Breast / PROCEDURE GUIDE # Breast implants Before & after. Beyond the image. A device choice is a long-term decision. Learn what to ask about materials, monitoring, and future surgery. [Read the guide ](https://www.pixmd.com/guides/breast-implants.html#overview) Explore PixMD Saline and silicone · implant choices Sources checked October 18, 2026 · Clinical review pending READ THE IMAGE, THEN THE STORY ## Breast implants before-and-after photos ### Take your research into PixMD. Create a free account to explore full case galleries and follow procedures and providers. Read each post to understand the treatment shown. Create an Account ### What to look for in a comparison - Use photographs to discuss proportions, not to select a device by sight. - Check whether the case includes a lift or revision. - Ask for the device details and how long it had been in place at follow-up. Images are a starting point for discussion. They cannot establish whether a procedure is suitable for you or predict your result. UNDERSTAND THE PROCEDURE ## Understanding breast implants Saline and silicone gel implants are different device options used in breast surgery. Shape, size, surface, and placement are decisions to review with a surgeon alongside the manufacturer’s information. ### An important distinction Implants are not lifetime devices. A result photograph does not show device condition or future maintenance needs. Compare the product-specific patient labeling and ask about screening for silicone implant rupture. Source: [FDA: implant types ↗](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/types-breast-implants) ### Start with your own goals Bring the changes you want to discuss, your medical history, medications, and prior procedures to a consultation. Ask about alternatives, including waiting or choosing no treatment. A gallery comparison is not a substitute for that assessment. PLAN FOR THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE ## Recovery & follow-up The initial recovery follows the operation performed, including incision care and activity limits. Long-term follow-up is a separate commitment. Keep your implant information and ask what symptoms should trigger an assessment. Source: [ASPS: surgical recovery ↗](https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/recovery) Daily lifeWork, transport, exercise, and help at home. Ongoing careFollow-up visits and who to contact with concerns. A BALANCED VIEW ## Risks to discuss Risks include rupture, hardening around the implant, further operations, and BIA-ALCL, a lymphoma associated with implants. The FDA also describes reported systemic symptoms and other cancers reported in the capsule. Review device-specific risks with your surgeon. Source: [FDA: implant risks ↗](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants) These examples are not a complete list. Ask your treating physician how your health, the chosen technique, and any combined procedures affect risk, and what follow-up care is included. BRING BETTER QUESTIONS ## Your consultation checklist Choose the questions you want to take with you. This checklist stays on this page; it is not sent to a provider. - [ ] Which device are you recommending, and why does it fit my anatomy? - [ ] What does the patient decision checklist say about this device? - [ ] What monitoring and future removal or replacement costs should I anticipate? - [ ] What is included in the total estimate, aftercare, and any revision policy? Copy selected questions Print guide ## Sources & further reading Prepared by PixMD from the resources below. Source access date: October 18, 2026. This draft has not yet received clinical review. - [FDA: implant types ↗](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/types-breast-implants) - [FDA: implant risks ↗](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants) - [ASPS: surgical recovery ↗](https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/recovery) - [FDA: what to know ↗](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-know-about-breast-implants)[How to use our guides ](https://www.pixmd.com/editorial-standards.html) KEEP CONNECTING THE DOTS ## Related procedure guides [Breast augmentation ](https://www.pixmd.com/guides/breast-augmentation.html)[Breast lift ](https://www.pixmd.com/guides/breast-lift.html)[Transaxillary breast augmentation ](https://www.pixmd.com/guides/transaxillary-breast-augmentation.html) YOUR INTERESTS. YOUR PACE. ## Keep exploring. Make it your PixMD. Create a free account Free customer access. Full galleries after sign-in.