I've had salines for 2 years now and love them. I went from a small B to a moderate D, perfect and very well-proportioned on my frame. The cost varies depending on your location, but the procedures typically run between $3k to $7k-- mine was about $5000 and I am in the Denver area. It's usually more expensive on the coasts and cheaper in the middle of the country, like everything else :-)
At a consultation, the surgeon will go over the procedure, possible risks and complications, recovery-- almost anything you can think of. It's enormously important that you do your research, as you are doing, so you can have realisitc expectations of the procedure and results. The surgeon will evaluate your specific situation and goals--everyone is a little different; that's why eveyone has a different recovery story. Go to as many consultations as you need to with as many different surgeons as you need in order to feel comfortable--it's important that you trust your surgeon. Make sure the doctor you choose is board-certified and don't be afraid to grill him/her! Ask how many of these procedures he's done, his rate of infection, rate of complications, etc.
My recovery was very easy-- I had very little real pain, just stiffness and soreness. Other people have different experiences, but just know that they're not all horror stories! Of course you will always hear about the complications and problems-- those of us who are happy with our results don't talk about it so much.
A great website to use for research is www.implantinfo.com. They have checklists you can print out and bring to the consult to make sure you get the info you need. Also, there's a book called "The Best Breast" which has good info, and addresses the whole silicone-poisoning myth as well.
I was 37 when I had mine done and I am so happy I did! You know, I work out and weight train regularly, and I have to say no one has EVER criticized me for changing the shape of my body through exercise and diet-- I've gotten nothing but reinforcement and praise for making my butt smaller or my biceps more defined. But somehow when you want to change something through surgery, it becomes a moral issue that everyone feels entitled to comment upon! I am educated, well-employed, intelligent and spiritual; I am not appearance-obsessed or any of the stereotypes I'm hearing on here-- I simply want to look and feel my best.
Good luck and email me through my profile if you have any more questions!
