Breast Augmentation: Types of Implants

Breast augmentation surgery, a cosmetic surgery designed to increase the size of the bust, requires the use of implants. Patients and their surgeons must choose between the two types of implants, saline and silicone, as they prepare for this procedure.

Silicone implants have somewhat of a negative reputation due to past problems. These implants have a silicone gel filling inside silicone shells. Many women prefer these because they feel more like real tissue than the saline implants. However, the silicone gel can leak out of the shells, a risk some women prefer not to take.

In 1992 the FDA banned the sale of these implants because of concern over leakage. However, a thorough review has been performed, and in 2006 the FDA lifted the ban for two manufacturers, so women can now benefit form these natural feeling implants when choosing breast augmentation.

Saline filled implants are filed with saline solution, and like silicone implants, these can also leak and rupture. However, when saline implants rupture, they typically deflate completely within a short period of time. This gives the woman the chance to get to her doctor, who can then replace the implant and tend to any problems. With silicone implants, the gel leaks out slowly, often without the patient knowing that it has happened. Women who choose silicone implants must have magnetic resonance imaging tests done regularly on their implants to ensure that there are no ruptures.

In addition to choosing the type of implant, breast augmentation patients need to choose its shape. Implants can be either round or contoured. Contoured implants, which have a more teardrop shape, mimic the natural slope of a woman’s breast. Round implants are completely round, creating a less natural, more pronounced shape, such as that sported by lingerie models. The shape chosen really depends on the look the woman wants to achieve. Also, implants can have low, moderate, and high profiles. The profile indicates how far the bust will stick out away from the wall of the chest. The profile chosen depends largely on how large or small the chest wall already is.

The best way to choose the implants for your breast augmentation surgery is to spend time talking to your surgeon. View before and after pictures of procedures using the different implants, feel silicone and saline-filled sample implants, and discuss with your doctor what you want to achieve. With your surgeon’s help, you will be able to choose the best possible implants to create the look you are dreaming of!