Body Implants

Body implants can alter the shape, size, or contour of several areas of the body, improving your appearance and confidence. These implants are usually made of synthetic materials compatible with the human body. The implant type and material selection are based on your surgeon’s preference as well as your specific aesthetic goals and target areas, with choices tailored to achieve desired features like volume, shape, and firmness.

Silicone is the most commonly used material in body implants. There are two main types. Solid silicone implants are firm and rubber-like; they maintain their shape without the risk of leakage, making them suitable for areas that require defined contouring, such as the chin, cheeks, and calves. Gel silicone implants have a silicone outer shell filled with a gel that mimics the consistency of human fat. These offer a softer and more natural feel and are commonly used in breast augmentation. Saline implants have a silicone shell that is filled with sterile salt water after insertion, allowing for smaller, less noticeable incisions. They are typically less expensive than silicone implants but may cause visible rippling and a firmer feel that some find less natural. Some people report feeling water movement within the implant.

To reduce the likelihood of complications, it is crucial to collaborate with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has considerable experience in implant procedures. This ensures you receive a high-quality, safe product that is properly placed for optimal results and minimal risk.  Furthermore, an advanced surgical facility and sterile operating technique are paramount in minimizing complications.

Body implants can lead to significant, long-lasting improvements in body contours, boosting self-esteem and improving self image. But it is important to understand that all surgeries come with risks, as does the use of implants which are not natural to the body.

The risks of body implants include potential infection, rupture, scar tissue formation or change in position or location. Infection rates for breast and body implant surgeries are generally low, typically ranging from one to three percent, with variations depending on surgical practices and patient health. Strict surgical protocols, antibiotics, and careful post-operative care are essential to minimize these complications.

If an infection or rupture happens, the implant will likely need to be removed.  If it changes position or location, surgery is typically necessary to correct this, particularly if it is causing aesthetic or functional concerns or affecting other structures.

The most common risk associated with both body and breast silicone implants is capsular contracture. This condition involves the development of tight scar tissue around the implant, leading to hardness, discomfort, and sometimes distortion of the shape of the implanted area. Capsular contracture can affect the aesthetic outcomes and your comfort, often necessitating further surgical intervention to address the issue.

Implant type and location also have significant consequences regarding risks. While chin implants, predominantly composed of solid silicone, have an outstanding safety record, the use of solid silicone implants for lower body enhancements, including calf and buttock augmentation, introduces unique risks such as displacement, asymmetry, and potential impact on muscle function.

Breast implants are the most studied cosmetic body implants, widely researched for their safety, long-term effects, and patient satisfaction. These studies focus on implant materials, surgical techniques, complications, and aesthetic outcomes. While modern breast implants — both silicone and saline — have been shown to be extremely safe, however, they carry potential risks.

Silicone implants are more prone to silent rupture, where leakage goes unnoticed, potentially leading to inflammation or silicone granulomas. Saline implants, on the other hand, typically cause immediate deflation upon rupture, making it easier to detect. Silicone implants had also been previously reported to have a risk of systemic issues such as autoimmune reactions. However, recent literature has reported that there is insufficient scientific evidence to prove that there is any association between silicone breast implants and adjuvant-induced autoimmune syndrome.

Discuss the benefits and risks of each procedure and implant type during a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Together, you can develop an optimized plan of treatment that maximizes aesthetic outcomes and minimizes the potential of complications.

Before you go

During a consultation and pre-op visit for a cosmetic body implant, your doctor will assess your health, discuss your goals, and recommend suitable implant options. You should ask about the surgeon’s experience, the types of implants available, potential risks, and expected outcomes. During a breast augmentation consultation, you should also discuss implant size, shape, and placement options.

It is essential to review before-and-after photos and inquire about the recovery process. Your plastic surgeon may use 3D imaging or sizers to help visualize potential results, providing a more personalized and precise approach to meeting aesthetic goals. Furthermore, your surgeon will explain the procedure, anesthesia, and post-operative care.

Critical factors for you in this discovery phase are to know your surgeon’s credentials and their ability for clear communication. Set realistic expectations for yourself and be sure you understand all aspects of the surgery and recovery to ensure a safe and satisfactory outcome.

During the procedure

Body modification implants are typically placed under general anesthesia to ensure a comfortable and pain-free experience. The procedure involves your surgeon making a small incision and then making space for the implant, either under the skin (subdermal) or muscle. After the implant is placed, your surgeon will close the incision or incisions.

The sutures used for the skin incisions are usually absorbable and will not need removal. Drains are not usually needed, although some revision and more extensive procedures may require them. If non-absorbable sutures or drains are used, these will be removed at a follow-up visit.

Body Implants Aftercare 

You should be able to go home the same day as surgery, resume everyday activities one to two weeks after surgery, and resume all exercise by six to eight weeks after surgery.

Post-operative care instructions will vary depending on the type and location of the implant. Be sure to follow these guidelines closely.