Breast Implant Options

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in America. It helps women with a wide range of body types and cosmetic goals enhance the shape and size of their breasts. Women turn to Dr. Thomas Mustoe and Dr. Sammy Sinno not only because of their reputations as breast surgery specialists, but also because of their ability to customize each procedure. They offer the women who visit them for breast augmentation a variety of options for breast implants in their Chicago practice.

If you would like to visit Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno in Chicago to discuss breast augmentation and implants, request a consultation online or call our office at (312) 788-2560 and one of our helpful staff members will schedule your appointment.

Breast Augmentation
 Before & After Photos

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Your Consultation With Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno

Both Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno take time to get to know each patient. During your private breast augmentation consultation, you will be given the opportunity to discuss any concerns and to ask questions regarding your specific procedure. Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno use their extensive training and experience to create individualized surgical plans to fulfill each patient’s specific needs.

When it comes to selecting the breast implants, you will have a number of options to choose from. Each choice helps contribute to a more natural appearance when it is made to complement a specific body shape. Your surgeon will take time to discuss how various shapes, sizes, and types of implants can affect your results.

Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno

Why Choose Dr. Mustoe & Dr. Sinno

Through extensive research and experience, Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno have developed several innovations that contribute to a better rhinoplasty procedure and result, characterized by:

  • Predictable, natural-looking outcomes
  • Use of local anesthesia with sedation
  • Shortened, more comfortable recovery
  • Minimal bruising
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Silicone vs. Saline

One of the first questions most patients ask is whether they should opt for silicone or saline implants. Each type possesses its own set of benefits. Choosing which is best for you depends on the overall look and feel you desire, along with other personal considerations.

Both saline and silicone implants are extremely safe, and our surgeons have vast experience creating beautiful results with each material. They use FDA-cleared implants from the major manufacturers, that have been vetted and rigorously tested for safety, durability, and effectiveness.

Review the table to learn some of the differences between saline and silicone implants.

Saline Implants
Filled with sterile saltwater solution
Saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body in rare event of a leak or rupture
FDA-approved for patients age 18 and older
Require very small incisions, because they are filled after insertion
Firmer feel
Appropriate for patients who have more existing breast tissue
Least expensive implant option
Silicone Implants
Filled with cohesive silicone gel
Silicone stays within the capsule in rare event of a leak or rupture
FDA-approved for patients age 22 and older
Require slightly longer incisions, because they come pre-filled
Soft, natural feel
Appropriate for patients with varying degrees of breast tissue
Higher priced implant option

Although silicone implants are seeing a rise in popularity in recent years, Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno believe saline is a very effective option, as well, in many cases. Read more in Dr. Mustoe’s blog post about why he uses different breast implant options.

Silicone Implants

The latest generation of silicone gel-filled implants represents a true innovation in breast implant technology; they do not leak or bleed if the implant is punctured, torn, or even cut. Since these implants are pre-filled, they may require slightly longer incisions. Other factors to consider about silicone implants include:

  • Filled with a cohesive silicone gel
  • Have an outer shell made of silicone
  • FDA-approved for women age 22 and older
  • Often reported to have a much more natural feel than saline implants

Saline Implants

Saline implants are filled after insertion, which allows for more incision options. Your surgeon can also adjust the fill volume after the implants are placed, which affects the size, shape and feel of the implants. If a saline implant ruptures, it loses volume immediately. Other considerations include:

  • Filled with a harmless, sterile saltwater solution
  • Have an outer shell made of silicone
  • FDA-approved for women age 18 and older
  • Contain a solution that can be safely absorbed by the body if a leak or rupture should occur

Implant Profiles, Shapes, & Textures

The profile of the implant determines how much the breast will project outward from its base. High-profile implants are usually thicker at the bottom than moderate- or low-profile implants. Typically, women with a wider chest frame opt for lower-profile implants, but your surgeon will assist you in determining which option is best for you.

Implants also come in different shapes. Round implants create more fullness at the top of the breast, while teardrop-shaped (anatomical) implants are thought to create a more subtle, natural-looking breast profile.

Implant Shape Options

Shaped Implant

Shaped ImplantNatural Upper Contour

Round Implant

Round ImplantRounded Upper Contour

The outer shells of the implants can be smooth or have a slightly textured surface. Because of concerns about textured implants being associated with the extremely rare (but usually treatable) breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), our surgeons limit the use of textured implants to cases that require a textured, anatomical implant (less than 1% of patients). It’s important to note that our surgeons currently do not offer implants manufactured with either of the 2 major processes implicated in the ALCL studies (textured with Biocell salt loss and polyurethane coated). For details, review this FAQ from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

“Dr. Mustoe is always very upfront about what he thinks can be achieved, and has been willing to help with newly approved products that he trusts. He is discriminating about which products are worth the money or are safe enough. He seems genuinely kind and concerned. He’s the best.”

Choosing the Right Size

Both silicone and saline implants come in a range of sizes to meet the cosmetic goals of a wide variety of patients. Having performed countless breast surgeries during their careers, Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno understand how increasing breast volume will affect a person’s overall appearance.

Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno help their patients choose breast implants based on their body type, chest size and cosmetic goals. They offer suggestions for breast implant sizes that will achieve the most natural-looking results, and they collaborate with each patient to make sure the entire process is as effective and satisfying as possible. They also use the VECTRA® 3-D imaging system to let patients see how their bodies could look with different choices.

Vectra for Breast Augmentation

Glimpse Your Potential With VECTRA® 3-D

Preview the results of your breast augmentation with our leading-edge VECTRA 3-D imaging system. VECTRA lets you virtually “try on” implants of different sizes and shapes during your consultation so that you can envision your potential with accuracy.

Some breast augmentation patients may choose to have complementary procedures at the same time to enhance their overall results and to create a more contoured, balanced silhouette. Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno frequently combine breast implant surgery with a breast lift to restore a more youthful breast appearance.

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