Breast implants are medical-grade devices used to increase breast size, improve symmetry, and refine overall breast shape. (1)
Enhancing the appearance of the breasts is one of the most personal and transformative journeys a person can pursue through cosmetic surgery. Whether you are looking to restore volume lost after pregnancy, improve symmetry, or simply achieve a more balanced silhouette, breast implants provide a proven solution. They not only reshape the chest but also restore confidence and help align how you feel on the inside with what you see in the mirror.
At Dr. Joseph A. Racanelli Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery, patients throughout New York and New Jersey trust Dr. Joseph Racanelli for his artistic approach and surgical expertise. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience in aesthetic breast surgery, Dr. Racanelli offers a range of implant options tailored to fit your anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term goals. His advanced techniques, attention to detail, and commitment to natural-looking outcomes have made him one of the most sought-after names in breast augmentation across the tri-state area.
Anyone looking to explore breast implant options further should contact Dr. Racanelli and his team online or call (888) 409-0801 to schedule a personal consultation at one of our three locations in New York City, Newark, or Morristown.
About Breast Implant Options
Breast implants are medical devices placed into the breasts to enhance breast size and shape. They come in various sizes and profiles, allowing for a completely customizable result. Breast implants have remained one of the most popular forms of cosmetic enhancement in the United States. (2) While other techniques, such as fat grafting, can be performed during a breast augmentation procedure, breast implants are known to provide more predictable results and a larger breast size increase. (3)
There are multiple types of breast implants, each of which offers its own set of unique benefits, and Dr. Racanelli has experience in performing a variety of implant-based breast augmentations. It is vital to understand your options when seeking breast implants, and Dr. Racanelli’s experience with different forms of breast augmentation allows him to help each patient explore which options might be best suited for what they hope to accomplish. With this in mind, some of the common implant types and techniques include:
Silicone Gel Implants
Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. (4) They are a popular choice among patients who value softness and subtlety. These implants come in different shapes, including round and anatomically contoured (teardrop), and are available in multiple sizes and projection levels. Because they are pre-filled, they often require slightly larger incisions. However, Dr. Racanelli employs careful placement techniques to minimize the appearance of scarring and maximize the aesthetic outcome.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution after they are placed inside the breast pocket. (5) This flexibility allows for smaller incisions and easy adjustments to achieve optimal symmetry. Saline implants tend to be firmer to the touch and may suit patients who already have moderate to full breast tissue. In the rare event of a rupture, the saline solution is harmlessly absorbed by the body, and the deflation is instantly noticeable. For some patients, saline implants also present a more cost-effective option.
Gummy Bear Implants
Highly cohesive silicone gel implants, often referred to as “gummy bear” implants, hold their shape even when cut in half. These implants offer a balance between durability and a natural feel, and their teardrop shape closely mimics the natural slope of the breast. While they do require precise placement and careful monitoring, they are ideal for patients seeking a long-lasting, stable result, as this type of implant is potentially associated with a long-term reduction in implant-related complications. (6)
Breast Implant Placement Options
Implants can be placed either under the chest muscle (submuscular) or above it (subglandular). Dr. Racanelli will determine the best position based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals. Submuscular placement often provides a more natural slope and reduces the risk of rippling, while subglandular placement may be appropriate for patients with sufficient existing breast tissue.
Benefits
Breast augmentation is about more than just size. It is about restoring harmony to your proportions and rebuilding confidence, which can be achieved with the different implant options offered by Dr. Racanelli. Dr. Racanelli’s expertise can help patients achieve both physical and potentially mental benefits with breast implant procedures, some of which may include:
- Enhanced breast volume and shape
- Restored fullness after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
- Improved symmetry between the breasts
- More balanced proportions between the upper and lower body
- Increased clothing options and fit
- Boosted self-esteem and body image
- Long-lasting and highly customizable results
Candidates
Most patients seeking breast implants fall into one of several categories: they may have naturally small breasts, experienced volume loss after weight fluctuations or pregnancy, or simply want a more curvaceous silhouette. Ideal candidates are those in good general health and have realistic expectations about what they can achieve with this treatment. During your consultation, Dr. Racanelli will assess your medical history, current breast anatomy, and personal goals to determine whether breast implants are the right choice for you and, if so, which of the implant options offered by Dr. Racanelli are best suited for your desired outcome.
To explore your breast implant options and see if you are an ideal candidate for this procedure, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Racanelli and his team online or by calling (888) 409-0801.
Personal Consultation
If you are looking to explore your breast implant options with the best in the business, the process begins with a personal consultation with Dr. Racanelli at one of his convenient locations in New York or New Jersey. During this visit, Dr. Racanelli will take the time to understand your goals, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. He will examine your current breast anatomy, skin quality, and frame to recommend the ideal implant type, size, and placement.
He will show you sample implants and before-and-after images to help you visualize your options and will also explain the risks and benefits of each choice in detail. By the end of this appointment, you will feel empowered to make informed decisions about your body and your care. If you decide to move forward with pursuing one of the many breast implant options offered by Dr. Racanelli’s office, Dr. Racanelli will ultimately create a personalized treatment plan based on the information he gathers in this personal consultation.
If you wish to get started on your journey to exploring your breast implant options, contact Dr. Racanelli and his team online or by calling (888) 409-0801 to schedule a personal consultation.
Preparation
Once you decide to move forward with pursuing breast implants as your chosen method for augmentation, Dr. Racanelli and his team will provide detailed preoperative instructions to ensure a smooth treatment process. These may include discontinuing medications or supplements with blood-thinning properties, avoiding nicotine use, and arranging for time off work and help at home during the early recovery phase. Following these preoperative guidelines closely will help ensure your procedure and recovery go as smoothly as possible.
Procedure
The procedure begins with anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Once you are fully sedated, Dr. Racanelli will make discreet incisions based on the surgical plan you created together. Common incision sites include the inframammary fold (beneath the breast), periareolar (around the nipple), or transaxillary (in the armpit). The chosen incision site depends on your anatomy, implant type, and cosmetic goals.
After creating a pocket either beneath or above the pectoral muscle, Dr. Racanelli will carefully insert the selected implants and make any necessary adjustments to ensure symmetry and proper positioning. Once the implants are placed, he will close the incisions using fine sutures designed to minimize scarring. The entire procedure typically takes one to two hours and is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will go home the same day.
Recovery
You can expect some swelling, bruising, and tightness in the chest during the first few days of recovery. These symptoms are normal and will gradually improve as your body heals. Dr. Racanelli will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions, including how to care for your incisions, which medications to take, and when to resume physical activity.
Most patients return to non-strenuous work within one week and can resume light exercise after two to three weeks. Strenuous activity, especially exercises that involve the chest muscles, should be avoided for at least four to six weeks. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing and ensure the implants are settling properly. Dr. Racanelli and his staff will remain available throughout your recovery to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Results
You will see an immediate change in breast size and shape after your surgery, although it will take several weeks for any swelling to subside and for the implants to fully settle into their final position. As your body heals, your breasts will feel more natural and appear more symmetrical. With proper care and maintenance, modern breast implants can last over a decade, and many patients enjoy their results for 10-15 years or more. (3) If implant revision becomes necessary, Dr. Racanelli also offers expert correction procedures tailored to aging implants, aesthetic changes, or patient preferences.
Corresponding Procedures
Some of Dr. Racanelli’s patients choose to combine breast implants with other cosmetic procedures to achieve more comprehensive results. Popular complementary treatments include:
- Breast lift (mastopexy) to address sagging or reposition the nipple
- Liposuction to contour the surrounding areas for a more defined overall body tone
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to restore the midsection
Dr. Racanelli can help you design a personalized treatment plan that incorporates multiple procedures if desired.
Cost of Breast Implants in New Jersey
The cost of breast implant surgery with Dr. Racanelli varies depending on several factors, including implant type, surgical technique, anesthesia, and whether additional treatments are performed. Silicone implants are generally more expensive than saline implants, but Dr. Racanelli will provide a detailed breakdown during your consultation. Financing options may be available for qualifying patients, making breast enhancement more accessible to those who wish to spread out payments over time.
FAQ
How long do breast implants last?
Most implants last 10 to 15 years. Regular follow-ups with your surgeon will help determine when, or if, they need to be replaced.
Do breast implants feel natural?
Modern implants, especially silicone ones, are designed to closely mimic the texture and movement of natural breast tissue.
Will I have visible scars?
Dr. Racanelli strategically places incisions in discreet areas and uses precise closure techniques to minimize scarring.
Can I breastfeed after implants?
Many women can breastfeed after breast augmentation, though this can depend on implant placement and surgical technique.
What if I want to remove or change my implants later?
Dr. Racanelli offers breast implant revision procedures for patients who wish to update their implants due to age, lifestyle changes, or personal preference.
References
- Schrager S, Lyon SM, Poore SO. Breast Implants: Common Questions and Answers. American Family Physician. 2021;104(5):500-508. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34783490/
- 2024 Cosmetic Surgery Procedures COSMETIC SURGERY PROCEDURES.; 2024. Accessed June 27, 2025. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/cosmetic-procedure-trends-2024.pdf
- Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
- Swanson E. Prospective Study of Saline versus Silicone Gel Implants for Subpectoral Breast Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2020;Publish Ahead of Print. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002882
- Grigg M, Bondurant S, Ernster VL, Herdman R, Medicine (US) I of. A Report of a Study by the Institute of Medicine. National Academies Press (US); 2000. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44775/
- Shridharani SM, Bellamy JL, Mofid MM, Singh NK. Breast Augmentation. Eplasty. 2013;13:ic46. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3685325/