Breast implants offer a wide range of choices for women today, from the materials they are constructed from to the size and shape that will fit each individual’s body profile. Each implant selection will offer its own advantages and drawbacks, depending on the outcome you are looking for. If you are considering breast augmentation with implants, it is important to know some basic facts about devices so you can work with your plastic surgeon to determine the best implants for your specific needs and desired results.
Main Types of Breast Implants
There are two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone. Each type can be customized in different ways and offers its own advantages, depending on each patient’s preference and desired look.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution after the implant is placed into the breast tissue. This type of implant is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients 18 or over and comes in both round and teardrop shapes.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone gel-filled breast implants are FDA-approved for patients 22 and over and contain a cohesive silicone gel. This gel tends to hold its shape even if the silicone gel breast implant is torn or ruptured, making it a popular choice for many patients today.
Additional Breast Implant Features
Smooth or Textured?
Smooth implants can move freely in the breast pocket and tend to feel more like natural breast tissue. Textured implants have a textured outer shell, similar to fine-grade sandpaper. While smooth implants tend to be the preferred choice for most patients, textured implants may be recommended for patients with a history of capsular contracture.
Round or Anatomical?
Implants also come in round and anatomical (teardrop) shapes. The anatomical implant tends to mimic the natural breast contour more accurately, with less fullness in the upper portion of the breast than in the lower portion. Round implants are typically placed beneath the chest muscle to produce a more natural look. Teardrop implants are a good choice for women with narrow torsos who want to add significant size.
High Profile or Standard?
High-profile implants offer more projection than standard implants. The right choice for you will depend on how much fullness you want to add and which implant will give you the best body proportions. High-profile implants are not usually recommended for women with a wide breast base.
Risks of Breast Implants
While breast implants are generally safe when provided by a board-certified plastic surgeon, there are a few risks that patients should be aware of when determining the best choice of implant for their procedure. Breast implant rupture is a common concern. With saline implants, the solution will simply be absorbed into the body. However, when silicone breast implants rupture, it can lead to dangerous side effects if left untreated. This is why it is important to receive an annual mammogram after receiving breast augmentation surgery with implants. Breast implant illness and capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue) are other risks associated with breast implants, but many patients do not have these complications.
Who Should Consider Breast Implants?
Women receive breast implants for a variety of reasons. Some women feel self-conscious about their naturally small breasts and will enjoy a significant confidence boost after their breast augmentation, which can improve their overall quality of life. Other women choose implants as part of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. Regardless of the reason, Dr. Andrews works to create natural-looking results that meet all of his patients’ needs and individual preferences.
Schedule a Consultation for Breast Implant Surgery
The choices in breast implants today are vast, and it can be confusing to know which implant will give you the best results. Dr. Andrews will work with you to help you find the specific implant that will meet your expectations for your augmentation procedure. To learn more, contact Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery at 319-800-6877.
