Types of Breast Implants: Which Will You Choose?
Decided you’re ready for breast implants but aren’t sure which type to get? Well, we’ve got you covered! Deciding on a type of breast implant can get a bit confusing but there are a couple of key categories like the availability of implant type, sizing, patient circumstance, and aesthetic goal of the procedure that’ll make this decision easier.
Knowing what types of breast implants are currently on the market is the first step. Implants vary in size, shape, shell material, filling material, texture, and more. Some of these variations include:
- Saline Implants - Have a silicone outer shell filled with sterile saline solution. If this type of implant were to tear or rupture, the body would absorb the saline solution and expel it naturally, leaving the outer shell would be removed by the surgeon. Can be implanted with minimal scarring through the armpit or the belly button.
- Silicone Implants - Have a silicone outer shell filled with silicone gel. If this type of implant were to rupture, the silicone gel usually stays in the silicone shell but it’s possible it can leak out. Patients should have regular checkups with their doctors to make sure their silicone implants are intact.
- Structured Saline Implants - Have a silicone outer shell with a sterile saline filling to mimic tissues’ natural look and feel. This type of implant is similar to saline implants but is firmer because of the silicone outer shell.
- Gummy Bear Implants - Made of thicker silicone than silicone implants so that if torn or ruptured, they’re tear-dropped shaped and hold their shape like a gummy bear would. Since this type of implant is sturdier, it requires a larger incision.
- Round Implants - most common - The most common shape of breast implants are round implants because they don’t alter the breast’s appearance if the implant were to shift. Rounded implants are usually made of saline or silicone, it depends on what the patient wants and what the surgeon recommends.
- Smooth Implants - Most popular form of implants because they’re less likely to ripple under the skin. Smooth implants have a thinner outer shell so they are able to move more fluidly with the patient’s breast tissue.
Depending on the patient’s aesthetic and feel goal from the procedure, the surgeon will recommend a specific type of implant. For example, if a patient is looking for a breast implant with more natural-looking and feeling results and minimal scarring then the doctor might recommend a saline implant for that patient. On the other hand, if the patient is looking for a sturdier implant that won’t move around as much then the doctor might recommend silicone or gummy bear implants.
As time has passed and loads of research has been conducted on the effects of breast implants, there has been an increase of tools, technologies, and techniques for breast implants as well as variations types of breast implants.
Breast implants with smooth surfaces are less likely to cause inflammation, cancers, and other immune system reactions. When a textured implant settles into the body, scar tissue more easily latches onto the breast tissue during the healing process. The healed scar tissue can lead to scarring and fibrous tissue around the breast implant.
Studies at John Hopkins Medicine have shown that smooth silicone breast implants are less likely to cause these immune system reactions. While all implants should be replaced at the ten-year mark and patients should have regular check-ups to ensure that no dangers come from the breast implants.
If you’re wanting a more natural look and feel from your implants then saline, round or smooth implants might be what is best for you. If you’re wanting a more eye-catching look with a firmer feel then silicone or gummy bear implants might be the way. Either way, the sizing of the implant isn’t determined by the type of implant but rather the amount of CCs the implant will hold. The type of implant determines how the patient’s new breasts will look, move and feel.
Looking for a plastic surgery clinic that will give you the beautiful results you want from your breast implant procedure while keeping your health and safety a priority? Schedule a free consultation with our highly experienced and knowledgeable surgeons and staff at Unique Aesthetic Center to get the best treatment and care before, during, and after your cosmetic procedures!