incision
  • Fewer options for incision placement
  • More subtle changes
  • Patients may not have enough donor fat

Structured Saline Implants (Ideal Implants)

The structured ideal breast implant is a new technology that offers a natural feel and beautiful look with only saline inside, providing comfort and peace of mind.

The advantages of saline and silicone gel implants:

  • Lower rate of rupture and higher rupture strength.
  • An MRI is no longer needed, checking the mirror you will know your implants are in
  • No sticky silicone gel from ruptured implants.
  • Implants filled with saline that is consumed by the body if ruptured.
  • Allows for a smaller incision than silicone gel implants.

Will Breast Implants Interfere with My Annual Mammograms?

The location of the implant can affect the accuracy of your mammogram reading. If you have a history of breast cancer, talk to your surgeon before your breast augmentation.


Can Breast Implants Limit my Range of Motion or Restrict Physical Activity?

Once you have completely healed from surgery your breast implants should not cause any issues with physical activity or range of motion.


What Size Should I Get?

The size of the implants that you choose is a personal preference, and the final decision is yours. Depending on your skin quality and condition, there are some limitations to the size you choose.


Which Implant Type is Better?

There are pros and cons to both silicone and saline implants. Each comes in different sizes, and they both have smooth or textured shells, so it comes down to a matter of which one is right for you.


Should I Overfill My Saline Implants?

When it comes to saline, you should fill the implant to its maximum capacity. This will prevent the risk of future rippling. Underfilled saline implants also may pose a higher chance of rupture.


Do Silicone Implants Feel More Natural?

Patients have reported a lighter, more natural and smoother feel with silicone implants. Saline can appear more rounded and heavier, but modern versions are far superior to those manufactured in the past.


Do you Place the Implants Above or Below the Muscle?

There are several reasons to place implants above the muscle and below the muscle. One of the most common reasons surgeons place them below the muscle is because they tend to look more natural.


Will I be Awake During the Procedure?

No, you will not be awake during your procedure. Intravenous sedation with local anesthesia or general anesthesia will be used.


When Do Implants Need to be Replaced?

Implants do not have an expiration date, but it is recommended that women have implants checked periodically. This is to prevent any issues with leakage or rupture. If the implants are fine, there is no need to replace them.


How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Implants?

Saline implants are the only option for women who are under 22. If you choose silicone implants, you must be at least 22 years old.


Are There Any Risks with Implants?

There are risks associated with the use of anesthesia, possible bleeding, or infection. In rare cases, long-term loss of nipple sensation, implant rupture, capsular contracture or rippling may occur.


What is Rippling?

Rippling may occur in some cases, particularly for very thin women with minimal natural breast tissue. An experienced surgeon can minimize the risk of rippling.


Will Insurance Pay for My Implants?

Check with your insurance first, but most will only pay for surgeries that are reconstructive. A breast augmentation is considered cosmetic and is usually not covered.


Why Choose Dr. Stevens for your Breast Implants

Dr. Stevens is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience. He has trained at Chicago Medical School, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Boston University. He has provided countless breast implant procedures to patients from around the world. Dr. Steven focuses on providing caring, personalized care to each of his breast implant patients. Learn more about Dr. Stevens' Beverly Hills breast augmentation procedure here.

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