Choosing Your Breast Implants

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed in 2014. Women from all walks of life choose implants to add volume and reshape their breasts, but not all implants are created equal.

Choosing the breast implants you want is a serious decision. Patients need to discuss their options with an experienced, qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon like Dr Choy to reach an informed decision.

The most popular implants available today for consideration include:

Saline implants can have both advantages and disadvantages when compared with silicone. One of the notable features of saline implants is that the filling material non-toxic. If a saline implant leaks, it must be replaced, but health issues are not likely to develop as a result of leakage. Saline implants also require a smaller incision than silicone implants, which means less scarring. If a saline implant collapses, a noticeable change in the size and shape of the breast can result, and patients require surgery to repair the collapse.

Both saline and silicone implants can create a natural look and feel. Saline implants are firm, with a uniform shape. Silicone implants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and gel consistencies. Certain silicone implants may be more likely to rupture than others due to differences in the consistency of the gel.

It can be nearly impossible to tell whether a silicone implant has ruptured without seeing a doctor because leaking implants won’t collapse. It is therefore important to have regular checkups to monitor the health of silicone implants. To insert silicone implants, a larger incision is required than the incision needed for placing saline implants, and as a result scarring may be more significant.

‘Gummy Bear’ implants are a type of silicone implant. The silicone used in these implants is much thicker than in traditional silicone implants. Even if the shell around the implant is broken, it won’t leak. They are, however, firmer and have an asymmetrical shape, so if this type of implant moves, it can cause the breasts to look asymmetrical as well.

One of the advantages of smooth implants is that they can move within the breast pocket, giving them a more natural-looking appearance. But they may also ripple at times and patients can feel them under the skin quite readily.

In contrast, textured implants are designed to stay put inside the breast pocket. This can give the breasts a slightly unnatural look in some contexts, but as an advantage, they diminish the risk of capsular contracture.

Round implants have a symmetrical shape top to bottom. In contrast, form-stable implants are more contoured. Round implants create a fuller appearance to the breasts than those that are form-stable. Form-stable implants offer a certain amount of projection and roundness in specific places, however, rotation inside the breast pocket can give the breast an unnatural appearance. Round implants are less likely to create an unnatural appearance should they rotate out of position because they’re symmetrical from top to bottom.

It’s important to consider all your options when researching breast implants and take a holistic approach. All factors should be considered with a qualified doctor who is up to date on the latest research and developments in breast augmentation procedures and implant types available.

Call (02) 89 62 9388 to make an appointment with Dr. Choy to learn more about your breast augmentation options and decide which breast implant is right for you.