Breast implants improve the size and shape of your breasts. At Cape Fear Valley Health, your plastic surgeon will tailor your results to create a flattering, natural-looking silhouette.
What are Breast Implants?
If you're dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, it can impact your self-confidence and overall quality of life. At Cape Fear Valley Health, we offer several breast implant types to help enhance the size and shape of your breasts.
These implants are designed to create a more feminine figure by addressing issues like asymmetry or replacing lost breast tissue due to mastectomy or injury. Whether for breast augmentation, lift, or reconstruction, your plastic surgeon will carefully consider your goals and assess your frame during a consultation to determine the right breast implant type for you
Breast implants are one of the most popular cosmetic surgery choices in the U.S., especially for women who’ve lost a breast to cancer. Modern technology has improved the procedure and increased the number of implant options to choose from. Your plastic surgeon will discuss which one is best for you:
- Silicone implants: These are filled with a thick silicone gel that feels similar to natural breast tissue.
- Saline implants: These are filled with a sterile saltwater solution.
- Natrelle INSPIRA® implants: These are a form-stable cohesive gel option.
Restore Your Confidence
Now is your chance to transform your figure by getting breast implants. You can trust that Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeons will listen to your concerns and answer your questions. We’ll evaluate your health needs, cosmetic goals and skin to determine if breast implants are right for you.
Our Approach to Breast Implants
At Cape Fear Valley Health, our plastic surgeons stay up-to-date on the latest medical advances and innovations, meaning you can enjoy first-class care close to home.
Understanding Your Goals
Our compassionate, warm and friendly staff will treat you like a friend, not a number. Your Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeon will discuss your treatment goals and carefully evaluate your specific areas of concern, and prioritize answering your questions to keep you well-informed throughout the process.
We Stay Connected
Our compassionate, warm and friendly staff will treat you like a friend, not a number. Your Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeon will discuss your treatment goals and carefully evaluate your specific areas of concern, and prioritize answering your questions to keep you well-informed throughout the process.
Your Breast Implant Team
From your first call, you’ll be supported by a dedicated team of experts, including plastic surgeons, licensed practical nurses, and medical staff.
What to Expect With Breast Implants
Getting breast implants takes between one and two hours. You won’t feel any pain because you’ll be under general anesthesia. You’ll be able to go home after the procedure is over.
During your initial consultation, you’ll be given a choice between saline, silicone or cohesive silicone implants. All of these vary both aesthetically and texturally. Your plastic surgeon will help you make an informed decision on which one is best for you.
Then, your plastic surgeon will determine which surgical technique is right for you. Your implants can be inserted through four discreet incision points. These include the armpit, belly button, the outer edge of the areola or at the bottom of your breast.
Breast Implants Consultation
Your Cape Fear Valley Health plastic surgeon will discuss your treatment goals and carefully evaluate your breasts. Next, they’ll recommend a type of breast implant that’s right for you, based on your desired results.
Are You a Candidate For Breast Implants?
Breast implants are for women who are motivated to enhance their appearance. It’s a popular choice for women who’ve lost a breast to cancer.
Procedures work best on patients who:
- Are in good overall health.
- Don’t drink alcohol for two weeks before surgery. (Alcohol acts as a blood thinner, which increases the risk of excess bleeding during surgery.)
- Maintain a stable weight at least six months to a year before surgery.
- Quit using nicotine products three to six weeks before surgery and three to six weeks after. (Nicotine increases your risk of surgical complications, like blood clots.)
Please note: Pregnant women aren’t eligible for breast implants. And if you’ve given birth recently, you need to wait at least six months until you’re done breastfeeding. If you have severe sagging or stretching, a breast lift might be a better choice.
Shape and Texture of Breast Implants
There are several considerations to decide which shape and texture of implant will work best. Your plastic surgeon will assess your:
- Body type
- Desired method of placement
- Existing quantity of breast tissue
- Incision site and size
After choosing between silicone or saline implants, your plastic surgeon will discuss your shape and texture options.
- Round implants: Offer various levels of projection, lift, cleavage, and fullness. Ideal for patients with significant breast tissue looking to enhance shape, projection, and size.
- Teardrop-shaped implants: Designed to mimic natural contours, narrowing gradually at the top. Popular for patients with smaller natural breasts or breast reconstruction, providing a natural profile without excessive volume.
Breast Implant Placement
Your plastic surgeon will discuss the best place for the implants to go. You have two choices:
- Subglandular: These are placed between the pectoral muscle and the breast tissue. You will most likely be able to feel the implant under the skin and may even be able to feel rippling. Athletes or those with muscular builds often prefer subglandular placement as it looks natural when pectoral muscles are flexed.
- Submuscular: These are placed under the pectoral muscle. This is a popular option for women who want a more subtle, natural-looking enhancement. Women with smaller or petite builds may choose submuscular placement to enhance breast size discreetly when they have limited breast tissue to conceal the implant..
Breast Implants Recovery and Results
After getting breast implants, you will need to take one to two weeks off from work. During this time, you should:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Wear a surgical bra for three weeks to promote healing and recovery.
- Avoid strenuous activities for about six to eight weeks.
Keep in mind that it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising and discomfort after surgery. It takes about one to two weeks for the swelling and bruising to subside. Most patients are pleased with the result within three to four months after surgery.
Breast Implant Risks
Like all surgeries, breast implants involve a certain degree of risk. However, when it’s[AC1] performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, serious complications are rare. Minimize other complications by following the instructions and advice of your plastic surgeon.
Some risks and complications could include:
- Implant position changes, leakage or rupture
- Infection
- Lack of nipple and breast sensation
- Pain