What Types of Implants are Used for Breast Augmentation Surgery?

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation continues its reign at the top of the list. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed in 2017. It’s held court now for over a decade. It’s also popular here at my office – Adam G. Tattelbaum M.D., a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon,

Breast augmentation is designed to increase the size of the breast. It also reshapes the breast. Women undergo breast augmentation for various reasons, including:

•   To increase breast size
•   Boost self-esteem
•   Correct two different breast sizes
•   Look younger
•   Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy

Saline vs Silicone Breast Implants

Once you’ve decided to undergo this procedure, you and your doctor will decide on the type of breast implant. Exactly what type of implants are used for breast augmentation surgery?  There are basically two types of breast implants: saline and silicone. They both have an outer silicone shell, and they both have pros and cons.

Pros and Cons of Saline Breast Implants

Saline or saline-filled implants are filled with sterile salt water. That’s the same fluid found in IV bags. The implant is inserted empty and filled once they’re in place. If a saline implant happens to rupture, it will deflate, but your body will safely absorb the saline. Thinner patients might also notice folds of the implant underneath very thin skin – visible wrinkling if you will.  The incision is smaller for saline implants, and they also cost less than silicone breast implants. Saline breast implants are available to women age 18 and older, and any age for breast reconstruction.

Pros and Cons of Silicone Breast Implants

My preference is silicone or gel-filled implants because they tend to look and feel more natural. They’re also softer than saline implants. These implants come pre-filled with silicone gel, which is similar to the feel of human fat. If there’s a leak, which is uncommon the gel will likely stay within the implant shell or leak just outside of the shell. Women must be 22 years of age or older to get a silicone breast implant. Age doesn’t matter for breast reconstruction.

Like any procedure I perform, everything is based on the individual. For example, silicone works well on a woman with little or no breast tissue, simply because it’s much harder to hide saline implants in a patient with minimal breast tissue.

Breast Augmentation is a Very Personal Decision

As we mentioned earlier, women chose to undergo breast augmentation surgery for various reasons. It’s a very personal decision. Many new Moms choose breast augmentation as part of a Mommy Makeover, which is a great way to help you rejuvenate your body after having a baby.

No matter your choice of implants, make sure you make follow-up visits with your doctor. This is crucial for a successful recovery after a breast augmentation.  Most breast implants typically last 10 years or more.

Breast Implant vs Breast Lift

I find that patients sometimes confuse breast augmentation or breast implants with a breast lift, which I also perform here. There’s a distinct difference between breast augmentation and breast lift. Breast implants will give you larger breasts, while a breast lift raises sagging or droopy breasts, by removing excess skin tissue. Some patients actually combine the two procedures.

We Offer Many Procedures That Can Enhance Your Look

We perform a number of surgical procedures for various parts of the body, here at my practice, thought breast augmentation is popular. And hopefully now you’re familiar with the type of implants are used for breast augmentation surgery, and this will help you with your decision.

We Look Forward to Meeting You

December 11, 2018 9:04 am
Categories: Blog, Breast Augmentation, Breast Implant