Dr. Kunkel offers breast augmentation to women from Fort Worth, Colleyville, Mansfield, Weatherford, Arlington, and across North Texas and beyond. Fort Worth doctors have recognized Dr. Kunkel’s outstanding care of patients and have voted him a TopDoc (Fort Worth, Texas Magazine) 22 times! You can call 817.335.5200 to schedule your Round Silicone Breast Implant consultation today!
Benefits Of Silicone Breast Implants Compared To Saline
Silicone implants may feel a little more natural to a hand touching a breast than saline implants. They feel less “crinkly” (see the next paragraph). Silicone implants also may provide a little more fullness in the upper areas of the breasts than similar-volume saline implants.
Both saline and silicone implants have some wrinkles in their shell surfaces. The implant companies have developed thicker silicone gels to minimize this issue. Silicone implants from the 1990’s and early 2000’s had thinner silicone than is found in implants more commonly used today. The term “gummy bear” has been used for thicker silicone gel implants. This is because if one of the implants with this thicker gel is torn in two, it’s kind of like biting a gummy bear candy in two. The silicone is thickly bonded to itself. It doesn’t leak all over.
Best Candidates For Silicone Breast Implants
(This is a model, not an actual patient.)
A woman who is thin and has little breast tissue may have a better result with silicone breast implants than saline. Less tissue covering a breast implant increases the likelihood of wrinkles in the implant being seen. Silicone breast implants may also be better for a woman whose breasts are low on her chest but not actually droopy. As described above, the thickness of the gel may help provide more fullness higher on the chest than similar-volume saline implants. FDA regulations require that a woman be at least 22 years-old to be eligible for silicone gel breast implants.
How is augmentation with silicone implants performed?
Dr. Kunkel performs breast augmentation with the patient under general anesthesia. The surgery takes place at an accredited surgery center in Fort Worth, and the patient goes home shortly after waking up.
Once the incision is made Dr. Kunkel then creates a pocket for the implant. This can be made in front of the pectoral muscle ("subfascial") or behind it ("subpectoral"). There are pluses and minuses to each approach, as you’ll discuss with Dr. Kunkel during your consultation. The silicone implants are then placed into the created breast pockets. Once placed, Dr. Kunkel checks the symmetry and balance of the breasts. When satisfied with the overall appearance, your incisions are closed.
Will my silicone breast implants look natural?
Because silicone implants have a uniform dispersal of the gel, and because the gel is much thicker than saline solution, it’s widely believed that silicone implants tend to look and feel more natural than saline implants. For most people, silicone implants placed by an experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Kunkel are hard to distinguish from natural breasts.
There are a couple factors that affect how natural the breasts will look:
- Implant size and projection — Rather than thinking just about the implant size and opting for only high-profile implants, it’s better to work with Dr. Kunkel to find the best size and projection to fit your figure. Our Vectra 3D imaging system allows you to see how different sizes and projection profiles will look on your figure.
- Implant spacing — As you can see from our before and after gallery, Dr. Kunkel has a great understanding of the spacing of our patients’ implants. Too far apart or too close together create unnatural-looking results. That’s where Dr. Kunkel’s experience comes into play.
How long do silicone breast implants last?
Silicone breast implants are likely to last for many years. The companies that manufacture the implants have great warranties for 10 years. If an implant develops a leak within 10 years, the companies typically provide new implants at no cost, and they also provide some funding to help offset the cost of needing to undergo surgery.
Do I Have to Replace My Breast Implants Every 10 Years?
It's a question we hear a lot. The short answer is, 'No', you don't. Breast implants may last for many, many years. We have seen women who have had silicone implants for 40 years (really!) before a leak was detected. We recommend that, if you've had implants for about 15 years, it's worth developing a 'contingency plan'. Consider visiting with a plastic surgeon to learn about options. Surgical techniques, breast implants, and even recovery from surgery all tend to improve over time. So, a visit after about 15 years may provide some valuable information.
What is recovery from silicone implant augmentation surgery like?
Recovery from breast augmentation is not any different than with saline implants. Pain is manageable and most patients can be up and around the next day. Patients will wear a support bra or wrap for two weeks following surgery. After that, a sports bra or other comfortable bra is fine. Underwire bras need to be avoided for three months following surgery. Patients need to wait six months before buying bras for the future.
There will be a fair amount of swelling after surgery. This will mainly pass within two weeks, but there can be some residual swelling for 6-8 weeks.
Most patients can return to work after one week.
What aftercare is required with silicone implants?
The FDA recommends that women with silicone breast implants undergo some type of breast imaging, most often either an ultrasound or an MRI, 5 to 6 years after implants have been placed. They also recommend similar imaging every 2 or 3 years after that. Why do they recommend that? The answer is that in many cases, when a silicone implant leaks, it is not noticed by the patient. Often nothing changes. When a silicone implant leaks, the FDA recommends the implant be removed.
Will I have any scars after my silicone breast implant procedure?
Any time an incision is made in the skin a scar forms. That is simply due to collagen that the body produces to heal the wound. When Dr. Kunkel places silicone implants, he generally does so through the inframammary incision along the breast crease. The scar from that incision is usually very nicely concealed and difficult to see.
What Are The Risks Of Silicone Breast Implants?
The vast majority of women who undergo breast augmentation with round silicone implants are happy with their results. As with all surgical procedures, however, there are some risks. For instance, infection is a risk. Although uncommon, if an infection occurs a breast implant may need to be removed. The scar tissue that develops internally around a breast implant may become firm. This is known as capsular contracture. There has also been concern that silicone gel breast implants may cause connective tissue disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. This has been evaluated by many doctors in numerous studies. The studies indicate that breast implants are not significantly associated with a risk of developing a defined connective tissue disease. There are additional risks and these are discussed with women when they visit Dr. Kunkel’s office.
Breast Implant Companies
There are three companies making silicone gel breast implants that are approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. Links are provided below. Each company has its own manufacturing techniques, and each company provides warranties. Learn more about each company by clicking on the link:
FAQs
What Is the Difference Between Round and Shaped Silicone Implants?
Round silicone breast implants have a symmetrical, spherical shape. They tend to give a fuller appearance at the top of the breasts, enhancing cleavage. Since they are round, their orientation does not affect the breast shape. This means they can rotate without distorting appearance.
Shaped implants have a teardrop contour, with more fullness at the bottom than the top, mimicking the natural slope of the breast. They are designed to offer a more gradual contour. These implants have a textured surface to prevent movement and rotation, which could lead to an unnatural shape.
How Do I Prepare for the Silicone Implant Procedure?
Preparation for your silicone implant surgery involves several steps. Dr. Kunkel will provide you with pre-operative instructions, which may include:
- Making adjustments to your medications: Stop taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs (including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs) about a week before your surgery. They can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Avoiding eating or drinking the night before your surgery: Fasting helps you avoid potential complications, including nausea, vomiting, and aspiration.
- Avoiding smoking: Smoking can interfere with the healing process.
- Preparing your home for post-surgery recovery: Set up a comfortable place to rest with plenty of pillows so you can prop yourself up easily. Stock your refrigerator and pantry with easy-to-prepare food so you can stay nourished while you heal.
- Arranging for someone to drive you home post-surgery: You may also want to ask them to assist you for a few days following your procedure.
Can I Breastfeed with Silicone Implants?
Many women with silicone implants can breastfeed successfully.
The ability to breastfeed depends more on the surgical technique used during the implant procedure than the type of implant itself. For example, breast implants inserted below the muscle usually affect milk production less than implants above the muscle.
If you want to be able to breastfeed post-procedure, talk to Dr. Kunkel about your goals. He will prioritize techniques that preserve milk ducts and nipple sensitivity.
How Do I Prevent Silicone Implant Rupture?
Round silicone breast implants are designed to be durable. However, taking certain precautions can help extend their longevity and prevent rupture.
Avoid extreme physical activities that put excessive pressure on your breasts. This is especially important during the initial recovery phase.
Be sure to stick to a regular examination schedule as well. Routine follow-ups with Dr. Kunkel will ensure that your implants remain in optimal condition. He will give you specific instructions on how frequently you need follow-up exams.
How Do I Know If My Silicone Implants Need to Be Replaced?
Indications that your implants may need to be replaced include:
- Changes in breast shape or size
- Pain or discomfort
- Lumps or hardening
Dr. Kunkel provides comprehensive evaluations during your follow-up visits. He will assess the condition of your implants and let you know if you need replacements.
Why Choose Kelly R. Kunkel, MD, PA?
When you choose Dr. Kelly R. Kunkel for your round silicone breast implants, you are in the hands of a highly qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. Kunkel is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He has also been named a TopDoc by Fort Worth, Texas Magazine 23 times. His commitment to providing superior aesthetic results is matched by his dedication to safety and personalized patient care.
In addition to his private practice, Dr. Kunkel is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons. These roles keep him at the forefront of the latest advancements in the field. He is also involved in multiple hospital Credentialing and Quality Improvement committees. His participation further highlights his commitment to enhancing healthcare standards across North Texas.
Call Dr. Kunkel For Round Silicone Breast Implants In Fort Worth, TX!
If you are interested in learning more about Round Silicone Breast Implants and whether you are a candidate for treatment, be sure to contact Dr. Kelly Kunkel today for a personalized consultation. Dial 817.335.5200 today or fill out the form in our contact page. Our practice serves Fort Worth and the surrounding areas of Texas.
