There are all types of breast implants available. And while the experience of choosing your new implants can be exciting, it’s also important to buckle down and get acquainted with each implant type so that you can make the best decision for your breast augmentation.
So, what types of breast implants are there?
Below, we’ll go over all breast implant types based on material, shape, texture, profile, and size. This should give you a good foundation to base your decision on. But of course, always set up a consultation appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to know for sure what breast implants will give you the look and feel you desire.
How to Choose the Best Breast Implants for Your Breast Augmentation
The ideal breast implant type for you and your breast implant surgery depends on your unique goals, body type, and preferences. Your breast augmentation surgeon will help you achieve the beautiful, natural-looking results you desire, tailored to your specific anatomy and aesthetic aspirations.
Breast Implant Material
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone gel filled implants are commonly chosen for breast augmentations. They are well-liked by plastic surgeons, and these are also the types of implants breast augmentation patients seem to prefer.
Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel that is akin to natural breast tissue. They provide a soft, realistic feel.
Silicone implants come in various shapes, including teardrop, ideal for a natural contour. They’re less prone to rippling and wrinkling, making them suitable for thinner breast tissue as well. Regular monitoring is advised to detect any potential issues.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants, filled with saltwater, offer adjustability during surgery. This allows for fine-tuning of size and symmetry. They provide a firmer feel in most cases.
Additionally with saline implants, ruptures are quickly noticeable, and this can offer peace of mind. In some cases, saline filled implants can result in a smaller breast implant scar because implant shells can be placed first, then filled with sterile salt water.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
Gummy bear implants (not to be confused with structured saline breast implants) are made of form-stable, cohesive silicone gel. They maintain shape and provide a natural, anatomical contour.
They also carry a lower risk of wrinkling or folding and have a reduced rupture risk due to the cohesive gel’s stability. Some may find them slightly firmer, depending on personal preference.
Breast Implant Shape
Round Implants
Both saline and silicone implants can be round. Round breast implants are symmetrical and provide fullness in both the upper and lower poles of the breast. This can create a balanced, youthful appearance.
Teardrop Implants (Anatomical Implants)
Teardrop implants have a tapered shape, with more fullness in the lower portion. They are designed to mimic the natural slope of the breast.
Breast Implant Texture
Smooth Breast Implants
Smooth implants have a soft, smooth surface. They can move and rotate within the breast pocket, providing a natural look and feel. Patients may choose smooth implants over textured implants as they are less associated with the rare illness, BIA-ALCL (not to be confused with breast implant illness).
In some cases, smooth implants are associated with a higher risk for the buildup of scar tissue (capsular contracture), which may lead to breast pain and complications.
Textured Breast Implants
Textured implants have a rough surface that adheres to the surrounding tissue. This reduces the risk of implant rotation and potentially lowers the risk of capsular contracture. Teardrop shape implants generally have a texture.
Breast Implant Profile
Low profile implants have a wider base and less projection, making them suitable for those seeking a subtle enhancement.
Moderate profile implants offer a balanced projection and width, often chosen for a natural appearance.
High profile implants have a narrower base and greater projection, providing a more pronounced and dramatic result.
Breast Implant Size
Selecting the right breast implant size for your breast implant procedure is a crucial aspect of breast augmentation. Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc).
To determine the ideal size, patients can work closely with their plastic surgeon, who will consider factors such as body type, chest width, existing breast tissue, and aesthetic goals.
During consultations, surgeons often provide “sizers” – temporary implants that patients can try on beneath their clothing. It’s essential to communicate openly with your surgeon about your goals and preferences. This will help you achieve the best possible result to enhance your overall appearance while maintaining a natural look and feel.
Schedule Your Breast Implant Consultation Appointment
If you are hoping to undergo breast augmentation surgery, no doubt you have already been thinking about whether you want saline or silicone implants, round or teardrop implants, or large or small implants. After all, different types of breast implants can yield drastically different results, and you want to get it right the first time.
Gaining knowledge in this area and weighing your options is a good place to start — whether it’s reviewing various types of breast implants brands or watching patient-made videos on YouTube. Your next step should be to schedule a breast surgery consultation appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Schulman.
Dr. Schulman is happy to discuss all of your options with you. Once you meet, together, you can weigh the pros and cons of each implant type, talk about your breast augmentation surgery cost, look at breast implants before and after photos, and go over breast augmentation recovery week by week.
Schedule your appointment today and start looking forward to the new you!
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/implants
