(603) 775-7444
137 Portsmouth Avenue Stratham, NH 03885
(603) 775-7444

Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Skin & Laser Center

Breast Implants

“What are my options?” When considering breast augmentation, that’s typically one of the first questions women ask our plastic surgeon, and it’s one of the most important. The good news is Dr. Richard Zeff offers a range of implant choices, and they are committed to helping you find the right option for your needs through a comprehensive consultation process and honest communication. Below, you will find details on the breast implant selection process. If you would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact our practice.

Types of Breast Implants

Saline implants are silicone shells filled with sterile saltwater transferred directly from IV solution bags, whereas silicone gel breast implants are filled with a more natural-feeling gel. Both saline and silicone gel breast implants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This approval means that these breast implants have been rigorously researched and tested for safety.

We offer smooth round implants in both silicone gel and saline based varieties at our plastic surgery center. Silicone gel breast implants are known to be less prone to rippling, and they are often good options for women who are very thin. While saline implants are less expensive and require a smaller incision, silicone gel breast implants generally look and feel more natural.

Our plastic surgeon is often asked about “shaped” and “anatomic” implants. In general, they feel that only women who have had mastectomies require an implant that offers both size and shape. Most women, no matter how small their breasts, usually have an underlying shape that is simply enhanced by the implants.

How will I know which breast implant is right for me?

vss_product_medium logoThe initial breast augmentation consultation is a very important step in the process for women considering this treatment. Our plastic surgeon personalizes each consultation and spend time educating each patient on her options to help her make the best decision. During your initial consultation, Dr. Zeff will listen to all of your questions and concerns about breast implants. We are one of the few practices in New England to use the Mentor® Volume Sizing System to help determine the size that will be best for your needs and goals. It’s important to remember that adding volume to the breasts is not just about enhancing size – it’s also about improving projection and proportions. Ultimately, the best breast implant options are those that fulfill your goals and best enhance your individual anatomy. We will go over these options in detail with you at your consultation and guide you in finding the best possible choice.

Breast Implant Upgrades and Revision

For a variety of reasons, some women may find that they want to “upgrade” or somehow alter the results of a previous breast augmentation surgery. Patients typically consider revisional breast surgery in order to: exchange saline implants for silicone gel implants or vice-versa; go from a larger implant to a smaller implant; address dissatisfaction or complications stemming from a breast augmentation by another surgeon; or have the implants removed altogether. Dr. Zeff is an extensively trained breast surgeon who can perform breast revision surgery to help you achieve your goals with beautiful, natural-looking results.

Implant brands: there are currently 3 companies manufacturing implants for use in the United States:

  • Mentor
  • Allergan (Natrelle)
  • Sientra

These are all excellent companies. Our surgeon is always happy to consider a patient’s preference if expressed.

What is Breast Implant Illness (BII)?

Although the safety of breast implants has been well-established by the FDA, some patients still have concerns about an unofficial medical diagnosis referred to as breast implant illness (BII). BII is characterized by symptoms that may include fatigue, body aches/pain, cognitive challenges, and others — all of which are thought to be associated with autoimmune-related or connective tissue illnesses. Women who have breast implants and experience these symptoms may attribute their health concerns with the placement of their implants, though the FDA has found no link between autoimmune and connective tissue illnesses. When women with breast implants express concerns to Dr. Zeff about the possibility of BII, he always takes a compassionate, educational, and investigative approach to finding a resolution. Symptoms being experienced are real and require both a comprehensive examination of the breast implants and the patient’s health to determine if implant complications have occurred or other health conditions (independent of the implants) are present. Should patients wish to remove their breast implants in an effort to restore health, Dr. Zeff offers several different options. Removal of breast implants has been shown to lead to a reduction in BII symptoms for some patients, but explantation is not a guaranteed solution for illness.

Learn more about BII and another condition, called BIA-ALCL, by visiting our blog and breast augmentation page.

Contact Us

If you would like more information on breast implant options, or if you would like to schedule a consultation to talk more about the breast augmentation procedure, please contact our practice today.

Contact Us

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