Breast Implants
Compare implant fill, size, placement, monitoring, and the possibility of future surgery.
Consult with Dr. Henry Huson at Queen City Plastic Surgery in West Chester, Ohio, serving the Cincinnati area.
- Setting
- Confirmed with your treatment plan
- Anesthesia
- General
- Procedure time
- Individual estimate at consultation
- Recovery
- Often 1 to 2 weeks for desk work; longer for lifting
- Results
- Develop over months; results vary
General planning information. Your procedure, anesthesia, recovery, and results depend on your health and treatment plan. Returning to work does not mean full healing.
About the procedure
Breast implant selection includes the fill material, shell, dimensions, and position relative to the chest muscle. Brand names such as Motiva, Natrelle, and Sientra do not identify every feature of a specific device. Ask to review the exact implant labeling and patient decision checklist before surgery.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Rupture, capsular contracture, or changes in preference can lead to another operation. For silicone implants, the FDA recommends ultrasound or MRI screening starting five to six years after placement and every two to three years afterward, even without symptoms; new symptoms need earlier assessment.
Implants are associated with BIA-ALCL, a lymphoma seen more often with textured implants. Other rare cancers have been reported in the surrounding capsule, and some patients report systemic symptoms. Review these risks alongside routine breast cancer screening and any possible effects on breastfeeding.
Good candidates
- A desire to change breast volume or proportions
- Adequate tissue coverage for the proposed device
- A breast health assessment and discussion of future pregnancy plans
- Acceptance of monitoring and possible additional operations
Candidacy is confirmed at your consultation. Dr. Huson will tell you honestly if a different approach would serve you better.
Before & after
Coming soon
Before and after photos for breast implants will be added here.
What to expect
Your consultation
The consultation reviews your goals, medical history, medications, nicotine use, and examination findings. Discuss alternatives, the proposed setting and anesthesia, realistic changes, costs, and the support you will need during recovery.
The procedure
The chosen implant is placed through an incision into a prepared pocket. Incision location, pocket position, and closure depend on anatomy and the device labeling. All incisions leave scars.
Recovery
Initial swelling and discomfort can settle over weeks, while implant position and softness change over months. Follow restrictions and the long term monitoring plan, and seek assessment of new swelling, a lump, pain, or a change in shape.
Risks and limitations
- Implants can rupture, develop capsular contracture, shift, or require removal. Changes in nipple sensation and breastfeeding can occur.
- Rare implant-associated cancers and reported systemic symptoms need discussion alongside infection, scarring, and the possibility of further operations.
This is not a complete list. Your clinician should explain the risks of the specific procedure and anesthesia, including bleeding, infection, healing problems, and any medical factors that change your risk.
Other options
Fat transfer may suit a modest volume change when donor fat is available. A lift addresses drooping rather than volume alone. You can also choose no surgery after comparing the tradeoffs.
Planning your consultation
Bring your medication list and relevant medical history. Ask about the facility, anesthesia team, follow-up, time away from work, and help at home. Request an itemized estimate covering the procedure, anesthesia, facility, and any additional care; confirm coverage directly if insurance may apply.
Common questions
Bring the rest to your consultation. There is no such thing as too many.
How are saline and silicone implants different?
They differ in fill, feel, rupture detection, and approved uses. Both have a silicone shell and can require further surgery. Review the specific device information.
How long do breast implants last?
They are not lifetime devices. Replacement is based on symptoms, findings, device guidance, and your goals rather than a promise that they will last a fixed number of years.
What about cancer and systemic symptoms?
BIA-ALCL is associated more often with textured implants, and other rare capsule cancers have been reported. Some patients report systemic symptoms. Discuss the current FDA information and continue recommended breast screening.
Sources and further reading
- FDA: Breast implant risks and complications
- FDA: Breast implant labeling and rupture screening
- ASPS: Breast augmentation
- ASPS: Breast augmentation risks and safety
Patient education from Queen City Plastic Surgery. Updated . General information does not replace a personal medical assessment. Sources explain general procedures and do not establish the services or protocols of this practice. Contact the practice with questions or to request a correction.
Ready to talk about Breast Implants?
Consultations are free, unhurried, and educational. Bring your questions and your goals; leave with an honest plan.