Types of Breast Implants: Which One is Right for You?

March 31st, 2017 | Posted in: Breast Implants | Tags: Breast Implant Differences, Types of Breast Implants

Choosing the right breast implants involves both research as well as a consultation with an experienced, board certified surgeon to make an informed decision. Patients with specific anatomical needs or unique aesthetic goals may lean towards one type of implant, while others find the decision too difficult to make on their own. We have made an overview of the most popular, as well as safest breast implant options to help make the decision easier.

Silicone versus Saline

The difference between silicone and saline are in the material and consistency of the breast implants. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel whereas saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater. Silicone implants are regarded for their aesthetic features, natural feel, and lower rate of rippling in contrast to saline. Women with modest breast tissue will find these implants more favorable.

One of the main advantages to saline implants is that they are filled after insertion. When they are inserted, the empty implants can be threaded through a small incision, which produces a less noticeable scar than silicone. Saline’s other advantages include closer symmetry between the breasts and adjustability. As for health risks, both silicone and saline are FDA approved, but have an equal chance of rupturing. When silicone implants break, it is generally impossible to tell because they appear and feel intact which may lead to complications if left undetected. Saline implants on the other hand are filled with a sterile saline fluid that is harmlessly absorbed by the body.

Gummy Bear Implants

Anatomical gummy bear implants are the newest type of implants and were recently approved by the FDA in 2013. This fifth-generation gel implant is well-known for its teardrop shape and cohesive texture. It perfectly mimics the natural contour and feel of breasts, and akin to an actual gummy bear it maintains its shape even when the implant shell is broken – resisting gravity, aging and anatomical flaws.

When compared to silicone and saline implants, gummy bear implants offer women a more natural-looking outcome. Folds, ripples and creases also rarely occur meaning they are less likely to rupture and cause leakage. However, they also have disadvantages including a firm texture and the possibility of rotation which causes malposition and distortion of the breast.

Breast Implant Surface

Breast implants come in two surface options; smooth and textured. Smooth implants are the most common choice of breast augmentation among patients and plastic surgeons. In contrast to textured, these implants have a thinner, softer shell that is known to last longer. The outer shell of the implants can encase either saline or silicone, and is slick and malleable so it does not adhere to nearby breast tissue. This allows them to move within the breast implant area and results in a more natural appearance.

Textured implants have a rougher surface so unlike smooth implants they adhere to breast tissue and stay in place. Keeping them in their initial position can be imperative in case the implants are teardrop shaped as less movement lowers the chance of distortion or shape irregularity. Depending on the placement and shape of the breast implant, a plastic surgeon will choose between smooth or textured accordingly.

Breast Implant Shape

The two basic breast implant shapes come in round and teardrop. Round implants are the traditional choice and take on a compressed sphere shape that come in four variations from low to high projection. One of its main advantages is that it has the option to have either smooth or textured shell, allowing it greater versatility. When a smooth surface is chosen, the round implants have a lower chance of visible or palpable rippling as well as a potentially lower incidence of deflation or rupture. Round implants are ideal for patients who want to add fullness to the upper breast and are often selected if a patient is looking to add more lift to their breasts.

Teardrop implants only come with a textured surface and are available in a variety of shapes, allowing greater control in fitting the implants to meet a patient’s desired appearance. For patients looking to fill only certain areas teardrop implants are better suited than their counterparts.

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon & the Right Types of Breast Implants

When choosing the right type of breast implants, choosing your surgeon first will facilitate your options and determine the quality of your breast augmentation. Each type of breast implant has its benefits and drawbacks depending on a patient’s specific inclinations. For these reasons, it is important to discuss this decision with an experienced plastic surgeon. For the highest quality breast augmentation schedule a consultation with Dr. Chiu of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery; a highly qualified, board certified plastic surgeon who puts his patients comfort, well-being, and results above all else.