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When considering breast augmentation, one of the most important decisions is choosing the type of breast implant that aligns with your body, lifestyle, and expectations. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. That’s where a clear breast implant comparison becomes essential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the various types of breast implants, what makes them different, and what to keep in mind during your breast augmentation journey.
Understanding Breast Implants: The Basics
Breast implants are devices used during breast augmentation surgery or breast reconstruction. They’re designed to enhance the shape, size, and overall look of the breasts. Most breast implant procedures fall into two main categories: saline and silicone implants.
Each type offers distinct features, benefits, and potential drawbacks. Let’s explore how they compare.
Saline vs Silicone Implants: What Sets Them Apart?
Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. The shell is inserted empty and then filled once the implant is in place, allowing for a more customizable fill volume and a smaller incision.
Benefits of saline implants:
- Require smaller incisions during surgery
- Volume can be adjusted during placement
- If rupture occurs, the body absorbs the saline safely
Drawbacks of saline implants:
- May feel less natural than silicone gel
- Higher chance of visible rippling, especially in women with thinner breast tissue
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel, which closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They’re commonly used in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgeries.
Benefits of silicone implants:
- More natural appearance and texture
- Less chance of rippling in women with less natural tissue
- Widely available in various shapes and sizes
Drawbacks of silicone implants:
- Require a slightly larger incision
- Ruptures are harder to detect without imaging
- Regular MRIs or ultrasounds may be recommended to monitor integrity
What About Gummy Bear Implants?
Gummy bear breast implants are a type of silicone implant that use a thicker, cohesive gel. They are also called form stable implants because they retain their shape even when cut.
Key features of gummy bear implants:
- Maintain a natural, teardrop shape
- Less likely to fold or ripple
- Lower risk of leakage
They’re firmer than standard silicone gel filled implants and usually need a slightly longer incision. They are especially popular with those seeking an anatomical implant appearance.
Surface Texture: Smooth vs Textured Implants
The implant’s surface plays a role in movement and integration with surrounding breast tissue. You can choose between smooth and textured options.
Smooth Implants
These implants move naturally within the breast pocket, offering a softer feel and more fluid movement.
Advantages of smooth breast implants:
- Feel more natural to the touch
- Allow the implant to move slightly within the pocket
- Less palpable edges in many cases
Potential downsides:
- May shift more easily over time
Textured Implants
Textured implants are designed to adhere slightly to surrounding tissue, which helps them stay in place and reduces the risk of rotation.
Advantages:
- Useful for shaped implants to prevent flipping
- Help lower the risk of capsular contracture in some cases
Risks:
- Associated with a rare cancer known as breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma
- Less commonly used today due to safety concerns
Implant Shape and Profile: Which Style Fits You Best?
Round vs Shaped Implants
Round implants are symmetrical and offer a fuller upper breast appearance. They’re often chosen for a more prominent enhancement.
Shaped implants, also called anatomical implants, are teardrop shaped and designed to mimic natural breast contours.
Round implants:
- Provide fullness at the top of the breast
- Look the same if they rotate
Shaped implants:
- Create a more natural slope
- Can become misshapen if they rotate within the pocket
Implant Profiles and Projection
Implant profile refers to how far the implant projects from the chest wall. This includes low, moderate, and high profile options.
- Low profile implants are wide and offer subtle projection
- Moderate profile implants provide a balanced look
- High profile implants project more and are ideal for women with narrow chests seeking a fuller appearance
The right implant profile depends on your natural frame, breast width, and aesthetic goals.
Breast Implant Sizes and Sizing Considerations
Choosing breast implant size is more than selecting a cup size. A board certified plastic surgeon will consider several factors, including:
- Body frame and chest width
- Amount of natural breast tissue
- Lifestyle and physical activity
- Skin elasticity and breast skin thickness
- Desired level of enhancement
Implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc), not bra sizes. A small increase in cc can lead to noticeable differences in appearance. Choosing the right implant diameter, volume, and shape helps avoid issues such as capsular contracture or improperly fitted breast implants.
Where Are the Implants Placed?
Breast implants can be placed either over or under the pectoral muscle, depending on your anatomy and surgical goals.
- Subglandular placement: Over the muscle, under the breast tissue
- Submuscular placement: Under the chest muscle
Submuscular placement generally results in a more natural appearance and is better for women with thinner breast tissue. It also helps reduce the risk of visible rippling and may lower the chance of capsular contracture.
Understanding the Risks of Breast Implants
Like all surgical procedures, breast augmentation carries risks. Some of the most common and serious include:
- Capsular contracture: scar tissue forms a tight capsule around the implant
- Implant ruptures: either a slow leak (in silicone) or a complete deflation (in saline)
- Breast implant illness: reported symptoms include fatigue, memory issues, and joint pain
- Implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a rare form of cancer linked to textured implants
- Shifting or rotation of the implant
- Tight scar capsule formation
- Noticeable scarring compared to expectations
These risks emphasize the importance of consulting an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and attending regular checkups after surgery.
Do You Need a Breast Lift Too?
A breast lift may be performed alongside augmentation, especially if the breasts are sagging due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. Combining a lift with implants improves breast shape and positioning, especially for women with lower skin elasticity or those seeking to restore youthful contours.
Breast Implants and Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction often involves implants after mastectomy or trauma. These procedures may require a staged approach, using tissue expanders before placing the final implant. Surgeons may use either saline or silicone implants, depending on patient needs and preferences.
Making the Best Decision for Your Body
Choosing between saline and silicone, selecting an implant size, and deciding on shape and texture are all part of a personalized consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Key factors to consider:
- Your current breast tissue and body proportions
- Long-term lifestyle and maintenance goals
- Desired look and feel of your breasts
- Your risk tolerance and commitment to monitoring
A good surgeon will also help you understand implant profiles, implant volume, breast pocket positioning, and how to reduce scarring and complications.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
While breast implants don’t have a fixed expiration date, most last around 10 to 20 years. Some may need replacement sooner due to rupture, shifting, or cosmetic changes. Regular checkups and imaging help monitor your implants’ condition and catch issues early.
If your aesthetic preferences change or complications develop, replacement or removal may be considered part of your continued breast surgery journey.
Final Thoughts on Breast Implant Comparison
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to breast implants. From smooth implants to gummy bear styles, from round implants to anatomical ones, the options are vast and customizable.
By working closely with a skilled and caring plastic surgeon, you can choose the right breast implants to fit your goals, body, and lifestyle. Whether it’s your first breast implant procedure or part of a reconstructive plan, the best outcomes come from a thoughtful and well-informed approach.
Ready to take the next step in your breast augmentation journey? Book a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon and get started on your transformation with confidence.
References:
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/implants
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/breast-implants/art-20045957
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10049833/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21724-breast-implants
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-breast-augmentation
