How To Choose The Right Breast Implant For Your Body & Goals

Your Breast Implant Choice Matters

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure, with over 300,000 performed yearly. The surgery can increase confidence by enhancing breast size and shape to achieve ideal body proportions. For breast augmentation to be truly transformative, however, the potential patient must have the right breast implant. An initial consultation helps the patient and surgeon plan the process. Choosing the right implant involves not only selecting the right materials but also considering factors such as size, placement, and technique.

Saline vs silicone

For most breast augmentation procedures, patients will choose between saline and silicone breast implants. Saline implants have a silicone shell filled with saline, a form of sterile saltwater. These implants are adjustable and filled after insertion. Saline implants feel firmer and take on a round appearance. Silicone implants have a similar shell but contain a cohesive silicone gel. The implant is designed to feel like real breast tissue but requires larger incisions as the implant comes pre-filled. Silicone implants are more attractive to patients who want a more natural look and feel.

A third silicone option

Patients can also choose a special type of silicone implant referred to as gummy bear implants. These are more teardrop-shaped with a highly viscous, cohesive gel. The implant comes with a lower pole that imitates the natural breast shape. This thicker silicone material retains a natural shape even if the implant ruptures in the future. Gummy bear implants are growing in popularity and are highly recommended for those who want to have larger but more natural-looking breasts.

All about size and volume

Whether silicone, saline, or gummy bear, the implant must meet the ideal dimensions to get the desired results. Some women want larger breasts, while others desire symmetry and a more natural appearance. Breast implant size affects patient’s goals. Implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and not cup size. The surgeon will recommend cup size based on the patient’s goals, body frame, chest width, and breast tissue. Larger saline implants will give a rounder appearance and fullness in the upper breast, providing more cleavage. Silicone implants will sit lower, mimicking an anatomical slope.

Profiling your breast implants

Even with larger volumes, how far the implant projects from the chest also matters. Known as implant profile, some women may need a higher or lower profile. For patients with smaller frames, a higher profile ensures the implants give ideal cleavage. Women with larger frames or chest widths can enjoy moderate or low-profile implants. This choice gives a natural enhancement while still achieving implant goals like symmetry and cleavage. Choose the right options based on body type and long-term goals.

Surgical placement for optimal results

With the right implant type, size, and profile, the surgeon will now place the implant in the appropriate location for the best results. The surgeon can place the implant in front or behind the pectoral muscle wall. Known as a subglandular implant, the surgeon places the implant between the chest wall and breast tissue. Subglandular implants are for women who want larger implants and cleavage with sufficient breast tissue. Submuscular implants go behind layers of the pectoral muscle wall. This placement helps women who want a subtle, natural increase but may have less breast tissue.

Enjoy your new breast implants

An initial consultation is essential to choosing the right breast implant. The surgeon will assess factors such as torso width, breast tissue quality, skin elasticity, and breast symmetry. The patient’s overall goals, lifestyle, and activity level are considered to meet potential changes over time. Choosing the right breast implant is more than silicone versus saline. Each of these implants has immediate and long-term benefits and drawbacks. Close collaboration with experts can increase the likelihood of patients achieving amazing results and a desired look with the best possible implants.