Different Types of Breast Implants

Breast implants are the devices used for breast augmentation treatments. These implants are carefully designed to look and feel like natural breasts, but there are many different types of implants to choose from. If you want to achieve fulfilling results from your breast augmentation, you’ll want to spend some time considering the different types of breast implants and how they could impact the outcome of your procedure. Below, we’ll differentiate breast implant types and what you should know about them.

Breast Implant Materials

The first decision you have to make involves the breast implant material or filling. There are two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater, while silicone implants are filled with a thick silicone gel. Saline implants offer more flexibility with treatment, potentially resulting in less scarring or a smoother recovery period. However, silicone implants are generally perceived to look and feel more natural. There are some additional variations to consider, too, which may include:

• Standard Saline Implants
  • The standard saline implant is filled with sterile salt water. These offer the benefits above, but potentially with less natural results.
• Structured Saline Implants
  • The structured saline implant is also filled with sterile salt water, but is made up of multiple pockets of saline instead of being filled entirely with it. This produces more natural results.
• Silicone Implants
  • Silicone implants are designed to look and feel like normal breast tissue.
• Gummy Bear Implants
  • Gummy bear implants are made of a thicker silicone gel, giving them a firmer consistency and shape. They’re more resistant to damage, but may be more noticeable if the implant shifts.

Breast Implant Shapes

After selecting the implant material, you’ll want to consider the shape and size of your implant. Size refers to the width, volume and projection of your implant. You also have flexibility in choosing the shape of your implant, which can include:

• Round Implants
  • Round implants give a fuller appearance to the breasts. Plus, if they happen to rotate, the appearance of the breasts will not change.
• Teardrop Implants
  • Teardrop implants are designed to mimic the natural breast shape, giving more natural-looking results.

Breast Implant Textures

The last quality to consider about your breast implants is the texture. Generally, since the implants are placed beneath layers of tissue, you will not be able to feel a difference in texture from the skin’s surface. However, different textures will result in different qualities.

• Smooth Implants
  • Smooth implants will feel softest to the touch, and will have natural movement beneath the skin’s tissue. In some cases, particularly with saline implants, these may result in visible rippling beneath the skin.
• Textured Implants
  • Textured implants are designed to hold in place as scar tissue develops. This makes them less likely to shift around in the body, and may reduce the risk of certain complications.

Which Breast Implants are Right for Me?

If you need help determining the breast implants that are best for you, contact us today to schedule your consultation at Coastal Cosmetic Center. We’ll discuss your goals and your breast implant options to find the solution that will provide you with the most fulfilling results.