What Are the Different Types of Breast Implants?

Thinking about breast augmentation and want to know what type of implants to get?

You’re in the right place.

Before we get into the specific implant types you’ll be choosing from, however, let’s go over a few of the basics.

What is Breast Augmentation?

There are several cosmetic surgeries that involve the breasts, and sometimes, it can get confusing.

Today, we’re going to be talking about breast augmentation.

Breast augmentation (also known as mammaplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves inserting implants into the breast tissue to increase cup size and improve overall fullness and contour.

If someone is talking about getting implants, they’re talking about getting breast augmentation surgery.

What Are My Options for Breast Implants

Once you decide to get breast augmentation surgery, you can choose from different types of implants.

The following is a general overview of the main implant types, but it’s important to note that you should speak directly with Dr. Stark about your goals for surgery and medical history before you make your final decision. He will help you decide on the best type of implant for your body and lifestyle.

What to Know About Breast Implants

Breast implants contain two main parts: an outer shell and an inner substance, which gives the shell shape.

While many successful breast augmentation surgeries have been completed, and there are numerous happy patients who have been greatly satisfied with their results, there are also some serious things to think about when it comes to choosing the best implants for you.

First, keep in mind that it is possible for breast implant to leak. While it is unlikely, this is something you need to think about when choosing the best material for your implants.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone implants are made of silicone gel and are approved (by the FDA) for individuals aged 22 and over. Many people like this type of implant because it feels rather natural — more like the actual tissue of the breasts.

One possible drawback of silicone breast implants is that you’ll likely need to see Dr. Stark regularly in order to ensure that no leaks have occurred and everything is working well. Sometimes, this involves getting an MRI, which can see inside the breast tissue and assess the overall condition of your implants.

The good news is that if a silicone implant leaks, it will not collapse. At the same time, while it’s possible for the silicone gel to stay in the shell of the implant if it leaks, sometimes, it can leak out into the pocket of the implant.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants have been approved (by the FDA) for individuals who are 18 and over.

Saline implants contain saline solution, which is essentially saltwater that has been fully sterilized. With saline breast implants, if a leak happens, the implant will indeed collapse, but the saltwater solution will simply be absorbed into the body and expelled naturally.

While it is good that the body is able to absorb and expel this saltwater solution if a leak does occur, remember that this means a rupture in a saline implant would be more noticeable than it would be in a silicone implant. Essentially, the entire saline implant would deflate if a full leak occurred. Of course, a replacement can generally be undertaken in quick order.

Some saline breast implants contain an inner structure. These implants are still filled with sterilized saltwater, but many people think that the structure inside gives a more natural feeling and appearance.

Gummy Bear Implants

Gummy bear implants are made of a cohesive gel substance. Compared with other implant types, gummy bear implants tend to hold their shape better — largely because the gel is much thicker. This also means that they are less likely to rupture and/or leak. Like silicone implants, however, it may be difficult to detect if a leak is there. This means that frequent checkups may be necessary so that your surgeon can make sure everything is working properly within each of your breasts.

SEE ALSO: What are Gummy Bear Implants?

One positive of gummy bear implants is their shape. Unlike most silicone and saline implants, gummy bear implants are shaped like teardrops. This gives them a natural look, and it also fits the bill perfectly for surgeries that require more fullness in volume in the lower part of the breast. On the other hand, if the implant rotates, this may make that shift more noticeable.

Is Breast Augmentation Right for You?

The best way to know if breast augmentation is right for you is to speak directly with Dr. Stark about the goals you have for your appearance. Many times, patients come into their consultation thinking they want the results of one procedure, when in actuality, another procedure or a combination of procedures may be ideal for them. For example, breast lifts are another option, or sometimes, a breast augmentation with a breast lift is the ideal solution. Patients may even be looking for a breast revision.

Breast augmentation is an excellent option for individuals who would like to increase the size, volume, and/or protrusion of their breasts. It can also help immensely with breast asymmetry. Ideal candidates for breast augmentation may feel that they have lost breast volume over time, as they’ve aged. Or, they may have always wanted bigger, differently shaped breasts, but never made the move to seek more information about breast augmentation surgery.

Book Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Today

At your consultation appointment, Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. Stark will look at your anatomy, ask you about your medical history, and speak with you about the ultimate goals you have for your breasts. If you decide to move forward with breast augmentation, he can help you decide on the best implants for your body and lifestyle.

Ready to take the first step toward having the breasts you’ve always imagined?

What Are the Different Types of Breast Implants?