As soon as you approach breast augmentation surgery, you’re presented with a myriad of questions concerning breast implants types. Different types of breast implants provide various benefits and drawbacks.
To be sure, every patient is different and will desire and/or benefit from various characteristics that wouldn’t necessarily work well for other patients. To aid you as you decide on what breast implant types you’re most interested in, we’ve outlined the various options below.
Types of Breast Implants
When we look at a comparison, types of breast implants can be broken down by the following categorizations.
Breast Implant Material
Silicone breast implants, saline-filled implants, and gummy bear breast implants are all options.
Silicone
Typically, silicone gel filled implants are beneficial because they feel natural and hold their shape well. Many patients say they look very natural also.
The major drawback of silicone gel implants is that patients usually need to undergo regular imaging scans to ensure that the implants have not ruptured or leaked. This is because silicone implants retain most of their shape, so the material will not drain as saline implants will.
Saline
With saline breast implants, if an implant ruptures, the sterile salt water will simply be released into the body, which will absorb the salt water and eliminate it naturally.
Gummy Bear
The third type of breast implant is the gummy bear implant. These are form-stable implants which have become increasingly popular.
The shape of the gummy bear implant is maintained whether the outer shell becomes ruptured or not. Patients who desire more projection with their implants often opt for these.
Breast Implant Shape
Another choice that patients will need to make before breast augmentations is in regard to breast implant shape. There are two main breast implant shapes that patients can choose from: round implants and teardrop-shaped breast implants.
Round
Round breast implants are the same height all the way around the implant. Patients can achieve a lot of projection with this type, and there isn’t any real concern about a round implant rotating out of place because it is the same on all sides.
Teardrop
On the other hand, a teardrop breast implant will be thinner at the top and thicker at the bottom, resembling a teardrop or raindrop.
During your breast implant procedure, teardrop breast implants must be placed properly because they will not be allowed to rotate. If they do rotate, an additional breast surgery will need to be performed to right the implant. Upside-down teardrop-shaped implants can look unusual.
Breast Implant Texture
Lastly, patients can choose between smooth breast implants and textured implants.
Textured
Textured implants, as the name implies, have a slight texture on them. This diminishes the possibility of a tight scar capsule forming around the implant (capsular contracture). But it does mean that more scar tissue is going to develop and actually stick to the implant itself, which keeps it in place, right side up.
Smooth
Smooth implants are typically round breast implants because scar tissue does not develop and adhere to the actual implant itself as it does with a textured option. This means that the implant may rotate in the breast pocket.
Note that although rare, patients who have developed BIA-ALCL or breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (not the same as breast implant illness) in the past often have textured breast implants.
FAQ: Choosing Breast Implant Types
Will you know if you have a breast implant rupture?
It depends on what type of implant you have. Saline and silicone implants react very differently to being ruptured. With saline filled breast implants, the saline will simply be drained into your body, and your body will absorb and naturally eliminate the salt water.
If you have silicone or gummy bear implants, on the other hand, you may not know you have a rupture. The silicone gel may either stay within the implant shell or leak into the breast implant pocket. This is why you’ll need to get regular imaging scans to check the status of these implant types.
If you do have an implant that ruptures, you’ll need to undergo an implant removal procedure and undergo breast reconstruction (swapping out your old implants for new ones).
What type of breast implants looks most natural?
Certain breast implants look natural on certain patients. It all depends on your anatomy, natural breast tissue, desired breast size, and other specifics. Plastic surgeons can typically recommend a size, shape, projection, and material that will best meet your needs and have a natural look.
Book a Consultation Appointment Today
No matter what types of breast implants you’re most interested in, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice can help you make the best decision for your goals.
Dr. Rice will take a look at your natural anatomy, breast tissue consistency, and skin quality at your consultation appointment. She’ll also discuss with you what you desire for your surgery and what type of lifestyle you lead — all to help you make the best choice possible as you pick out your new implants.
If you are considering breast implant surgery and want to learn more about your implant options, please call to book your initial consultation appointment today.
