What to Expect from Silicone Breast Implants?

Is Silicone implant surgery above the muscle safe? What should I expect?

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by whome in md

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Saline or silicone?

Much of the final “look” achieved after breast augmentation surgery depends on several factors:  1. The initial shape, size (volume of breast tissue), symmetry of the patient's breasts. In general, the better the preoperative breast appearance the more likely the breast augmentation “look” will be optimal.  2. The experience/skill level of the surgeon is important in determining the final outcome. For example, the accurate and gentle dissection... more

Safety is same as below the muscle

The issue is not about safety-- it's safe to use silicone breast implants below or above the muscle. However, placement above the muscle really should only be used in very specific situations, and it's important to discuss with your surgeon why he would prefer placing the implant there versus behind the muscle. He should review with you carefully the pros and cons of each option so that you can make an informed decision and pick the procedure that is best for you.

Absolutely safe

The FDA approved the currently used silicone gel implants after 14 years of study involving thousands of women who had their silicone implants placed either above or below the chest muscle. If you look hard enough on the internet you will find sites claiming silicone is unsafe and made the author of the site ill. Our FDA is essentially the most conservative in the world and if there was evidence of systemic problems with silicone, it would have most likely not been given approval. Dr... more

Very safe

The surgery experience of placing silicone implants above the muscle is very safe and well tolerated by patients, usually involving recovery periods of only obne - two days of mild discomfort. With appropriately selected patients, excellent outcomes should be expected. I perform both saline and silicone, above and below the muscle depending on patient's anatomy, preferences and expectations.

Have realistic expectations

Dear W, All of the different aspects of breast augmentation cannot be imparted to you in this forum. There is just too much information to discuss. A face to face discussion with a board certified plastic surgeon can greatly enhance your knowledge. In general, silicone implants above the muscle are safe and you should expect a good result if your tissues are amenable to placement in this plane. Good luck!

Should be safe

You should expect larger breasts, improvement in symmetry, fuller and firmer breasts. Science has proven no link to silicone implants and diseases. My professional preference is under the muscle for many reasons, but it is acceptable above the muscle too. sek

Safety is relative

What do you mean by safe? Relative to below the muscle, saline implants, or no implants? Silicone gel implants do not cause systemic disease or cancer. When they work as intended, they feel natural. However, all prostheses and all surgeries carry inherent risks. The most common with silicone gel implants above the muscle is capsular contracture or hardening. There is also a risk of leakage that is true whether placed above or below the muscle. Long term risks are need for repeat surgeries... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

There are many options in breast augmentation

There have been many published medical reports on the safety of silicone gel implants. The use of this material is safe. The choice to place the implant either above or below the muscle is an individual. There are many factors that must be considered including the size of the existing breast, the quality of the tissue, the degree of breast sagging, if present. Both saline and gel implants will look good if there is sufficient overlying soft tissue. In the absence of overlying soft... more

The very most natural and softest breast are with Silicone gel under the breast.

While 80% of my patients select saline implants under the muscle through and arm pit incision, I feel I get the best and most natural results with textured silicone gel implants placed through a peri areolar incision under the breast tissue. The patients usually choose the saline implants because of the cost difference and are very happy with their results but then again they have never experienced the silicone gel under the breast. Both saline and gel are now very safe and you can... more

Why even go in front of the muscle?

I'm not sure if your question is about the safety of silicone, silicone in front of the muscle, or the issue of in front vs. behind the muscle. The safety of silicone has been demonstrated and the controvery over that topic has been laid to rest. The real issue is whether to be in front or behind the muscle. There are substantial reasons to go behind the muscle. In fact, the number one factor determining how natural your result will be and how it will hold up over time is the thickness of... more

Silicone implants above the muscle are safe.

Hi! In Manhattan, we place about the same number of implants above the muscle as we do under the muscle. Both approaches are entirely safe, and which is best for you depends on your anatomy. The dual plane approach is also safe. You need a surgeon that you have a lot of confidence in, and then let her or him decide. If a surgeon tells you that it's always done the same way, go elsewhere.

Yes

Hi there- Silicone implants are absolutely safe to use for breast enhancement or reconstruction. There is no reason to believe that your current or future health will be compromised by these implants anymore. In any breast enhancement procedure, there are many options to consider, including the type of implant, but also the pocket location (under or over the muscle), the incision location, and the desired size. There are many advantages and disadvantages to review for each option, and... more