Breast Implant Surgery: Everything You Need to Know
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Hi there! I’m Dr. Ashish Ghuge, and I’m a plastic surgeon. Every single day, I sit down with people just like you who are curious about breast implant surgery.
They come in with questions, concerns, and sometimes a lot of confusion from everything they’ve read online.
So today, I want to have a real conversation with you about breast implant surgery and clear your doubts.
Let Me Clear Up a Big Misconception First
You know what question I hear all the time? “Dr. Ghuge, breast implants are just for making breasts bigger, right?”
And I always smile and say – well, not exactly! That’s actually one of the biggest misconceptions out there.
Yes, lots of people do get breast implants to increase their size. We call that breast augmentation, or what you might have heard called a “boob job.”
And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting that! But breast implants can do so much more than just make breasts larger.
Think of breast implants like this: they’re artificial devices that we surgically place inside the breast to change the shape OR size. Not just size—shape matters too!
These implants have a silicone outer shell, and inside they’re filled with either silicone gel or saline, which is just sterile salt water.
Why Do People Actually Get Breast Implants?
Let me walk you through the real reasons people come to see me about breast implant surgery. I think you’ll be surprised by how varied they are.
Making Breasts Bigger (The One Everyone Knows About)
Okay, yes. This is the most common reason. Many of my patients simply want larger breasts. Maybe they’ve always felt their breasts were too small for their body frame. Maybe they want to feel more confident in certain clothes. Maybe it’s just something they’ve wanted for years.
Your thoughts are completely valid. If having larger breasts will make you feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin, that’s reason enough.
I’ve seen how breast augmentation can genuinely transform someone’s self-esteem, and that’s powerful.
Getting Back What Life Took Away
Life can sometimes change our bodies in ways we didn’t expect or want.
I have patients who come in after having babies. They breastfed, and now their breasts are smaller than before pregnancy.
They look in the mirror and think, “That’s not me anymore.” Breast implant surgery can restore the volume that they have lost.
Weight loss is another big one. Someone works really hard, loses 50 or 100 pounds, and feels amazing – except their breasts got smaller too. Implants can bring back that fullness.
And then there’s just ageing. As we get older, our breast tissue naturally loses volume and elasticity. It’s completely normal, but it doesn’t mean you have to accept it if it bothers you.
Fixing Breasts That Don't Match
Did you know that most women have breasts that are at least slightly different sizes? It’s totally normal! However, for some people, the difference is quite noticeable—we refer to this as asymmetry.
I had a patient once who told me she couldn’t buy bikinis that fit properly because one breast was nearly a full cup size different from the other. She felt self-conscious at the beach, avoided certain clothes, and just wanted her breasts to look more balanced.
With breast implant surgery, we can use different-sized implants or adjust the placement to create symmetry. It’s not about perfection—it’s about balance and feeling comfortable in your body.
This one is particularly important to me. Breast reconstruction surgery is one of the most meaningful procedures I perform as a plastic surgeon.
When someone has to have a breast removed because of cancer, it’s not just physically traumatic. It’s emotionally devastating. These patients have been through so much already, and losing a breast can feel like losing part of their identity.
That’s where breast reconstruction surgery comes in. We use breast implants to rebuild what was lost. This isn’t cosmetic; this is about helping someone feel whole again after battling a serious illness. It’s about helping them look in the mirror and recognise themselves. It’s about healing, both physically and emotionally.
The Question Everyone Asks: How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Let’s discuss something extremely important that I want you to understand clearly. I get asked this in every single consultation: “Dr. Ghuge, are these implants permanent? Will they last forever?”
And here’s what I always tell people—breast implants are not lifetime devices. They’re not meant to last forever, and I need you to know that upfront.
Here’s the reality: new breast implants typically last about 10 years. Most of my patients keep their implants anywhere from 10 to 20 years without major problems. Some lucky folks have had theirs for over 20 years, and they’re doing just fine.
But the older your implants get, the higher the chance of complications. They might rupture, and the scar tissue around them might get tight. At some point, you’ll probably need to have them replaced or removed.
This is not to scare you. This is just to keep you informed because you need to go into breast implant surgery knowing it’s a long-term commitment, not a one-and-done situation.
Saline or Silicone? Let's Talk About Your Choices
When you decide to get breast implants, you’ll need to choose between two types: saline or silicone. They’re both good options, but they’re different, and which one is right for you depends on what you want.
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They tend to feel a bit firmer. The nice thing about saline breast implants is this: if one ruptures, you’ll know immediately because your breast will deflate. It looks obvious.
The salt water gets absorbed by your body completely safely, but you’ll need surgery to remove the empty implant shell and replace it if you want. The salt water gets absorbed in the body, but the shell remains.
Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel, and most of my patients think they feel more natural, softer, and more like real breast tissue. The challenge with silicone is that if it ruptures, you might not know.
The gel typically remains within the implant shell or the surrounding scar tissue. We call this a “silent rupture.” That’s why if you choose silicone, I recommend getting an MRI or ultrasound scan to check on them—the FDA suggests doing this five years after surgery, then every two years after that.
Fat Grafting: In this technique, fat cells are retrieved from areas such as the thighs or abdomen, purified, and reinjected into the breasts. As it is your own body tissue, there is no chance of rejection. However, it may not provide the same volume and structure to your breast as a silicone implant, or your body may reabsorb it over time.
In my office, we’ll examine your body, discuss your goals, and work together to determine which type makes the most sense for you.
When Should You Replace Your Implants?
Even if your implants are working fine, there are situations where you may need new ones or want to have them checked.
You should definitely come see me if you notice any of these things:
Your breast shape or size changes suddenly. Maybe one breast looks lower than the other, or one seems bigger. That’s not normal and needs to be evaluated.
Things feel hard or tight. Sometimes scar tissue forms around the implant and gets really tight; we call this capsular contracture. It can make your breast feel hard like a softball, and it can be uncomfortable or even painful.
You have persistent pain. Some discomfort right after surgery is normal, but ongoing pain months or years later is not. That’s worth investigating.
The implant shifts. Sometimes, an implant can shift from its original placement. This is called malposition, and it can alter the appearance of your breast.
You see rippling. If you can see wrinkles or ripples under your skin, especially if you’re thin, it may indicate that the implant needs adjustment.
Listen, if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. Come in. It’s always better to check things out early.
How to Make Your Implants Last as Long as Possible
Since we know implants don’t last forever, let’s discuss how to care for them so they can last as long as possible.
First, follow my post-surgery instructions. I know it’s tempting to rush back to your normal routine, but those first few weeks of healing are crucial. If I tell you to wear a specific bra, avoid lifting heavy things, or sleep in a certain position, please do it. It makes a huge difference in your results.
Wear supportive bras, especially when you’re exercising. Your implants need support to stay in place and maintain your results. A good sports bra is your friend.
Try to keep your weight stable. I’m not saying you can never gain or lose a few pounds, that’s life! However, significant weight fluctuations can impact the appearance and positioning of your implants in your body.
Protect your chest from impact. If you play sports or do activities where you might get hit in the chest, wear protective gear. Implants are durable, but they’re not indestructible.
Come in for your follow-up appointments. I can’t stress this enough. Regular check-ups help me catch any potential problems early. And if you have silicone implants, those screening scans every few years are really important.
Is Breast Implant Surgery Right for You?
Look, I’m going to be honest with you. Breast implant surgery, whether it’s breast augmentation or breast reconstruction surgery, is a big decision. It’s not something to take lightly.
The best candidates are people who are in good health, have realistic expectations, and understand that this is a long-term commitment. You should be prepared for the possibility of future surgeries..
But if you’re someone who looks in the mirror and wishes things were different—whether you want augmentation, need reconstruction after cancer, or just want to restore what pregnancy or weight loss took away, breast implants might be exactly what you’re looking for.
What Happens Next?
If you’re seriously considering this, I recommend scheduling a consultation. Come sit down with me in my office. Bring your questions. We’ll discuss your goals, I’ll examine you, and we’ll review before-and-after photos of other patients. Together, we’ll determine if this procedure is suitable for you.
There’s no pressure. This is your decision, and it should be one you feel completely comfortable making. My job is to give you all the information you need and to help you understand exactly what breast implant surgery involves—the benefits, the risks, the maintenance, everything.
Some people walk away from that first consultation ready to schedule surgery. Others need time to think about it, and that’s perfectly fine. Some decide it’s not for them, and you know what? That’s okay too.
What matters is that you make the choice that’s right for YOU.
One Last Thing
Whether you’re considering breast augmentation to feel more confident, breast reconstruction surgery to heal after cancer, or implants to restore what life has changed, I want you to know something: this isn’t just about changing how you look. It’s about how you FEEL.
It’s about looking in the mirror and recognizing yourself. It’s about feeling comfortable in your clothes. It’s about confidence. It’s about feeling at home in your own body.
And if breast implant surgery can help you get there? Well, that’s exactly why I do what I do.
If you have questions or want to explore whether breast implants might be right for you, I’d love to talk with you. Let’s sit down together and figure out the best path forward for YOU.
Take care, and I hope to see you soon!