Model Image Breast Implant FAQs

Breast implant frequently asked questions


Can you achieve my size goal?
Dr. Zevon will strive to achieve your goal if it is realistic for your anatomy.

How do you determine how many cc’s to use to achieve desired results?
During your consultation, Dr. Zevon will talk with you about your desired breast size. You will “try on” different sizes of implants. Taking into account many physical factors, including your height, weight, existing breast volume, shoulder width, chest wall, body fat, breast position, nipple position, asymmetries, spacing between the breasts, laxity of skin, as well as your desired bra size, Dr. Zevon will recommend an implant size for you. There are many options available in size and style to help you achieve your desired outcome.

How long does it take for the implants to soften and settle? In other words, how long before what I see is what I get?
It takes 6 months for the implants to soften and settle completely. Most of the settling occurs during the first 2 months.

Explain to me the difference between smooth and textured implants. I have heard that smooth implants move more freely and act more like natural breasts. Is this true?
The shell of round implants is smooth. In anatomical implants, the manufacturers roughen the shell, giving it a texture similar to velcro. The rougher texture minimizes implant movement.

Smooth implants do move more freely than textured implants and, in that regard, are more like natural breasts. Some patients, however, prefer specific styles of implants, such as anatomical implants, that are not available with a smooth surface.

Tell me the difference between round and anatomical (teardrop) implants.
With anatomically shaped breast implants, you can achieve upper breast fullness without bulging, for more naturally shaped breasts. Round implants have been the traditional shape since breast augmentation began. Anatomical implants have a tear drop shape, with less upper quadrant fullness than round implants. Anatomical implants cost about $500 more than round implants. Dr. Zevon will make a recommendation for your optimal implant style during your visit.

What is rippling? Do you “overfill” or take other steps to avoid this?
Rippling refers to the occurrence of wrinkles or “ripples” in the skin over a saline implant. The underlying shell of the implant has rippled as well. Manufacturers usually size implants over a range of approximately 30 cc; fill to the uppermost end of the range is considered “overfilling.” This concept has arisen due to changes in manufacturers’ labeling of implant sizes in response to FDA dictates. Today, an implant of size 270 cc to 300 cc would be considered overfilled if filled to a volume of 300 cc. Dr. Zevon believes that correct fill volume is key in the prevention of rippling and, accordingly, overfills unless considerations of symmetry or other anatomical issues outweigh issues of fill volume.

Please explain capsular contracture to me and how common it is. How is it treated if it happens to me? Can it be avoided and, if so, how?
After breast augmentation surgery, the body forms a capsule of scar tissue around the implant. Formation of scar tissue starts within days of surgery and continues for a year or more, the same as in every other type of surgery. In most patients, the presence of this scar capsule is not detectable. Some patients experience capsular contracture. This term refers to the contraction or hardening of the scar tissue surrounding the implant. If capsular contracture occurs, Dr. Zevon recommends removing some or all of the capsule and replacing the implants.

The definitive cause of capsular contracture is unknown, but one hypothetical cause is the presence of bacteria in the operative area. Dr. Zevon strives to lower the likelihood of occurrence of capsular contracture. Every effort is made to avoid touching of the implant. It is known that submuscular implant placement results in a much lower capsular contracture rate than subglandular placement. Submuscular placement is always recommended by Dr. Zevon in appropriate patients. Massage is also believed to lower the incidence, and is highly recommended by Dr. Zevon.

How will implants effect existing stretch marks?
Breast augmentation tightens the skin, flattening stretch marks out and making them less noticeable.

Do you recommend massage? How is it done and why?
Dr. Zevon does recommend massage, beginning 3 days after surgery. Gently knead (squeeze) the breast for several minutes, several times a day. You should massage at least until the implants settle. Dr. Zevon recommends continuing to massage your implants to minimize the likelihood of occurrence of capsular contracture.

How much is the surgery and does that include your fee, implants, anesthesia, hospital charges, and follow-up visits?
Mary Monahan, our office manager, will give you a printed quote with itemized fees for Dr. Zevon, the anesthesiologist, the facility, and breast implants. All visits before and after the surgery are included in this fee. The quote also states our payment policy and our cancellation policy. Read it carefully and ask Mary if you have questions about the fees or any other financial issue.

When is payment due, at my pre-operative visit? What is your policy if I chicken out? Do I get a refund?
Mary Monahan, our office manager, will give you a printed quote stating our payment policy and refund policy, and she will explain it to you as well. We require payment in full before your surgery. We will book your surgery when we receive a $500 scheduling deposit. This deposit is not refundable.

How long does it take for the implants to soften and settle? In other words how long before what you see is what you get?
It takes 6 months for the implants to soften and settle completely. Most of the settling occurs during the first 2 months.

How common is loss of feeling?
Sensory changes can result after breast surgery. They may result from direct injury to the nerve during surgery or indirectly from the pressure placed on the nerve from the implant. Most of these changes resolve on their own over time. Studies of loss of sensation have reported a wide range of incidence. Submuscular implant placement and implants that are not excessively large for the patient’s anatomy are both associated with lower incidence of permanent loss of sensation. If you are concerned about loss of breast/nipple sensation, ask Dr. Zevon for the rate of occurrence in his patients having your type of surgery (incision & placement) with your desired implant size range.

More information is posted on public websites compiling information on breast implants:

  • The Food and Drug Administration: https://www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/
  • The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons: www.breastimplantsafety.org

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