FDA-Approved Cohesive Silicone MENTOR Breast Implants

Breast augmentation remains one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures worldwide — and after decades of refinement, the implants available today are dramatically safer, more natural-feeling, and more customizable than anything available in previous generations. At Abmedi, we use FDA-approved cohesive silicone gel breast implants and saline implants that have been trusted by millions of women globally for over 30 years, across both cosmetic augmentation and post-mastectomy reconstruction.

What distinguishes modern cohesive silicone gel technology from earlier generations — and from the common perception many patients carry from decades-old implant concerns — is the fundamental change in how these implants are designed. Today’s cohesive gel is not a liquid or semi-liquid substance. It is a cross-linked, form-stable material that holds together uniformly even in the event of shell rupture, feels like natural breast tissue, and does not migrate. Understanding this distinction is the starting point for an informed conversation about breast augmentation.

This guide provides everything a patient genuinely needs to know before considering breast augmentation at Abmedi: the types of implants available, profiles and sizing, placement options, the surgical process, recovery, risks, and the warranty program that supports these implants long-term.

 

What Are Cohesive Silicone Gel Breast Implants?

Cohesive silicone gel breast implants consist of a durable silicone outer shell filled with a specially formulated silicone gel engineered to mimic the natural density and movement of breast tissue. The term ‘cohesive’ refers to the gel’s molecular cross-linking structure — the gel holds together as a unified mass rather than flowing like a liquid.

At body temperature, cohesive silicone gel softens and moves with the natural breast, responding to body position and pressure in a way that earlier liquid-silicone implants could not. This temperature-responsive behavior is one of the primary reasons cohesive gel implants consistently receive higher satisfaction scores in patient surveys compared to both saline implants and earlier silicone generations.

30+ Years of Clinical History The cohesive silicone gel implants used at Abmedi have been in continuous clinical use for over 30 years internationally and have been FDA-approved in the United States since 2006 for breast augmentation in women aged 22 and older. This is one of the most extensively studied medical devices in the history of aesthetic surgery — with millions of implantations providing long-term safety data that simply did not exist for earlier generations when they were first introduced.

 

Implant Types Available at Abmedi

Abmedi offers three principal implant types for breast augmentation and reconstruction, each with distinct characteristics suited to different patient needs and anatomical considerations.

 

	Round Cohesive Gel Implant	Anatomical (Teardrop) Cohesive Gel	Saline Implant
Filling material	Cohesive silicone gel — holds together; will not migrate on rupture	Cohesive silicone gel — same base as round; firmer/more cohesive	Sterile saline (salt water) — inserted empty, filled during surgery
Shape	Round — same fullness upper and lower pole	Teardrop / anatomical — more natural slope; less upper-pole fullness	Round (most common) or teardrop variants available
Feel	Soft to moderate; most natural silicone feel	Firmer than round gel; holds contour precisely	Slightly firmer than silicone; variable by fill volume
Minimum age (FDA)	22 years (augmentation)	22 years (augmentation)	18 years (augmentation)
Surface options	Smooth or textured	Textured (standard) or smooth variants	Smooth standard
Profiles available	Moderate, Moderate Plus, High, Extra High, Classic, Ultra High	Moderate, Moderate Plus, High	Moderate, Moderate Plus, High
Rupture detection	Silent rupture possible — MRI needed; gel remains contained	Silent rupture — MRI recommended; cohesive gel stays intact	Visible — saline deflates; body absorbs harmlessly
MRI recommendation	3 years post-op, then every 2 years	3 years post-op, then every 2 years	No routine MRI required; visible if ruptured
Best for	Most augmentation patients; natural feel priority; wide size range	Patients wanting most natural slope; thinner tissue; reconstruction	Patients preferring adjustable fill; younger patients (18–21); revision
Volume range	100–800 cc (standard); Enhance series up to 1445 cc	Standard reconstruction volumes	100–800 cc; adjustable intraoperatively

 

Round Cohesive Gel Implants: The Most Versatile Choice

Round cohesive silicone gel implants are the most commonly selected implant type for breast augmentation — and for most patients, the most appropriate choice. The round shape provides consistent, uniform fullness across both the upper and lower poles of the breast. The gel is cohesive at the molecular level — not a liquid or gel in the conventional sense — which means it holds its shape under compression, moves naturally with body position, and does not migrate or flow if the shell is compromised.

The round implant’s symmetry makes it forgiving of minor rotation in the pocket — a significant clinical advantage over anatomical (teardrop) implants, which can produce visible asymmetry if they rotate. For the vast majority of augmentation patients who want natural, proportionate enhancement, the round cohesive gel implant at Abmedi is the appropriate first-line choice.

Two sub-categories of round cohesive gel are available at Abmedi:

• Standard cohesive gel: the original formulation — soft, natural-feeling, with excellent shape retention. Available from 100 cc up to 800 cc in standard augmentation sizes. This is the workhorse of breast augmentation with decades of clinical data
• Moderate plus formulation (higher cohesivity): a slightly firmer gel that provides marginally better shape retention while maintaining a natural feel. Particularly useful in patients with softer, thinner breast tissue where additional form stability helps prevent visible rippling
• Enhance series for reconstruction: the largest volume cohesive gel implants, now FDA-approved (May 2025) for breast reconstruction and revision — available up to 1445 cc, designed specifically for post-mastectomy reconstruction patients requiring significant volume restoration

Anatomical (Teardrop / Contoured Profile) Gel Implants

Anatomical cohesive gel implants — also called contoured profile gel or CPG implants — are designed to replicate the natural teardrop shape of the breast, with more volume in the lower pole and a graduated slope toward the upper pole. This shape closely mirrors the natural silhouette of breast tissue and is particularly valued in breast reconstruction, where recreating the contour of the natural breast after mastectomy is the primary goal.

The gel inside anatomical implants is typically more cohesive (firmer) than in round implants — this higher cohesivity is necessary to maintain the teardrop shape rather than redistributing into a round form under gravity. This additional firmness means the implants may feel slightly less ‘soft’ than round gel implants, though they still feel natural and are well within the range of comfortable breast tissue feel.

Anatomical implants are most commonly used with a textured surface shell to reduce the risk of rotation in the pocket — if an anatomical implant rotates significantly, the shape distortion can be visible. Patients with textured implants should be informed about and monitored for BIA-ALCL (discussed in the risks section).

At Abmedi, anatomical implants are primarily recommended for breast reconstruction cases, for patients seeking the most natural possible profile (particularly those with already-developed breast tissue and limited upper pole fullness), and as a specific preference in appropriate cosmetic augmentation cases where the anatomy supports their use.

Saline Implants

Saline implants consist of a silicone outer shell filled with sterile salt water during the surgical procedure. They have been FDA-approved since 1992 and are indicated for breast augmentation in women aged 18 and older — four years younger than the silicone gel age requirement. The saline inside the implant is the same as the fluid used in IV drips; if the implant ruptures, the saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body and the implant visibly deflates, making rupture immediately detectable without imaging.

Saline implants offer an important practical advantage: the fill volume can be adjusted intraoperatively, within a specific range, while the implant is in place. This allows the surgeon to make fine-volume adjustments during surgery to correct pre-existing breast asymmetry — something that is not possible with pre-filled silicone gel implants. This intraoperative adjustability makes saline implants particularly useful when there is a meaningful difference in existing breast volume between the two sides.

The primary limitation of saline implants is feel — they are generally perceived as firmer and less natural-feeling than silicone gel, particularly in patients with limited overlying breast tissue. Visible edge rippling under the skin is also more common with saline implants, particularly in thinner patients, in the lower and lateral breast. For patients with adequate natural breast tissue providing implant coverage, saline implants produce good results. For patients with very limited tissue, silicone gel implants consistently produce more natural-looking outcomes.

 

Understanding Implant Profiles: Matching Projection to Your Frame

Of all the decisions in breast augmentation planning, implant profile selection is the one most frequently misunderstood by patients — and the one that most directly determines whether the result looks proportionate and natural for a specific body. Profile describes the relationship between the implant’s forward projection and its base diameter (width).

 

	Moderate Profile	Moderate Plus Profile	High Profile	Extra High Profile
Projection forward	Lowest	Low–moderate	Moderate–high	Highest
Base width	Widest	Wide	Narrower	Narrowest
Best body type	Wider chest; subtle enhancement	Average frame; natural look	Narrow–average chest	Narrow chest; dramatic result
Upper-pole fullness	Minimal	Moderate	Good	Maximum
Most natural appearance	✓ Most subtle	✓ Balanced	Good natural look	More obvious augmentation

 

The practical clinical significance: two implants of identical volume (cc) can look completely different on the same patient depending on their profile. A 300 cc moderate profile implant will appear wider and less projecting; a 300 cc high profile implant will appear narrower and more projecting. A patient with a narrower chest choosing a wide moderate-profile implant may find the implant extends beyond the natural breast footprint toward the axilla — creating a wide, flat appearance rather than a projecting one. Conversely, a patient with a wider chest choosing an extra-high profile implant may find the central projection looks disproportionate relative to the base.

Profile Selection at Abmedi At Abmedi, implant profile is selected using the Harris method: we start with the patient’s natural breast base diameter measurement, then select the profile that achieves the desired projection within that footprint. We use physical sizers — actual implant-shaped volumes placed in a soft bra — during the consultation so patients can see and feel the difference between profiles and volumes before making any decision. We also use 3D imaging software to project the estimated appearance at different size and profile combinations. This is the most reliable way to align the surgical plan with the patient’s aesthetic goal.

 

Surface Options: Smooth vs. Textured — A Critical Distinction

Both silicone gel and saline implants are available with smooth or textured outer shells. This choice has clinical implications that go beyond aesthetics, including safety considerations that have become significantly more prominent in recent years.

Smooth Surface Implants

Smooth implants have a uniform, unmodified surface. They sit within a tissue capsule that forms naturally around them after surgery, and they can move freely within this capsule. Smooth implants are the standard for round implants at Abmedi and for most augmentation cases. The FDA’s review of BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) cases has found that smooth implants carry a meaningfully lower risk of this lymphoma than macro-textured implants.

Textured Surface Implants

Textured implants have a deliberately roughened outer surface, historically designed to encourage tissue adherence — reducing rotation risk in anatomical implants. However, published data has established an association between macro-textured implants (highly roughened surfaces) and BIA-ALCL. While BIA-ALCL is rare, it is a documented risk that must be discussed with every patient receiving textured implants. Most BIA-ALCL cases are treatable when caught early, but some have been fatal.

At Abmedi, textured implants are used selectively — primarily for anatomical (teardrop) implants where rotation risk necessitates surface adherence. Where anatomical shape is the goal but the surface can be smooth, smooth-surface anatomical implants are preferred. All patients receiving textured implants receive specific counseling on BIA-ALCL signs and symptoms.

BIA-ALCL Awareness for All Breast Implant Patients Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare cancer of the immune system associated primarily with textured breast implants. It typically presents as persistent swelling or a fluid collection around the implant, usually appearing 3–10 years after implantation. When detected early and managed by removing the implant and surrounding capsule, outcomes are generally excellent. Patients with textured implants should report any unexplained new swelling, firmness, or change in breast shape to their surgeon promptly. Patients with smooth implants also have a low but non-zero risk and should maintain vigilance.

 

Breast Reconstruction: The Enhance Series and Tissue Expanders

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy requires a different approach from cosmetic augmentation. At Abmedi, we use a comprehensive range of implant and tissue expander solutions specifically designed for reconstruction.

Enhanced Cohesive Gel Implants for Reconstruction

The enhanced cohesive gel implant series — FDA-approved in May 2025 for breast reconstruction and revision surgeries — represents a significant advance in reconstruction capability. Available in volumes up to 1445 cc (including a 1240 cc extra high profile), this series provides surgeons with the range needed to reconstruct larger natural breast volumes after mastectomy. This expanded range is particularly meaningful for patients who have undergone mastectomy after previously having larger natural breasts, for whom earlier implant size limits created a significant reconstruction barrier.

Breast Tissue Expanders

In many reconstruction cases, the first surgical step is not placing a permanent implant but using a tissue expander — a temporary device that gradually stretches the skin and chest muscle over weeks to months, creating the pocket volume needed for a permanent implant. The expander is placed during or after mastectomy and connected to a port that allows gradual saline inflation in the surgeon’s office over several weeks. Once the desired tissue expansion is achieved, a second operation replaces the expander with the permanent implant.

Abmedi uses two types of tissue expanders:

• Contoured tissue expander (CPX-type): designed with a contoured shape that mimics the natural breast silhouette during the expansion phase, contoured suture tabs for precise positioning and stability, and atraumatic construction to minimize discomfort during expansion. Contains a rare earth permanent magnet in the injection dome — NOT MRI compatible; MRI is contraindicated while the expander is in place
• Dual-function expander/implant (Becker-type): a unique single-device system that functions as both the tissue expander and the final implant. The device is filled gradually during the expansion phase and, once the desired volume is achieved, can remain as the permanent implant without a second exchange surgery in appropriate cases. This ‘single-stage’ reconstruction capability can meaningfully shorten the patient’s overall treatment timeline and reduce the total number of surgeries

 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

The FDA indications for breast augmentation are specific about minimum age requirements, and the clinical criteria for good candidacy go well beyond age. Abmedi assesses each patient individually against the full range of relevant factors:

• Women aged 22 or older for silicone gel implants (round or anatomical); 18 or older for saline implants
• A genuine, long-standing personal desire to enhance breast size, shape, or symmetry — not pressure from an external source or a response to a temporary emotional circumstance
• Good general health; no active infection anywhere in the body at the time of surgery; no untreated breast cancer or pre-cancer
• Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Fully developed breasts — important both medically and psychologically; breast development is typically complete by the late teens in most women
• Adequate breast tissue to provide implant coverage — particularly relevant for the placement plane decision
• Realistic expectations: understanding that breast implants are not lifetime devices, that future surgery may be needed, and that the precise result cannot be guaranteed

A Word on Age Requirements The FDA’s minimum age of 22 for silicone gel implants reflects the agency’s assessment that breast development is typically complete by this age and that young women below 22 may be more vulnerable to making decisions they will later regret. Abmedi follows FDA indications strictly. Patients aged 18–21 who are interested in breast augmentation are offered saline implants as an FDA-approved alternative. In all cases, we take the time to ensure that the patient’s decision is genuinely their own and has been considered thoughtfully over time.

 

Implant Placement Options

Where the implant is positioned relative to the chest muscle determines how the breast looks, how it behaves with movement, and what the recovery involves. Three placement planes are used at Abmedi:

Subglandular (Over the Muscle)

The implant is placed between the breast gland and the pectoralis major muscle — the most anterior position. This placement preserves full pectoralis function, avoids animation deformity (the shifting of implants when the muscle contracts), allows faster recovery, and produces a natural rounding of the lower pole. It is most appropriate for patients with sufficient existing breast tissue to adequately cover the implant. Less appropriate for very thin patients where implant edges may be visible or palpable.

Subpectoral (Under the Muscle — Full or Dual Plane)

The implant is placed beneath the pectoralis major muscle, partially or fully covered by the muscle. This is the most commonly used placement in the United States and provides excellent coverage of the implant, particularly in the upper pole — making it the standard recommendation for patients with limited overlying breast tissue. Full submuscular placement provides complete muscle coverage. Dual plane placement involves partial muscle coverage of the upper implant and subglandular positioning in the lower pole — the most commonly used variation at Abmedi for augmentation, as it combines the coverage benefits of submuscular placement with a more natural lower-pole contour.

The trade-offs of submuscular placement: more post-operative discomfort (the muscle is elevated during surgery); longer initial recovery; and animation deformity — a visible shifting of the implant when the pectoralis muscle contracts (when doing push-ups, for example). For the majority of patients with limited tissue, the coverage and safety benefits of submuscular placement outweigh these trade-offs.

Subfascial (Under the Fascia, Over the Muscle)

A specialized placement plane between the deep fascia of the pectoralis and the muscle surface itself. This provides an additional tissue layer over the implant without muscle disruption. Particularly useful in selected thin-tissue patients and is gaining wider acceptance as implant technology has improved. Less commonly used than subpectoral but increasingly appropriate for certain patients.

 

Incision Options

The incision approach determines where the surgical scar is located. Three options are used at Abmedi:

• Inframammary fold (IMF): the most common and most versatile approach. The incision is placed in the natural crease beneath the breast, where it is concealed by the breast mound and bra line. Provides excellent surgical access for all placement planes and implant types. Scar typically 3–5 cm; fades to near-invisibility within 6–12 months
• Periareolar: incision along the lower border of the areola. The natural pigment transition conceals the scar well in patients with larger areolas providing sufficient incision length. Slightly higher theoretical risk of infection due to breast duct proximity; some surgeons avoid this approach for silicone gel implants due to the larger incision needed
• Transaxillary (armpit): incision made in the natural axillary fold; no scar on the breast itself. Requires endoscopic technique and specialized instrumentation. Appropriate for patients with a strong preference to avoid any breast incision scar

 

The Pre-Operative Consultation at Abmedi

Breast augmentation decisions deserve more than a brief appointment. At Abmedi, the consultation is structured to ensure that every patient is thoroughly informed, that the surgical plan is precisely matched to their anatomy and goals, and that no decision is made under time pressure.

The consultation includes:

• Complete medical history review: prior breast surgery, family history of breast cancer, current medications, hormonal conditions, autoimmune or connective tissue disorders
• Physical breast examination: tissue quality, existing volume, degree of ptosis (sag), skin elasticity, nipple position, inframammary fold location, and asymmetry
• Tissue coverage assessment: pinch test at the upper pole to determine minimum coverage thickness; determines placement plane recommendation
• Measurement-based sizing: chest width, breast base diameter, torso proportions — these measurements define the anatomical ‘envelope’ within which the implant must fit
• Implant sizer demonstration: physical sizers placed in a soft bra during consultation provide a practical pre-operative sense of the size difference
• 3D imaging simulation: computer-generated projection of the estimated result at different implant sizes and profiles — used as a communication tool, not a guarantee
• Implant type, surface, and profile selection: round vs. anatomical, smooth vs. textured, moderate vs. high profile — each discussed with respect to the patient’s anatomy and goals
• Placement and incision discussion: clear explanation of the options and the reasoning for the recommended approach
• Complete FDA risk discussion: every risk in the FDA labeling — including BIA-ALCL, capsular contracture, rupture, and systemic symptoms — is reviewed in detail
• Warranty registration: each patient is enrolled in the warranty program at the time of implant selection

 

Pre-Operative Preparation

• Stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery — nicotine restricts blood flow to healing tissue, increasing infection risk and poor wound healing
• Discontinue blood-thinning medications and supplements 10–14 days pre-operatively: aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, garlic supplements
• Anticoagulants (warfarin, rivaroxaban): pause only under physician coordination
• No alcohol 72 hours before surgery
• No moisturizer, cream, or deodorant on the breast or underarm area on surgery day
• Wear comfortable front-opening loose clothing; you will not be able to raise your arms overhead immediately post-operatively
• Arrange adult driver and companion for the first 24–48 hours
• Prepare recovery space: reclining sleep position with extra pillows; front-closure compression bra ready; prescribed medications collected

 

The Surgical Procedure

Breast augmentation at Abmedi is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure — patients go home the same day. Total operating time is typically 1–2 hours for primary augmentation.

Surgical sequence for standard IMF approach with dual-plane submuscular placement:

• Surgical markings are made with the patient in a standing position — IMF location, incision line, and implant center axis are marked before positioning
• General anesthesia is administered; the patient is positioned supine with arms comfortably extended
• The chest and breast area is prepared with antiseptic wash and sterile draping
• IMF incision made precisely at the marked location (typically 3–4 cm for cohesive gel; smaller for saline)
• The dissection pocket is created in the dual-plane position: sub-pectoral superiorly, sub-glandular inferiorly — pocket dimensions are calibrated to the implant’s base diameter
• The pocket is irrigated thoroughly with antibiotic solution before implant insertion
• The implant is inspected for integrity, loaded into an atraumatic insertion funnel, and inserted into the pocket without direct skin contact — the no-touch technique
• Implant position and pocket symmetry are assessed with the patient semi-upright; any adjustments are made before closure
• The pocket is closed in two layers; skin is closed with buried absorbable sutures
• The compression bra is applied in the operating room; patient transferred to recovery

 

Recovery: What to Expect

Days 1–3

Waking from anesthesia, breasts will feel tight, full, and positioned higher than expected — this is normal and expected. For submuscular cases, significant muscle tightness and pressure are typical; subfascial and subglandular cases are considerably less uncomfortable. Most patients manage well with prescribed pain medication. No lifting, pushing, or overhead arm movement. The surgical bra remains in place. Showering is permitted from day two with waterproof incision dressings.

Days 4–10

Discomfort diminishes substantially; most patients transition from prescription to over-the-counter analgesics by day three or four. Swelling causes the implants to sit noticeably higher than their final position. The first follow-up visit at Abmedi occurs around day 5–7 to assess healing and review wound care. Most patients with desk-based work return within 7–10 days.

Weeks 2–6: ‘Drop and Fluff’

Over the weeks following surgery, the implants gradually settle into their final position — a process commonly called ‘drop and fluff.’ The tight skin overlying the implant gradually relaxes and accommodates the implant’s shape; the implant descends to its intended position in the pocket; the lower pole fills out; and the overall shape softens from the high, round appearance of the early post-operative period into the natural slope of the planned result. This settling process can take 4–6 weeks for the majority of change, with ongoing subtle improvements through six months. Light exercise is cleared at 2–3 weeks; sports and upper body exercise at 4–6 weeks with surgeon clearance.

Months 1–6: Final Result

By three to six months, the drop-and-fluff process is essentially complete. The implants are in their intended position, the overlying tissue has relaxed, and the result is fully visible. This is when formal outcome photography is conducted at Abmedi. Most patients are wearing their preferred bras normally and enjoying their result with no post-operative restrictions.

Recovery Timeline Summary Days 1–3: Surgical bra; limited mobility; prescribed pain management. Days 4–7: Increasing comfort; first follow-up; desk work return. Week 2–3: Light exercise cleared. Week 4–6: Full exercise clearance; sports bra continued. Months 1–6: Drop-and-fluff settling; final result photographed and documented.

 

Risks of Breast Augmentation Surgery

The FDA requires comprehensive disclosure of all known breast implant risks. At Abmedi, every patient receives a thorough informed consent review covering all of the following:

Most Common Complications (as reported in FDA clinical data)

• Reoperation for any reason: the most commonly cited complication across all implant types in FDA reporting. Includes revision for cosmetic concerns, implant exchange, capsular contracture treatment, and position adjustment
• Capsular contracture (silicone gel implants): tightening of the scar tissue capsule around the implant causing firmness, asymmetry, or pain. Graded Baker I–IV; treatment in severe cases (III–IV) typically requires surgical capsule release or removal with implant exchange. Rates vary by implant surface — textured implants have lower contracture rates but higher BIA-ALCL association
• Implant removal with or without replacement: may be needed for rupture, contracture, infection, or patient preference
• Ptosis (sag): breast drooping that may develop or worsen over time, particularly with larger implants and in patients with poorer skin elasticity; not caused by the implant itself but by the natural effects of gravity and aging
• Silent rupture (silicone gel implants): silicone gel implants can rupture without the patient noticing any change, because the cohesive gel does not migrate. MRI is required for detection — FDA recommends first MRI at 3 years post-implantation for silicone gel implants, then every 2 years thereafter

BIA-ALCL: Essential Information

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare lymphoma documented in association with breast implants, occurring more commonly with textured surface implants than smooth implants. It is not a cancer of the breast tissue itself; it typically originates in the fluid or capsule surrounding the implant. The FDA’s current guidance: patients with breast implants who develop a persistent seroma (fluid buildup around the implant), a palpable mass near the implant, or unexplained breast swelling should be evaluated for BIA-ALCL. Early detection and complete capsule removal offer excellent outcomes for most patients.

Breast Implant Illness (BII)

Some patients report a range of systemic symptoms — including chronic fatigue, joint pain, cognitive impairment, autoimmune conditions, and others — that they attribute to their breast implants. The FDA acknowledges these patient reports and has updated labeling requirements to include BII as a condition patients should be informed about. The scientific literature has not established a definitive causal mechanism or proven that implants cause these symptoms in a defined proportion of patients. At Abmedi, we take BII reports seriously, discuss them openly with patients during consultation, and present the current state of scientific understanding honestly without dismissing patient experiences.

FDA Advisory: Breast Implants Are Not Lifetime Devices The FDA states explicitly: breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. The longer implants are in place, the greater the likelihood of complications requiring surgical intervention. Patients should be aware that they will likely need additional breast surgery at some point in their lifetime. MRI screenings at years 3, 5, 7, and every 2 years thereafter are recommended for silicone gel implants to detect silent rupture. Abmedi assists patients in scheduling and documenting these follow-up screenings as part of our ongoing patient care commitment.

 

The Warranty Program

All silicone gel and saline implants used at Abmedi are backed by comprehensive warranty programs. Understanding what the warranty covers — and what it requires — is an important part of informed decision-making.

Standard Limited Warranty

The standard warranty program provides lifetime replacement of the implant itself in the event of confirmed rupture due to a device defect. Additionally, a limited financial contribution toward surgical fees for revision in the event of rupture is provided for a defined period post-implantation (typically 10 years; specific terms vary by implant type). The warranty requires that the implant be registered and that patients follow FDA-recommended screening schedules.

Enhanced Advantage / Premier Warranty Program

An optional enhanced warranty program — covering round cohesive gel implants specifically — provides lifetime device replacement plus an enhanced financial contribution toward surgical fees in the event of rupture. This program also offers financial support in the event of capsular contracture requiring surgery. It requires active registration within a specified window post-surgery and covers procedures performed by board-certified plastic surgeons.

Warranty Registration at Abmedi At Abmedi, we register every implant at the time of surgery on behalf of the patient. Patients receive their implant identification card documenting the serial number, model, and size of their implants. Keep this card in a secure place — it is the primary documentation needed to activate warranty coverage if needed in the future. We also maintain a copy of all implant records in your patient file permanently.

 

Cost of Breast Augmentation at Abmedi

Breast augmentation pricing is individualized and discussed transparently during the consultation. As a general reference for the United States market, breast augmentation with silicone gel implants typically ranges from $6,500 to $12,000 depending on implant type and profile, surgical approach and placement, anesthesia, facility fees, and whether concurrent procedures such as breast lift are planned.

Breast augmentation is an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. Breast reconstruction after mastectomy using tissue expanders or implants may be covered by insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) of 1998. Abmedi’s team assists reconstruction patients in documenting their procedure for insurance coverage purposes. Financing options are available through vetted healthcare financing partners.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between silicone and saline implants?

The core difference is the filling material. Silicone gel implants are pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely replicates the feel and movement of natural breast tissue. Saline implants are inserted empty and filled with sterile salt water during surgery. Silicone gel implants typically feel softer and more natural, are available in a wider range of volumes and profiles, and require a minimum age of 22. Saline implants are firmer, can be adjusted in volume during surgery, require a minimum age of only 18, and are immediately visibly detectable if they rupture (unlike silicone gel’s ‘silent rupture’). The best choice depends on the individual patient’s anatomy, preferences, and circumstances.

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?

Many women breastfeed successfully after breast augmentation, and the procedure does not directly damage the milk-producing glands or ducts in most cases. However, some patients experience changes in nipple sensation post-operatively, and periareolar incisions carry a slightly higher theoretical risk of interfering with breastfeeding than inframammary fold incisions due to their proximity to the areola ducts. If breastfeeding is an important future priority, this should be discussed specifically during consultation — incision choice, implant placement, and surgical technique can all be optimized to minimize impact on breastfeeding capability.

How do I know what size to choose?

The most reliable approach to sizing is anatomical measurement, not cup size. At Abmedi, we measure your natural breast base diameter and use this as the starting point for implant selection — choosing a size that fits within your natural breast footprint for the most proportionate result. We then use physical sizers in a bra during the consultation to allow you to see and feel volume differences, and 3D simulation software to project the expected appearance. Cup size is not a reliable sizing tool because it varies between bra manufacturers by up to two cup sizes for the same physical volume.

Will breast augmentation address sagging?

Implants alone do not correct significant breast sagging (ptosis). An implant adds volume but does not lift the nipple position or tighten the breast skin envelope. If there is existing ptosis — where the nipple sits below the inframammary fold or the breast tissue hangs excessively — a mastopexy (breast lift) is needed either concurrently with or prior to augmentation. At Abmedi, we assess the degree of existing ptosis at consultation and discuss whether augmentation alone will achieve the desired result or whether a lift is also indicated.

Can I have a mammogram with breast implants?

Yes — mammography remains an important screening tool for women with breast implants. The technician should always be informed that implants are present, as they use additional displacement views (Eklund technique) to compress the breast tissue while moving the implant posteriorly. This technique allows better visualization of the breast tissue around the implant. Implants do not increase breast cancer risk, though they may make some portions of breast tissue less visible on standard mammography views — which is why the displacement views are important.

 

 

Breast augmentation with modern FDA-approved cohesive silicone gel or saline implants at Abmedi is a well-established, extensively studied procedure with a long track record of patient satisfaction when performed with careful patient selection, appropriate implant choice, and skilled surgical technique. The most important steps before proceeding are ensuring the decision is genuinely yours, understanding the risks and lifetime commitment that breast implants represent, and choosing a surgeon and practice that will support you through the full journey — from the initial consultation through long-term follow-up. That is the standard of care we provide at Abmedi, and it is what you should expect from any practice you consider.

— Abmedi Breast Surgery Team

This article is for educational purposes only. For full FDA safety information on breast implants, visit www.fda.gov/medical-devices/implants-and-prosthetics/breast-implants. This article does not substitute for an in-person consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon.