BREAST AUGMENTATION | BREAST IMPLANTS

Breast Augmentation cost varies on the type and size of breast implant that the patient desires. In general, saline breast implants cost less than silicone gel implants. During your consultation with Dr. Lowney, the exact cost of breast augmentation will be discussed in detail along with available financing options.

Dr. Lowney incorporates advancements in the area of minimally invasive cosmetic surgery into the breast implant procedure to provide treatments that are safer, less traumatic on the body, require less recovery time,  and ultimately deliver better results. Dr. Lowney’s procedure is performed under local or tumescent anesthesia. In addition, you will be given oral medication to help you relax. In the procedure, Dr. Lowney will make a small incision under the breast in order to create a pocket under the chest muscle, which results in an extremely natural appearance. Placing the implant under the muscle also reduces the possibility of rippling or a hardened capsule surrounding the implant. After the procedure is completed, you will be able to walk out of the office. However, we do require someone to drive you home. In addition, you will be required to visit our office for follow up appointments to monitor your progress and healing.

There are two main types of breast implants: silicone and saline. Each implant comes with individual advantages and disadvantages. The best implant choice for you depends on a number of factors. During your consultation with Dr. Lowney, we will help you determine which type of implant is best for your situation and most suited to meet your aesthetic goals.

Silicone gel implants

Silicone gel implants are the most popular implants because silicone gel implants feel and look more natural and ripple less. Silicone gel implants are prefilled with an inert polymer, known as silicone gel. There are no known human allergies, reactions, or sensitivities associated with this gel. Similar to a gummy bear, the molecules in the silicone gel are bound together in a cohesive matrix, making it a more viscous material than saline, which ultimately provides a more natural look and feel. Silicone implants are placed under the pectoralis muscle through an incision made in the inframammary fold (below the breast where the breast and chest meet.)

Advantages of Silicone Breast Implants

• The most popular implant choice
• Compared to saline implants, silicone implants are lighter, softer, and smoother.
• Silicone implants better mimic the feel and appearance of natural breast tissue

Disadvantages of Silicone Breast Implants

• In compliance with FDA regulations, women must be 22 years or older to get silicone implants.
• Compared to breast augmentation with saline implants, silicone implants typically require a slightly larger incision
• Silicone implants typically cost more than saline implants

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are made of a silicone rubber envelope filled with a sterile salt-water solution, known as saline. The manufacturer warrants these types of implants. During the procedure, the silicone shell is inserted into the body and then filled with the saline solution to the desired size.

Advantages of Saline Implants

• Saline implants are typically easier to place and adjust during the surgery.
• In the rare case of rupture, saline is easily and safely absorbed by the body
• Typically saline implants are less expensive than silicone implants
• Because they are filled once inserted into the body, saline implants typically require smaller incisions
• Saline implants are approved by the FDA for patients 18 and older.

Disadvantages of Saline Implants

• Compared to silicone implants, saline implants are more susceptible to wrinkling (especially when the patient does not have very much natural breast tissue.)
• Saline implants are firmer and heavier than silicone implants

Both silicone and saline breast implants are FDA approved and scientifically verified in numerous clinical studies to be safe.¹ Nevertheless, breast augmentation comes with the normal risks associated with any surgery. The best way to ensure your safety and long-term satisfaction with your breast implants is to choose a reputable cosmetic surgeon that matches experience and expertise with an unwavering commitment to patient safety and wellbeing. While uncommon, there are potential side effects associated with breast implants that you should be aware of. The specific side effects depend on the type of implant you choose. During your consultation with Dr. Lowney, risks and side effects will be covered in detail.