Breast Implant Options
Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Diego, CA
A breast implant is a device that improves the size, shape, and overall appearance of the breasts. (1) Breast augmentation is one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures in the United States, (2) offering patients the opportunity to enhance their silhouette, restore lost volume, and boost self-confidence. Whether you are looking to increase breast size, improve symmetry, or restore a youthful shape after pregnancy or weight loss, breast implants offer a time-tested, effective, and customizable solution.
If you are considering breast augmentation, it is important to choose an experienced specialist who can guide you through your options and help you achieve the results you are looking for.
Dr. John Alexander and his team at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery are highly experienced in breast augmentation procedures, offering personalized consultations and using the latest techniques to ensure natural-looking results and patient safety every step of the way.
To learn more about the breast implant options at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery, contact Dr. Alexander and his team online or call (858) 455-7557 and schedule a personal consultation.
Contents
About Breast Implants
Breast implants are medical devices designed to enhance the size, shape, and overall appearance of the breasts. The two primary types of implants available today are saline implants and silicone gel implants, each offering distinct advantages depending on a patient’s goals and anatomy. (3)
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the soft, natural feel of human breast tissue. (1) Silicone implants come in a variety of sizes, profiles, and shapes, allowing for highly customized results. Because they are filled before placement, they require slightly larger incisions than saline implants, but Dr. Alexander uses advanced surgical techniques to minimize any resulting scarring.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with a sterile solution. They are typically inserted empty, allowing for slightly smaller incisions and more customization regarding the size of the implant. These implants are known for having a firmer feel compared to silicone and may be ideal for patients who already have substantial natural breast tissue.
Benefits
There are many benefits of receiving breast implants, including:
- Enhanced Self-Esteem: Breast augmentation can improve your confidence by improving the overall appearance of the breasts.
- Natural-Looking Results: Thanks to advancements in technology, modern implants can provide results that closely resemble natural breast tissue.
- Volume Restoration: Implants can help restore lost breast fullness after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss, and other factors.
- Customization: Implants come in various sizes, shapes, and textures, allowing personalized selections based on anatomical considerations and aesthetic desires.
- Longevity: With proper care, modern breast implants are designed to last many years, maintaining their form and usability until the recommended replacement date.
- Minimal Scarring: Your surgeon will use careful incision patterns that minimize visible scarring.
To achieve these benefits yourself, schedule a personal consultation by contacting us online or by calling (858) 455-7557.
Ideal Candidates
Patients often seek implants to address volume loss after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, or simply to achieve an appearance that more closely aligns with their aesthetic goals. Prospective patients should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations about what they can achieve with breast implants, and be non-smokers or willing to temporarily refrain from using nicotine.
The FDA recommends that patients be a minimum age of 22 before receiving silicone implants. (4) For saline implants, the patient must be at least 18 years old.
Ultimately, whether or not you are an ideal candidate for breast implants will be determined during your personal consultation with Dr. Alexander.
Personal Consultation
Your breast enhancement journey begins with a personal consultation at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery. During this important appointment, Dr. Alexander will take the time to listen carefully to your aesthetic goals and review your medical history. He will examine your chest, skin elasticity, and proportions to recommend the implant type, size, and placement technique that will best suit you.
This one-on-one meeting is also a perfect opportunity for you to ask questions and learn what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Dr. Alexander will work closely with you to design a customized treatment plan that aligns with your vision.
To get started on your potentially life-changing breast enhancement journey, schedule a personal consultation online or by calling (858) 455-7557.
Preparation
Once you decide to move forward with your procedure, Dr. Alexander and his team will provide detailed preoperative instructions to ensure a smooth treatment process. These may include discontinuing medications or supplements with blood-thinning properties, avoiding nicotine use, and arranging for time off work and help at home during the early recovery phase. Following these preoperative guidelines closely will help ensure your procedure and recovery go as smoothly as possible.
Procedure
Breast implant procedures begin with administering anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable. Dr. Alexander will begin by making carefully placed incisions, often hidden in natural creases or around the areola, to minimize visible scarring. He will then create a pocket either beneath or above the chest muscle, depending on the details established in your treatment plan.
The selected implants will be inserted into the prepared pockets, and Dr. Alexander will make meticulous adjustments to ensure proper positioning, symmetry, and a natural appearance. Once he is satisfied with the result, Dr. Alexander will carefully close the incisions with layered sutures and apply surgical dressings. The entire procedure typically takes about one to two hours to complete, and you will be able to return home the same day under the care of a trusted friend or family member.
Recovery
The recovery process for both silicone and saline implants is similar. You can expect to experience swelling, tightness, and mild to moderate discomfort in the chest area, the first few days following your breast implant procedure. These effects can be well-managed with prescribed or recommended over-the-counter medications as directed by your surgeon. Dr. Alexander and his team will be available to guide you through the recovery process and will provide you with personalized recovery instructions.
Many patients feel ready to return to light activities within a week, but you should plan to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks or until cleared by Dr. Alexander.
Results
You will likely notice visible improvements in your breast shape and volume immediately after your procedure. Over the following weeks and months, your implants will settle into their final position, and the full extent of your results will become evident as swelling continues to dissipate. With high-quality implants, expert surgical techniques, and a commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, patients who seek either silicone or saline implants often enjoy beautiful, long-lasting results that enhance their body contours for years.
It is important to keep in mind that all implants will need to be replaced eventually. It is typically recommended to undergo replacement after about 10-15 years. Patient experiences may vary.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Many of Dr. Alexander’s patients choose to have additional procedures performed during their breast implantation. Additional procedures are entirely optional, but many patients opt to have breast implants performed in conjunction with breast lifts or one of the many other breast enhancement and body contouring treatments offered by Alexander Cosmetic Surgery.
Cost of Breast Implants in San Diego
The cost of your breast implants will vary depending on the size and implant type chosen, as well as whether or not additional treatments are performed. Once the details of your specific treatment have been established, our team will provide you with a detailed cost estimate. If you are interested in paying over time, Alexander Cosmetic Surgery does offer financing options to qualifying patients.
To learn more, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Alexander and his team by contacting us online or by calling (858) 455-7557.
FAQ
How long do breast implants last?
Modern breast implants are longer-lasting than previous generations of implants, but they do still eventually need to be replaced. Most patients enjoy their results for 10-15 years or longer before they must replace their implants.
Will I have visible scars from my breast augmentation?
Your surgeon will place incisions strategically in discreet locations, and scars tend to fade significantly over time with proper care. Scars can typically be concealed beneath clothing and bathing suits.
Can I still breastfeed after receiving breast implants?
In many cases, breast implants do not interfere with breastfeeding, but this depends on the surgical technique used. Your surgeon can discuss this aspect with you during your consultation; be sure to let them know you plan to breastfeed in the future.
References
- Patel BC, Wong CS, Wright T, Schaffner AD. Breast Implants. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441998/
- ASPS. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Siotos C, Sarmiento S, McColl M, et al. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Silicone versus Saline Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction Using the BREAST-Q. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. 2019;143(2):276e284e. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000005194
- Health C for D and R. Types of Breast Implants. FDA. Published online October 24, 2019. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/types-breast-implants