No matter how hard you work out, no matter how rigorous your training, defined pectoral muscle mass is hard to come by.  Even bodybuilders may have trouble developing pectoral muscles that are proportionate to the rest of their body.  This is when pectoral  implants can help.  You do not have to be a bodybuilder to justify getting these implants to give the appearance of muscle mass.  Pectoral implants are for any individual who wishes to have the look of very well defined and well worked out pectoral muscles.

The Implants
Pectoral implants are constructed to be soft, yet solid; the implant is made from medical grade, rigid silicone. Remember they are still pliable, but firm and have the feel of a well exercised and developed pectoral muscle.  The pectoral implants are available in different sizes to suit your individual needs.  It isn't a one size fits all type of implant, different people want different results and different people are different sizes.  You will be measured and fitted for implant size at your pre-operative visit.  The surgeon can custom design the implants for each individual patient by making a 'mold' of each individual pectoral muscle and sending it to the manufacturer, or if equipped, process it right in the office.  That way there is less of a chance of discomfort and irritability.

The Procedure
The implants are solid, but soft.  The implants may be clear but the ones normally  used are opaque and white. For cosmetic enlargement, the implants are placed under the pectoral muscle Single implants are used frequently in reconstructive procedures, which generally require only one side or the other to be augmented.  The implant is placed underneath the muscle as so not to show a distinct ridge and to help hide the implant under the muscle tissue.  This way, the implant does not feel or look fake but more like a flexed, well defined pectoral muscle.  Usually the implant size is determined by the length and size of the patient's own muscle.  The operation will usually last about 1-½ hours. It can be done under local, regional, or general anesthesia. Once the implants are in place, the incisions are closed.  The patient will be more comfortable if a long acting (usually about 10-12 hours) local anesthetic is left in each implant compartment. An ACE bandage is wrapped around the chest area to assist in compression and aid in a correct healing position. This ACE bandage should be worn for about 3 weeks.  Patients are advised to go home to bed for 24 hours.

Recovery
The down time for this procedure is difficult to determine as each case is individual.  However, on those with an office job with little lifting and a lot of sitting, the time off is about 5-7 days, depending upon your individual needs.  For those who are required to do physical labor, the time off is about 3 weeks.  You should not elevate your pulse rate or blood pressure during a period of 3-6 weeks.  You also should elevate your upper chest area with at least 2 large pillows when you are both awake and when you are sleeping.  Normally, you may return to exercise and other activities after 6 weeks.  Remember, too much, too soon equals disaster.  Don't immediately return to your weight lifting routine.  Ease back into it.  If you do not take care it could cause hemorrhaging, implant shifting or worse. 

Risks & Complications of Pectoral Implants
Among the risks and complications are hematoma, excessive bruising, extreme tenderness, numbness, infection, implant displacement, uneven healing resulting in asymmetries.  Negative reactions from the anesthetic, simple dissatisfaction and muscle weakness.  Please discuss with your doctor the possible risks and complications associated with this procedure.