What Are the Different Types of Breast Implants?

Having fuller and more even breasts gives many women more confidence while wearing a bathing suit, shopping for clothes, or in everyday life. While many of our patients at Legacy Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics already love their bodies, breast augmentation can help them feel even more in proportion and give them a boost of self-esteem. 

While there are several different options for breast augmentation, including fat transfer from another part of your body to your breasts, one of the most common types of breast augmentation surgery is breast implants. 

What Are Breast Implants?

A breast implant is a type of prosthesis that is surgically placed in the breast either behind the breast tissue or behind the muscle wall. There are several different reasons why a person may choose to have breast implants. Some individuals may want to have breast reconstruction surgery after having breast cancer. Other people may be unhappy with their natural breast size and want to make their breasts more proportional. Still others may want to correct a size difference between their breasts so that they are happier with their appearance and have an easier time shopping for bras and swimming suits.

What Are the Different Types of Breast Implants?

The topic of breast implants can be confusing if you’re trying to do your own research. It can be helpful to talk to a plastic surgeon to hear their opinion on the different types of breast implants and how they might be useful in different situations. To help prepare you for your consultation, here are the different types of implants that your doctor may discuss with you. 

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants feature a silicone shell that is filled with sterile saltwater, also known as saline. They have a firmer texture and often have a rounder silhouette. You will have the choice between traditional saline implants or structured saline implants. 

Pros: Saline breast implants are ideal if you are worried about ruptures. When a saline breast implant ruptures, you will know right away because the implant will deflate. Additionally, the salt water is not harmful to your body and will be absorbed. Saline breast implants are also easier to adjust to size, allowing for more customization when it comes to breast size. 

With saline breast implants, you will also be able to take advantage of smaller incisions. If you want less noticeable scarring, saline implants could be right for you. 

Cons: Some women don’t like the firmer texture of saline and want something that feels a little more natural. Saline implants can also sometimes have a rippling texture on the outside that may be visible if you have thinner skin. This can sometimes be hidden through a fat transfer. 

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are made from a silicone gel that looks and feels similar to breast tissue. While most silicone breast implants are made from cohesive silicone, meaning it behaves more like a solid than a liquid, different implants will feel more solid than others and behave differently. The type that you choose will depend on the effect that you want to achieve. 

Pros: Silicone breast implants can feel much more natural than saline. They also tend to have a smoother appearance underneath the skin since they don’t ripple as often. They are lighter, which makes them perfect for people who are concerned about the weight on their upper back and they can be good for active individuals. There are many different shape and profile options, making them a versatile choice. 

Cons: You may need a larger incision when using silicone implants since they can’t be inflated after insertion. Silicone implants tend to be more expensive than saline so they may be cost-prohibitive for some. 

Gummy Bear Implants

“Gummy bear” is a nickname for a type of silicone implant that is even more cohesive than other types of silicone implants. They are often tear-drop shaped, meaning they have a flatter top and a rounder bottom to mimic a natural breast. 

Pros: Gummy bear implants hold their shape and position regardless of whether you are sitting, laying down, or bending over which can be a pro for many people. They also have higher durability which means a smaller risk of silent rupture. Even if they do rupture, the silicone will stay in place in the shell of the implant because of the gummy bear texture rather than leaking out. 

Cons: This type of implant feels firmer to the touch which might not make it the best choice for women who want to prioritize breasts that feel more natural. They will also need a longer incision during the surgery which can mean a slightly longer recovery time. 

A Few More Considerations

The material that you choose isn’t the only consideration when looking at the different types of breast implants. You’ll also want to consider the profile and texture of the implants. 

• Profile: The profile refers to the amount of protrusion from the chest. Rather than describing the overall volume of the implant, profile is a way to describe how the volume will be distributed. You can choose a flatter, low-profile implant, a medium-profile implant, or a high-profile implant for a rounder and more augmented look.
• Texture: If you want a shaped implant such as a tear-drop-shaped implant, you may be advised to choose an implant that is textured to help it to stay in place without rotating. Other implants will be smooth.

Learn More About the Types of Breast Implants With a Consultation

The best way to learn about the different types of breast implants and decide on the right implant for your breast augmentation is to speak with a doctor. At Legacy Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, we want everyone who comes into our office to receive personalized care. You can set up a consultation with us to ask us questions or to get guidance on which breast implants would be the best for you. Give us a call or contact us online today.