Women that have made the decision to undergo breast augmentation have many more decisions in store before they are ready for their procedure. One of the biggest choices they will have to make is the type of breast implant they want to use for their procedure. With a variety of implant options to choose from today, education is the key to selecting the best implants for you.

Types of Implants

Today, there are two basic types of implants women can choose from:

Saline Implants

Constructed of a silicone shell and filled with a sterile saline solution, these implants are approved for patients age 18 and over. The implants are actually placed into the breast tissue before they are filled, allowing for smaller incisions to be used during the surgery. Saline implants also tend to be a little less expensive than other types of implants.

Despite their advantages, these implants also have a few drawbacks. The saline implant is more prone to visible breast rippling, which can impact the overall result. These implants can also rupture, which is not harmful but will be visibly apparent. The saline implant is also associated with a higher rate of capsular contraction, a potentially painful and disfiguring complication that involves the formation of scar tissue around the implant.

Silicone Implants

These implants are also crafted with a silicone shell, but they are also filled with a silicone solution that is thicker than saline. Silicone implants are approved for patients age 22 and over. These implants come prefilled and offer an assortment of shapes and sizes that allow for customization of the implant to the unique body shape and proportions of each patient. Most patients also think the silicone implants look and feel more like natural breast tissue.

Silicone implants cost a bit more than their saline counterparts. It is also more difficult to tell if a rupture occurs in these implants. For this reason, women are advised to undergo regular screenings to ensure the implant remains intact.

Size, Shape and Profile

There are a variety of sizes for both types of implants, so that they can be tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Sizes are measured in cubic centimeters or cc’s and can range from around 125 cc to 400 cc. Since most patients imagine their breast size increase in terms of cup size, plastic surgeons are accustomed to helping patients translate the cup size into the proper implant size.

Implants can be both round and teardrop-shaped. The round shape offers more fullness to the top of the breast, which can also increase cleavage. The teardrop shape provides a more natural slope to the top of the breast that some patients prefer. However, if the teardrop implant migrates inside the breast tissue, it can affect the outer appearance of the breast. Profile refers to how much the implant projects from the chest and comes in moderate and high profile options.

Making the Choice

With many implant choices to select from, the decision-making process prior to breast augmentation can seem overwhelming for some patients. Plastic surgeons understand this process can be intimidating and will work with patients to walk them through every step of the process. This way, patients can rest assured they make the best choices to get the specific results they are hoping for.

Dr. Small at Ocean Plastic Surgery has performed dozens of breast implant procedures and is accustomed to helping his patients make the best implant choices for them. To learn more or schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Small, contact Ocean Plastic Surgery at (732) 255-7155.