Breast Augmentation & Implants

Overview: Breast Augmentation

Dr. Jonov offers Seattle area women the opportunity to have beautiful, shapelier breasts through breast augmentation surgery. During this procedure, Dr. Jonov places either silicone or saline implants directly behind the breast or behind the pectoral muscle. During the initial consultation, he assesses the breasts and works with the patient to determine if silicone or saline is right for them. He will also discuss certain considerations such as implant size, shape, profile, and incision placement. Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the U.S. today.

Breast Enhancement Guide

View our detailed Breast Enhancement Guide to learn about how Dr. Craig Jonov approaches breast augmentation surgeries.

Other Implant Information

Manufacturers
Saline: MENTOR®
Silicone: Mentor (branded as MemoryGel®)

Profiles
An implant profile depicts the distance the breast will project forward from the chest wall. Implants are made in low, moderate, high and extra high profiles.

Shape
Breast implants come in two shapes. Round implants tend to offer more fullness on the top of the breast, while teardrop implants mimic the shape and look of natural breasts.

Texture
Breast implants are made with a smooth or textured surface. Round implants can be chosen with either surface, while teardrop implants are made with a textured surface only.

Saline VS. Silicone

The two implant options in the United States consist of saline implants and silicone implants. Both are safe and effective options for achieving fuller breasts. However, some woman may find more benefit from one implant type over another. Dr. Jonov can help you make an informed decision on saline vs. silicone implants will best suit your body and goals.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution and offer no risk to the patient in terms of extracapsular spread or silicone leakage. These implants are appealing to many because they generally cost less than silicone implants. In some patients, silicone may be a better option due to the rippling that may occur along the edges of the saline implant that can become visible in thin-chested women. Patients considering saline implants must be at least 18 years of age.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are filled with a gel substance that looks and feels similar to natural breast tissue. They are ideal for women who are thin-chested. Silicone implants are specially engineered so that if the shell becomes compromised (a surface crack), the silicone remains intact within the implant (known as cohesive gel implants). Although rare, an MRI is required to find silicone implant defects, unlike saline implants which will deflate. Patients must be at least 22 years of age to receive silicone implants.

Implant Placement

Submammary (Retromammary): Under the mammary gland, over the muscle (sometimes called ‘subglandular’)

Subfascial (Retrofacial): Under the fascia of the muscle

Dual Plane: Along two planes/layers

Submuscular (Retromuscular): Mostly under the muscle

Complete Submuscular (Full retromuscular): Completely under the muscle

Incision Type

Inframammary: The doctor makes an incision in the breast crease where the breast meets the torso

Periareolar: Dr. Jonov makes the incision just under and along the areola

Transaxillary: The surgeon makes the incision in the armpit

Transumbilical: Dr. Jonov makes the incision in the belly button

Additional Information
Breast Augmentation – Complete Guide Benefits of Breast Augmentation for Women

Questions about Breast Augmentation

Saline or Silicone?

Both saline and silicone implants are popular choices among surgeons and patients. In general, patients with a decent amount of breast tissue are good candidates for saline implants, while those with limited tissue and thin chest walls will benefit from silicone.

Many patients believe that silicone implants look and feel more natural. Gummy bear implants are the most modern breast implant on the market. Patients who choose Seattle gummy bear implants often remark on the natural look and feel of their breasts.

The implant option best suited for your goals will depend on your bodily anatomy, age, and what you want the end result to look like. During a consultation, Dr. Jonov can evaluate your goals, health, and anatomy to help you determine the implants for your breast augmentation in Seattle.

Is Silicone Safe?

Patients sometimes have concerns about the safety of silicone breast implants because of the attention they received in the media years ago. However, the FDA did approve their safety. In addition, no evidence links silicone breast implants to cancer, auto-immune deficiency disease, or any other illness. Ultimately, 62% of today’s breast augmentation patients choose silicone over saline. For reconstruction cases, they choose them 3 times more often.

Breast Augmentation or Lift?

Breast augmentation helps with size, but it will not correct sagging. If you are happy with the shape and laxity of your breasts, then implants alone may meet your cosmetic goals. However, if sagging is what is most bothersome to you, then you may consider a breast lift. During your consult, we will determine if you are better suited for breast augmentation, a lift, or a combination of the two.

Risk of Rupture?

Modern engineering creates strong and durable implants. With proper care and regular check-ups, the risks for rupture are rare. If a saline implant does rupture, the solution will be absorbed by the body and the implant will deflate, becoming visibly noticeable. If a silicone implant ruptures, the cohesive gel will likely stay intact and not leak into the body. An MRI will be necessary to detect a silicone defect.

How Long Do Implants Last?

In short, there’s been discussion or concern that implants only last about ten years. Actually, when the implants are made – whether they are silicone based or saline based or anatomical or gel – they are not made as a lifetime type of device; however, they may still last a lifetime. The most important factors in the longevity of breast implants is how well you maintain them and how well the breast tissue and the body heals to the site. The long term adverse effects are about 1% a year.

Normally, that’s where the discussion after about ten years comes into play. Typically, the situation that occurs that requires implant replacement is something such as a rupture or capsular contracture where the scar around the implant becomes hardened to the point where it’s uncomfortable or deforming. Most of today’s silicone breast implants come with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturers.

Other Removal Situations

Other situations require removal due to potential infection, but are usually identified early. With normal maintenance and no concerns in the way the breast looks, feels, and presents itself with any changes of any breast volume due to weight change, pregnancy, or any other changes, implant removal is not necessary. The FDA recommends an MRI every 3 years to evaluate the integrity of the shell because sometimes with silicone implants, you can’t tell if there is any leakage around the implant because of the cohesiveness. If a doctor monitors a patient for these conditions, a patient can maintain their implants.

Saline, on the other hand, if they deflate, it’s pretty obvious that there’s a deflation that occurs and requires removal of the implant. The majority of the time the risk for adverse reaction is about 1% per year over the lifetime of the implant. While not made to last a lifetime, your breast implants often will.

During/After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Dr. Jonov performs breast augmentation under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility and typically takes between 1-2 hours to complete. It is considered an outpatient procedure. After surgery, patients will need to rest for a couple of days, but encouraged to move around in order to promote circulation.

As the skin adjusts to the new breast size, it is normal for patients to feel tightness in the chest area. Patients may resume their normal exercise routines within 4-6 weeks. It typically takes around 6 months for the breasts to fall into their final position. The result is a softer, natural looking breast appearance.

Dr. Jonov will provide a surgical bra to wear during your recovery and recommends six ultrasound massages with our master estheticians to relieve swelling and side effects. Additionally, this promotes healthy healing and may prevent capsular contracture. Attending your post-operative appointments and following the individualized instructions that Dr. Jonov gives you will help you heal well and see the results you want.

The Gold Standard Of Breast Augmentation In Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland

The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery offers the highest end breast implants and an experienced cosmetic surgeon with two decades of experience. Dr. Jonov is a double board-certified cosmetic surgeon and specializes in breast procedures. In a consultation, he will ask about your goals for your Seattle breast implants. Based on your goals and preferences, he will then help you craft a customized plan for your breast augmentation.

At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, you will find a welcoming waiting area with freshly baked cookies and refreshments. Our team strives to make every appointment from your consultation to post-operative appointments smooth and comfortable.

Choosing a surgeon for your breast augmentation in Seattle is a daunting task that takes time and research to make. Dr. Jonov works to make this process simple. Along with serving Washington-based breast augmentation patients, The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery accommodates patients from Vancouver, BC, and around the world.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Jonov, call us at 425-775-3561 or contact us online using the form above.

FAQ’s

How much does breast augmentation cost​?

In the Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland area, the cost of breast implants usually depends on the implant type (saline vs. silicone), incision location, anesthesia, facility fees, and the surgeon’s fees. At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, the starting price for a saline implant breast augmentation is $4,995. The cost may go higher depending on the patient’s aesthetic goals.

How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation?

Most people return to their normal life in about two weeks, but full recovery is more gradual. According to the Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, the recovery window is roughly 1 to 6 weeks, depending on your body, implant type, incision, and placement.

Does insurance cover breast augmentation​?

No. If the surgery is done for cosmetic reasons, insurance usually does not cover breast augmentation. However, if there is any medical necessity for breast reconstruction, insurance may be approved. It is better to have a consultation with your surgeon and get a confirmation with your insurance provider.

How long should I take off work after breast augmentation?

Most patients feel comfortable returning to a desk job or light-duty work within about five days. If your job involves physical labor, lifting, or anything that puts strain on your upper body, you will need to wait longer, usually around four to six weeks. Your surgeon will give you specific guidance based on your job type and how your healing is progressing, so it is worth having that conversation during your consultation or follow-up appointments.

What is the average cost of breast augmentation?

Nationally, the average tends to fall somewhere between $5,000 and $8,000, though prices vary quite a bit by location, surgeon experience, and implant type. At the Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, breast augmentation with saline implants starts from $4,995, while premium gummy bear implants can go up to $8,495. The final price will always depend on your individual treatment plan, so an in-person or virtual consultation is the most reliable way to get a real number.

Does breast augmentation affect breastfeeding?​

In many cases, breast augmentation does not disrupt the ability to breastfeed, but there are no guarantees because everyone’s anatomy and surgical plan are different. It is worth telling your surgeon if breastfeeding in the future is important to you so they can discuss incision and implant placement options.

How long after breast augmentation can I work out​?

Most surgeons recommend avoiding strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks. It is advised to avoid lifting more than 10 pounds for about six weeks, which matters for weight training, intense workouts, and even certain job duties. Your surgeon will provide a timeline based on your healing progress. 

How does breast augmentation work?

​The procedure is done under general anesthesia and takes roughly one to two hours. Your surgeon places either saline or silicone implants either behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle, depending on your anatomy and goals. There are several incision options, including along the breast crease, around the areola, in the armpit, or even through the belly button. You and your surgeon will decide together on the implant type, size, shape, profile, and placement before surgery. It is an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day.

How painful is breast augmentation recovery​?

Pain levels vary from person to person, but most patients describe the first few days as feeling sore and tight rather than sharply painful. The tightness in the chest area is one of the most common sensations as the skin stretches to accommodate the implants. Prescription pain medication is usually provided for the first few days, and most people transition to over-the-counter options fairly quickly. By the end of the first week, discomfort is generally much more manageable. Ultrasound massages after surgery can also help reduce swelling and make the recovery more comfortable.

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