Silicone Implants FAQ: Your Questions Answered

If you are exploring breast augmentation in Scottsdale, this guide is designed to give you the clear, honest information you deserve before taking the next step. Silicone implants remain one of the most frequently chosen options for breast augmentation, and prospective patients naturally arrive with thoughtful questions about safety, candidacy, recovery, and cost. At MD Plastic Surgery, our team of board-certified plastic surgeons brings over 70 years of combined experience to every consultation, helping patients feel informed and confident before they ever enter the operating room. This page addresses the most common questions we hear, so you can approach your journey with clarity and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Silicone Implants

What are silicone implants?

Silicone implants are breast implants filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Unlike saline implants, which are filled with sterile saltwater, silicone implants maintain their shape and offer a soft, natural texture that many patients find appealing. They are available in a variety of profiles, sizes, and shapes to complement each patient’s unique anatomy. During your consultation at MD Plastic Surgery, your surgeon will walk you through the full range of implant options to help you identify which choice best supports your aesthetic goals.

How do silicone implants work?

Silicone implants work by augmenting the volume and contour of the breast using a cohesive gel enclosed within a durable silicone shell. The shell is designed to hold the gel in place, even if the implant is compromised, which is why modern silicone implants are sometimes described as having a form-stable or “gummy bear” quality. During breast augmentation surgery, your surgeon places the implant either beneath the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle, depending on your anatomy and goals. Placement decisions are made collaboratively during your consultation to achieve the most natural and harmonious result.

What concerns can silicone implants address?

Silicone implants may help address a range of aesthetic concerns, including naturally smaller breast volume, asymmetry between the breasts, or volume loss following pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight changes. Many patients who pursue a breast lift surgery in Scottsdale also choose to combine that procedure with silicone implants to restore both lift and fullness simultaneously. Silicone implants are also used in breast reconstruction following mastectomy. If you are curious whether this procedure may address your specific concerns, a personalized consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons is the most reliable way to explore your options.

Am I a good candidate for silicone implants?

Good candidates for silicone implants are generally healthy adults who have realistic expectations about their outcomes and a clear aesthetic goal for their appearance. The FDA recommends that patients be at least 22 years of age for elective silicone implant placement. Candidates should be non-smokers, or willing to stop smoking well in advance of surgery, and free from active infections or uncontrolled medical conditions. Patients who have experienced changes in breast volume related to pregnancy or weight fluctuation may also be strong candidates. Your surgeon at MD Plastic Surgery will conduct a thorough evaluation to confirm whether this procedure is appropriate for your individual health profile and goals.

Who is silicone implant surgery right for?

Silicone implant surgery tends to be well-suited for patients who prioritize a natural look and feel, have limited natural breast tissue, or are seeking a more refined contour without visible implant rippling. Patients who are considering comprehensive body rejuvenation, such as those exploring our MD|Enhance breast enhancement procedure in Scottsdale, often find that silicone implants align with their vision for an elegant, proportionate result. Whether your goals are subtle enhancement or more noticeable volume, the right candidacy determination is always made in the context of a detailed conversation with your surgeon about your body, lifestyle, and expectations.

What can I expect during my silicone implant consultation and procedure?

During your consultation at MD Plastic Surgery, your board-certified surgeon will review your medical history, assess your breast anatomy, and discuss your goals in detail. You will have the opportunity to explore implant size, profile, and placement options using visual tools. On the day of surgery, the procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately one to two hours. Incisions are made in discreet locations, the implant is carefully positioned, and incisions are closed with techniques designed to minimize visible scarring. Surgery is performed at our on-site North Scottsdale Outpatient Surgery Center, allowing for a seamless, comfortable experience from arrival through recovery.

How long do silicone implants last, and what results can I expect?

Silicone implants are not considered lifetime devices, but they are designed to be durable and long-lasting. Many patients enjoy their results for ten to twenty years or longer before considering revision. Over time, factors such as aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy may affect the appearance of the breasts, which is why ongoing follow-up care is important. Results vary by individual. You can explore our before and after gallery to view the range of outcomes our surgeons have achieved for patients with similar starting points and goals.

Do you serve patients from nearby areas outside of Scottsdale?

Yes. MD Plastic Surgery welcomes patients from throughout the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, including Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and throughout the country. Our practice has deep roots in the Scottsdale community, and our reputation for delivering natural, elegant results draws patients from across Arizona and out of state. Whether you are local or traveling specifically for care, our team is committed to making every step of your experience, from your first phone call through your follow-up appointments, as comfortable and well-supported as possible.

What makes MD Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale different from other practices?

MD Plastic Surgery offers a uniquely integrated approach to aesthetic medicine that few practices in Arizona can match. Our team includes three board-certified plastic surgeons, one of whom is double board-certified, collectively bringing over 70 years of combined surgeon experience. We perform surgery in our own on-site outpatient surgery center, which means your care is coordinated entirely within our trusted environment. Our practice also features the MD Skin Lounge for non-surgical treatments and a philanthropic culture through our Unicorn Philanthropy initiative. This depth of expertise and integration is what sets the MD Plastic Surgery experience apart.

What factors influence the cost of silicone implants in Scottsdale?

The cost of silicone implants varies depending on several individualized factors, including the type and profile of implant selected, surgical complexity, anesthesia fees, and any additional procedures performed in the same session. Because no two patients are alike, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to receive a personalized quote based on your specific goals and surgical plan. Financing options may be available to help make your care more accessible; your patient care coordinator can provide detailed information during your visit.

What is recovery like after silicone implant surgery?

Recovery following silicone implant surgery is a gradual process that most patients manage comfortably with appropriate planning and support. Most patients take approximately one week away from work and light daily activities, with more strenuous exercise typically restricted for four to six weeks. Swelling and mild discomfort are common in the early days and generally subside over the first few weeks. Your surgeon and care team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and are available to answer questions throughout your healing process. The MD Plastic Surgery blog also includes helpful patient education resources to support your recovery journey.

Are silicone implants safe?

Silicone implants approved by the FDA have undergone extensive safety evaluations and are among the most studied medical devices available. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including capsular contracture, implant rupture, changes in sensation, and the need for future revision surgery. A rare condition known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) has been identified in association with certain textured implants; your surgeon will discuss this and all relevant safety considerations in detail. The board-certified surgeons at MD Plastic Surgery are committed to transparent, thorough informed consent so that every patient feels fully prepared before proceeding. Patients considering breast implant removal or exchange are also welcome to consult with our team.

Why Choose MD Plastic Surgery for Silicone Implants in Scottsdale?

Choosing the right surgical team for your silicone implant procedure is one of the most important decisions you will make. At MD Plastic Surgery, patients in Scottsdale and across the country benefit from the expertise of three board-certified plastic surgeons, including one double board-certified physician, all holding the FACS designation as Fellows of the American College of Surgeons. Our team carries over 70 years of combined experience and performs every procedure in our own on-site outpatient surgery center, ensuring continuity of care in a trusted, accredited environment. From your first consultation through your follow-up visits, our approach is defined by elegant precision, genuine compassion, and a commitment to results that honor your individuality.

Schedule Your Silicone Implants Consultation in Scottsdale

If you are ready to explore whether silicone implants are right for you, the board-certified team at MD Plastic Surgery is here to guide you with expertise and care. Contact us today to schedule your personalized consultation in Scottsdale. Contact us and take the first step toward results that feel as natural as they look.