WHICH IMPLANT WORKS THE BEST FOR MY BODY?
The breast implants come in different shapes, are made by different manufacturers and they have different surface characteristics, but they all have something in common. They all have a silicone rubber shell that is filled either with saline or silicone gel. The old implants had a silicone gel that was more liquid and in case of implant rupture this gel would come out of the shell and in some cases out of the capsule that the body forms around the implant. The new gel is thicker and more cohesive. It keeps its shape and stays within the implant shell even if the shell is ruptured. The content can also be thicker and rubbery. These implants are called form stable or gummy bear. These implants keep their shape, therefore when the patient lays down the breast shape doesn’t change. For this reason the breast is less natural in appearance. I had a patient who had one of these implants inserted overseas and she didn’t like the fact that her breast shape stayed the same even when she laid flat. I had to remove the implant and give her a smooth silicone to make her happy. All these shaped or so called anatomic implants have to have a textured surface so that the implant adheres to the tissue and doesn’t turn. The textured surface is necessary in some cases when it is important that the implant doesn’t move at all, but there are many issues with the textured implants. As you can see, it is not easy to answer the question “What is the best implant?”. This is why you need to see an expert in breast surgery. Someone who has worked with all the implants in all patient anatomic types and picks the best implant for you. Having said all of this, if you ask me the question the following way: Doctor if you could have only one implant to work with and no other choices which one would you choose? My answer would be a smooth surface, round silicone gel implant. This by far is the most versatile implant and is one that is used most commonly by most plastic surgeons. These implants also come in different profiles. This means that for the same base diameter, the implant can have different projections. A patient who has a narrow chest and a narrow breast who wants a more significant breast volume would benefit from a higher profile implant. The judgment necessary to choose the right implant for the patient is probably the most important factor for obtaining the best results. It takes a lot of experience to make that determination, otherwise the surgery itself is relatively simple. The patient who goes on the internet and decides what implant she wants before seeing the plastic surgeon is probably doing her self a disservice.
Call Dr Rafizadeh in Morristown New Jersey for a careful evaluation to determine what procedure is best for you.
Common Questions Patients Search About Breast Surgery
How much does breast augmentation cost in New Jersey?
Primary breast augmentation in Northern New Jersey typically runs $8,500 to $12,500 all-in, depending on implant type (saline, silicone gel, or Ideal Implant) and whether the case is combined with a lift. Dr. Rafizadeh quotes a flat price during the consultation that includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, the facility, and follow-up visits. Revision breast surgery costs more because the planes are scarred and the operation typically takes longer.
Is silicone or saline better for breast implants?
Both are FDA-approved and safe; the right choice depends on the patient's anatomy, preference, and how she values certain trade-offs. Silicone gel feels more like natural tissue and is the default for thinner patients with less native breast coverage. Saline ruptures are obvious immediately (the breast deflates), so some patients prefer that built-in monitoring. Dr. Rafizadeh also offers the Ideal Implant — a structured saline implant that feels closer to silicone with the safety profile of saline.
What's the difference between a breast lift and a breast reduction?
A breast lift (mastopexy) raises the breast and nipple position without removing significant tissue — ideal for women whose breasts are the right size but have descended. A breast reduction removes excess tissue along with raising the breast — appropriate for women whose breast size causes back, neck, or shoulder symptoms. The incisions are similar; the volume removed is what differs. Dr. Rafizadeh's North Jersey patients often combine elements of both when needed.
Is a breast lift easier to recover from than implants?
Recovery is similar in length (about 2–3 weeks back to non-vigorous activity), but the comfort curves differ. Implant patients report more pressure and chest tightness for the first week as the muscle accommodates. Lift patients report more skin tightness and incision care — the muscle is undisturbed but the skin envelope is reshaped. Both groups are typically back to office work in 7–10 days when surgery is performed under Dr. Rafizadeh's local-anesthesia-with-sedation protocol.
What is the 45-55 rule for breasts?
It's an aesthetic guideline: the ideal breast shape has roughly 45% of the volume above the nipple and 55% below, with the nipple sitting just above the inframammary fold. The rule helps surgeons decide implant placement, lift technique, and how much to elevate the nipple-areolar complex. Dr. Rafizadeh uses the 45/55 ratio as one of several proportional anchors during planning, alongside chest width, sternal notch-to-nipple distance, and the patient's own preferences.
How long do breast implants last?
Modern silicone and saline implants are not lifetime devices but are designed to last 10–20 years. Many patients get longer than that with no issue; some need an exchange sooner due to capsular contracture, rupture, or simply wanting a size change. The FDA recommends MRI or ultrasound screening for silicone implants starting at 5 years post-op, then every 2–3 years. Dr. Rafizadeh discusses long-term monitoring as part of every breast augmentation consultation.
What is the hardest cosmetic surgery to recover from?
Among breast procedures, breast reduction typically has the most involved recovery because of the tissue removed and the size of the incisions, but most patients say the pain trade-off is worth it given how much physical relief they feel almost immediately. Tummy tuck and combined mommy-makeover procedures rank higher overall on the difficulty curve. Compared to those, isolated breast lift or augmentation recovery is relatively gentle.
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