Breast Implant Options

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons Serving Denver & Lone Tree, Colorado

Breast implants are innovative medical devices that create breast enlargement results that look and feel natural. Today's breast implants are more customizable than ever before, and our experienced and board-certified plastic surgeons help you understand all of your options as they relate to your breast implant choices. To schedule a complimentary cosmetic consultation to discuss these options, please call Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery at 303-706-1100.
Breast implants have a variety of features from which you can choose and individualize your breast enlargement results. These options include:

Each of these choices lends to the adaptability of breast implants to your individual goals, such as whether you want your breasts to look firmer, fuller, more natural or more round. We are committed to helping you understand how various implant features influence the final result.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons provide individualized consultations and guidance so you can make sure you are getting recommendations tailored to what you want your final results to look like. You can see our before-and-after photos of patients so you can get an idea of what different types of breast implants can achieve.

Considering Breast Implants

When you choose breast implants to enlarge your breasts, you are deciding that the following unique characteristics will meet your expectations:

  • Breast implants are not lifetime devices. They most likely will need to be replaced one to several times over your lifetime.
  • Saline and silicone implants both have a long-standing safety profile. Currently saline breast implants are FDA-approved for breast enlargement patients age 18 and older, while you must be at least 22 to receive silicone breast implants for breast enlargement purposes. For breast reconstruction, both types are FDA approved for women of any age.
  • Complications are possible, but not typical. Possible complications include capsular contracture, implant rupture and malposition. If any of these or other complications do arise, they can be treated and reversed.

Our plastic surgeons will guide you through choosing the breast implants that will accomplish the result you want. We want your final results to allow you to feel confident and beautiful.

See What Our Patients Are Saying!

"Dr. Chris Williams went the second mile, and I would highly recommend him.  He was thorough in discussing my implant concerns, he called the radiologist to clarify the radiologist’s notes from a recent mammogram I brought with me that had nothing to do with his office, and he called me back the same day with this clarification.  He did not recommend a replacement, which he could have if he was more concerned about getting my business than what would be best for me.  If/when I am ready for an implant replacement, he will be the first doctor I call.  He was patient, kind, very knowledgeable, and listened well to my concerns and desires.  The office staff were also excellent and very timely."

Choosing the Type of Breast Implant

The type of implants you choose can influence the final look and feel of your results. Factors that will influence your decision typically include:

  • What the breast implant will look like
  • What the breast implant will feel like
  • Your expectations of cost

Advantages of Saline Breast Implants

Some of the advantages of saline breast implants include:

  • Filled with a sterile saltwater solution similar to the fluid that makes up the human body
  • May allow a slightly smaller incision than a silicone gel breast implant
  • Slightly firmer feel than gel-filled implants
  • Flexible volume that can be adjusted during surgery

Saline breast implants are filled with saline fluid after being placed in your breast, so only the most minimal incision is required to place the breast implant.

Saline breast implants contain a sodium and water solution. If your breast implant ruptures or tears, the saline fluid is harmlessly absorbed by your body and will not have any adverse health effects. Of course, silicone gel has not been shown to cause adverse health effects either. Both types of breast implant have been rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness by the FDA

Advantages of Silicone Breast Implants

Because silicone implants look and feel so natural, they have become an implant of choice for many women. Some of the advantages of choosing silicone implants include:

  • Cohesive silicone gel mimics the appearance and feel of real human fat, and thus provide the most natural result
  • The innovative cohesive gel maintains its shape, so if your breast implant tears or breaks, the gel won't leak out and the breast won't lose all its shape
  • Silicone implants are also less likely to ripple than saline implants

Silicone implants have a silicone rubber shell that is pre-filled with a certain amount of silicone gel, depending on your desired cup size. Every implant contains a patch covering the implant’s manufacturing port. Silicone implants offer a more natural look and feel, but may or may not be more prone to capsular contracture. Speak to our plastic surgeons about any risks that may pertain to you.

In the early 1990s there was speculation that silicone breast implants were responsible for connective tissue diseases in certain patients. But after an extensive evaluation, the Institute of Medicine concluded that there was "no definitive evidence linking breast implants to cancer, neurological diseases, neurological problems or other systemic diseases." In November of 2006, the FDA approved the use of silicone breast implants for women ages 22 and up. Silicone implants have an excellent safety profile and have not been shown to increase your risk of breast cancer or systemic disease.

Silicone implants are placed using the safe and effective Keller Funnel® technique. Our surgeons are certified in the use of the Keller Funnel.

MemoryGel® Implants

MemoryGel® is the brand name for the round silicone gel-filled breast implants supplied by Mentor Worldwide, LLC. Mentor Worldwide, LLC. The FDA required Mentor Worldwide, LLC. to provide long-term safety data on these implants; Mentor Worldwide, LLC. began this post-approval study for Pre-market Approval (PMA) in order to gather specific information to address objectives about an approved medical device. The MemoryGel® Post-Approval Study included approximately 43,000 women and evaluated their health over a 10-year period using an annual questionnaire and three physician visits.

Dr. Jeremy Williams of Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery partnered with Mentor Worldwide, LLC., participating in this study, which ultimately became one of the largest device post-market studies in United States history.

As a result of the study, the FDA approved the pre-market approval (PMA) application for the Moderate Profile, Moderate Plus Profile, and High Profile Smooth and Textured Surface Round MemoryGel® Breast Implants in November 2006. The implants were approved for both breast augmentation and breast reconstruction

For more information about the FDA approval of silicone-gel filled breast implants, you can visit the FDA website.

Benefits Of MemoryGel® Breast Implants

  • MemoryGel® Implants are FDA approved
  • Each implant is filled with Mentor’s proprietary cohesive gel
  • The gel filler holds together uniformly and looks and feels like natural breast tissue
  • The implants have a set fill volume for predictable results
  • MemoryGel® breast implants come in three projection options: Moderate, Moderate Plus and High Profile to give you the look you want
  • They come in two shell surface options: smooth and textured (Siltex®)
  • MemoryGel® implants are covered by Mentor’s Standard or Enhanced Limited Warranty and Lifetime Replacement Policy

Silicone vs. Saline

Both types of implant have unique advantages, but our plastic surgeons can use either type to create the enhanced breasts size and improved breast shape you have always wanted.

Some women prefer saline implants. Although saline tends to look and feel less natural than silicone gel, saline implants generally work well if there is enough breast tissue to cover it or if it is placed behind the chest muscle instead of in front of it.

The decision between silicone and saline implants is one that only the patient can make. There are benefits to both types of implants. The type best for you is a highly individualized decision that should only be made after consulting our experienced breast implant surgeons in Denver.

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Choosing Breast Implant Size

Choosing a breast implant size is one of the most important aspects of preparing for breast augmentation. During your initial visits to our practice, one of our plastic surgeons will assess your body frame and present the range of breast implant sizes available to you. Your choice of breast implant size involves consideration of the following factors:

  • The breast size you are envisioning
  • Chest and breast measurements, such as the base diameter of the breast
  • Your body frame
  • Your expectations for the final esthetic outcome

These factors will help you and your plastic surgeon discuss the range of possible breast implant sizes you should consider. After meeting with your surgeon, you will try on "sizers" with a Patient Care Coordinator to better select the size implant you choose. These sizers fit under a bra and give the illusion of a breast implant, allowing you to better imagine your body with breast implants.

How to Choose Breast Implant Size

Breast implants are measured by their volume in cubic centimeters (CCs). This sizing is a departure from measuring breasts in terms of bra cup size. When you discuss breast implant size with us, it can be helpful to talk about the cup size you want to be, because it helps us get a better picture of the look you want.

But the end result of your breast augmentation may or may not be the cup size you discuss, because breast implants are not measured that way and because it's more important to achieve the results you want rather than a bra cup size, which differs between bra manufacturers anyway.

In addition to cup size, photos are another tool you can use to discuss your desired size. If there are photos you've seen that you like, you can bring the photos to your consultation. Breast implants cannot make you look like these women, but the photos can provide us with an idea of the body proportions you want; that is, the size you want your breasts to be relative to your hips, waist, shoulders and body frame. Remember, though, sometimes it can be hard to tell the weight, height, or frame of the photos you select, so this should have little bearing on your overall expectations. Your surgeon will remind you of that as well.

Positioning of the Breast Implant

Implants can be placed beneath the pectoral muscle of the chest wall or directly behind the breast tissue. Most patients will have their implants placed behind the chest muscle unless there are anatomic considerations that warrant the implants being placed directly behind the breast tissue.

Some studies have suggested that implants placed behind your chest muscle have a lower risk of forming capsular contracture (scar tissue that hardens around the implant) and interfere less with breast examination by mammogram than if the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. Placement behind the muscle does lead to more muscular discomfort in the initial days after surgery than placement directly under the breast.

Drainage tubes are almost never necessary during breast augmentation. All incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and a water tight dressing is placed over the incision, enabling you to shower the next day. The total surgery time is approximately 1 hour.

Positioning of Breast Implants

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Below the Muscle

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Above the Muscle

Breast Augmentation Incision Options

Incisions are made in an inconspicuous area to minimize visible scarring. Incisions can be placed around the areola (the dark portion surrounding the nipple), within the crease between the breast and the chest, or in the armpit. We will discuss which option is appropriate for your anatomy and desired result.

Breast Implant Exchange Incision Types

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Under Breast Incision

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Under Armpit Incision

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Areola Incision

Below the Breast – Inframammary Incision

This incision is called the inframammary incision, and it is made along the curve of the bottom of your breast, where the breast meets the chest wall. In most cases, our plastic surgeons recommend this incision location. Once the incisions heal, the scars are well concealed beneath the breast. Your scars won't be visible when you're wearing a bathing suit or bra. It also provides our plastic surgeons with the best control over the placement of the breast implants, which often means it also gives them the best control of the results.

Although our plastic surgeons generally favor the inframammary incision for most breast enlargements, we can make an incision recommendation only after meeting with you, discussing your goals, and assessing your breast measurements and dimensions.

We want you to get the best possible result from your procedure, and that most often involves choosing an incision that will leave the least visible scar and that will allow placement of the breast implant size and type you want. During your consultation, we will discuss and answer your questions about:

  • How the incision location will benefit your desired results
  • What the scars from the incision will look like
  • What skincare steps you can take to improve the appearance of the scar

Our plastic surgeons and our entire staff are committed to patient education. We want you to be able to make informed decisions about breast surgery. The consultation is the first step in your journey to decide if breast augmentation is right for you.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Most breast implants last between seven to 12 years. If you choose silicone implants, getting regular MRIs will catch any issues early. Your doctor can help you decide the best time to replace your implants. If everything is comfortable, functions well, and looks and feels good, you can generally wait a little longer for replacement.

Do Breast Implants Hurt?

The breast augmentation procedure is performed under general anesthesia, so patients won’t feel any pain during surgery.

After the procedure, you can minimize discomfort by following your doctor’s recovery plan, which might include limiting strenuous activity, abstaining from smoking and alcohol, and taking pain medication. Everyone experiences a different recovery process, but soreness and swelling are normal during the initial stage.

After you’re completely healed, your breast implants should feel comfortable and painless. Pain after recovery could indicate an issue with your implants, so don’t hesitate to consult with one of our surgeons.

Who Should Not Get Breast Implants?

While most women in generally good physical and mental health are candidates for breast implants, there are a few reasons our surgeons might not recommend breast augmentation, including:

  • An abnormal mammogram or untreated breast cancer
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Active infection or illness
  • Unrealistic expectations of surgical outcomes

Board-certified plastic surgeons are highly qualified to evaluate candidates and make the safest recommendation for your situation. Contact ours for a complimentary cosmetic consultation.

Am I Too Old for Breast Implants?

Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance throughout your life, but some considerations change as you age, including surgery recovery time and skin elasticity.

In the 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found the second largest age group getting breast implants were age 40 to 54 at 28%. That number drops in the 55 to 69 group but is still significant at 7%.

Ultimately, your age is just one factor our surgeons will consider when assessing your overall health and deciding if you’re a good candidate for breast implants.

Are Breast Implants Safe?

In recent years, there’s been more media attention on ALCL, a very rare form of lymphoma associated with some, but not all, textured breast implants. These implants are no longer used in the US.

If you’ve read enough alarming headlines, you might be wondering if you should avoid breast augmentation or remove your existing implants. Because the condition is so unlikely, your surgeon will typically advise you that there’s no reason to do so unless there’s a diagnosis. Women who already have textured breast implants should simply monitor for any changes.

If ALCL or any possible complications of breast implants are a concern, your doctor can help you analyze the risks and benefits of the procedure as well as monitor your implants for any issues.

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed and widely studied cosmetic procedures. As technology has improved, surgery is safer than ever, and complication rates continue to decline. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, like those at Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery, will ensure you get the most up-to-date information.

Breast Implant Exchange

Women who have had breast augmentation in the past often ask about exchanging their older implants for newer ones. The first question many ask is, "Is it necessary to change out my implants?" or "When is it necessary to exchange older breast implants for newer ones?"

The answer to these questions depends on whether or not there is something bothering the patient with their current implants. Also, if something has been documented to be wrong with the implant such as a rupture or poor position of the implant, then there would be a greater indication to exchange the implants. However, if the implants have been stable and the patient has been pleased with her result then the answer is often to leave the breast implants alone and simply monitor them over time.

Is Breast Implant Exchange Right for Me?

Indications for implant exchange could include the obvious – implant rupture, poor position of the implant, worsening cosmetic result over time, and painful implants. Less obvious indications for implant exchange could include – capsular contracture (aggressive scar tissue which forms a capsule around and implant and deforms the breast over time), desire to change saline implants to more natural-feeling silicone implants, desire to change older silicone implants to saline implants, desire to correct less severe but still bothersome cosmetic aspects of the breasts such as implant rippling, thinning breast skin, palpable implants, or a desire for a bigger or smaller implant.

A breast implant exchange can be as simple as removing the old implant and replacing it with a new implant of similar size. It can also be much more complicated depending on what needs to be corrected. Recovery is usually quick since the patient has already had a prior implant. Each patient is different, so an appointment with our surgeons is required to get a full understanding of each patient's needs and post-operative recovery.

Schedule a Breast Implant Consultation Today!

Are you ready to explore your breast implant options? Please call Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery at 303-706-1100 today to schedule your complimentary cosmetic consultation. You can also fill out the consultation request form below and our staff will get back to you at the earliest!

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