Breast augmentation patients have a wider range of breast implant options than ever before. While having choices is great, it helps to have the guidance of recognized leaders in breast enhancement surgery who have an extensive track record of working with the country’s top breast implant manufacturers.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons help patients choose the best breast implants to achieve their aesthetic goals and suit their lifestyles. They are industry leaders, working with the Mentor Corporation and Allergan—the leading breast implant manufacturers in the U.S.—to help shape the future of breast enhancement.
The choice of implants is no longer simply opting for either saline or silicone breast implants. In this post, we’ll list your options and explain the pros and cons for each type.
Breast Implant Types
Breast implants come in various types, each offering distinct advantages and potential drawbacks to suit different preferences and medical needs. Below, we explore the most common options available to those considering breast augmentation, from saline and silicone gel to innovative structured implants.
Saline Implants
A saline breast implant is a silicone shell filled with a biocompatible, sterile saline (saltwater) solution. If the implant leaks, the solution is harmlessly absorbed by the body. Saline implants are less popular than other types, but about 20% of patients choose them for primary breast augmentation procedures.
The benefits of saline implants include being slightly less expensive than silicone gel implants and requiring a smaller incision because the surgeon fills the implant after it’s placed. Potential drawbacks are that many patients find saline implants feel less natural than silicone, and there’s an increased risk of visible rippling.
Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants
These are silicone shells filled with medical-grade silicone gel of varying consistencies, depending on the implant brand. The cohesiveness of the gel affects the feel—softer or firmer—and the breasts’ overall shape following augmentation surgery. Some patients prefer less cohesive silicone implants that produce less upper pole fullness than firmer, more cohesive gel implants.
In general, cohesive silicone gel implants tend to look and feel more like natural breasts. The silicone gel inside a cohesive gel Implant does not flow like water and won’t seep into surrounding tissue if the tough outer shell is punctured.
“Gummy Bear” Implants
Highly cohesive silicone gel, form-stable implants earned the nickname gummy bears because the thicker consistency of the gel retains its shape even after being compressed. It is a soft solid that has “memory.” The increased cohesiveness of the gel is desirable for patients who want a rounded upper pole for maximized cleavage.
Structured Implants
The design of this innovative implant combines the feel of silicone gel implants for patients who prefer a saline filling. This is accomplished through a series of nested shells that control the movement of the saline solution. In addition, the edges have been lowered to better fit the natural curve of the chest wall. This unique design allows women to have the best of both worlds with their implant—a natural look and feel but the ability to just look in a mirror and know the implant is intact.
Get Free Monitoring of Silicone Gel Implants
Some patients are concerned about choosing silicone gel implants because it’s easier for ruptures to go undetected than with saline implants. The FDA’s guidelines recommend that breast augmentation patients with silicone implants undergo routine tests to monitor the integrity of the implants. At The Wall Center, we offer free ultrasound screenings to all Wall Center patients beginning 5 years after breast augmentation surgery with silicone gel implants.
Take the Next Step
Choosing the right breast implants involves careful consideration of various factors, including desired size, shape, feel, and potential risks. It’s important to consult with a breast augmentation expert, such as one of the board-certified plastic surgeons at The Wall Center, so you can make an informed decision. Start by requesting a consultation using the online form or by calling us at (318) 795-0801.
Leave a Reply