Breast implants are highly customizable devices that have been providing patients with the feminine curves they love for decades. However, they are so customizable that it can be a bit daunting. What type, size, and placement would work best for you? This blog will break down the differences between available implant materials, placements, and sizes to help you shape your goals.
3 Min Read:
What Are Breast Implants Made Of?
For you to get the best results from your breast augmentation procedure, you need to choose the right breast implant material. Here are the main types to consider:
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution and encased in a solid silicone shell. They have a firmer, more uniform feel and are generally the more affordable option. However, there is a higher risk of wrinkling or rippling with saline implants.
Silicone Gel Implants
Silicone implants are made of a cohesive gel inside a silicone shell. They look and feel like real breast tissue and are less likely to get wrinkles compared to saline implants. Although they are typically more costly than saline implants, many patients consider the more natural feel and result worth the added cost of silicone gel.
Gummy Bear Implants
This option is made of a very thick and cohesive silicone gel. These ultra-resilient gel implants hold their shape well and have a more natural look and feel compared to regular silicone and saline implants. However, they are the most expensive option and are only approved for patients over age 22.
Fat Grafting
Additionally, fat grafting is an option that uses your own body fat to enhance breast size and shape. This option has three major steps:
- First, liposuction is used to remove fat from areas like the tummy or thighs.
- Next, the extracted fat is purified to prepare it for the transfer.
- Finally, the fat is injected into the breasts to add the desired volume.
Fat grafting can be done alone or combined with implants, depending on the patient’s goals.
Implant Shapes: Round or Teardrop?
Besides the filler material, breast implants come in two different shapes—round or teardrop.
Round implants make the breast look round and full, while teardrop (or anatomical) implants have a sloped shape like a natural breast.
Although teardrop implants may look more natural from certain angles, the shape of the teardrop could shift out of place over time. So, make sure to discuss this further with your surgeon.
What To Know About Implant Placement
There are two main options for implant placement:
- Subglandular (over the muscle): The implant is positioned directly behind the breast tissue but in front of the chest muscle.
- Submuscular (under the muscle): The implant is placed underneath the chest muscle. Some patients prefer this as it provides better implant coverage and a more natural look.
How to Pick Your Size
Implants are generally measured in cubic centimeters (cc). However, you need to find the perfect combo of volume, width, and projection that goes with your body shape.
- Implant sizes range from very small (150–200cc) for a slight enlargement to extremely large (800cc+) for a major change in breast size.
- The width of the implant, between 7.4cm and 17.2cm, shapes the outline and curve of the new breast.
- Meanwhile, the profile—low, moderate plus, high, or ultra-high—controls how far the implant sticks out from the body, allowing you to choose a modest or dramatic projection.
It’s common for patients to “try on” several implant sizes over multiple consultations before making their final choice. Advanced imaging techniques, like implant sizers and 3D Vectra imaging, can also give you a glimpse of your potential look.
Make a Choice That’s Right for You
If you’re considering breast augmentation in the Orlando area, Dr. F. Jorge Gonzalez and the team at Le Contour Aesthetic Surgery would be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the decision-making process. Call (407) 447-1628 today to schedule your consultation, or visit our website to book an appointment online.
