What Are the Main Types of Breast Implants?

The history of breast augmentation first began way back in the late 1800s. Thankfully, technological advancements in the medical field have far improved on those outdated methods. Today, there are many types of breast implants that women are free to choose between.

To make the best choice between these types of implants is to consider your age, the cost of the procedure, and the body type you desire. It’s necessary to do a bit of research before making a decision about invasive surgery.

Main Types of Breast Implants

To find out more about the best breast implants and make an informed decision, check out the guide below.

Types of Breast Implants

The industry hasn’t changed much in one regard — the first choice is to decide between silicone and saline breast implants. However, this choice may affect the surgeon’s ability to create the shape that you want.

To place saline implants, the surgeon makes a smaller incision than needed for silicone to place the saline. Then, the surgeon fills the silicone to the exact amount desired by the patient. They feel firm, but a structured saline implant offers a more natural sensation.

Silicone implants use silicone gel, which some claim feels more like natural breast fat. However, some claim that this type carries more risk. Check out the breast augmentation by Dr. Eisemann, triple board-certified plastic surgeon to find out more.

Possible Shapes With Different Types of Breast Implants

Reading the list below, it may seem like silicone implants offer much more variety. Some desirable shapes include:

  • Gummy bear breast implants are created with silicone that contains more silicone gel, allowing more form-fitting results
  • Textured breast implants use silicone with a rubber shell, keeping the breasts more stationary
  • Smooth breast implants also have a silicone shell but move freely
  • Round breast implants are often chosen to keep fullness in the upper breast, as the silicone gel is harder than other implant types

Most of these options include silicone, and they give women many more choices on achieving their desired outcome.

Main Types of Breast Implants

Choosing the Implant Size

The implant size will also greatly affect the desired outcome. A professional plastic surgeon should play a major role in this decision. They can evaluate a patient’s current breast size, height, body type, weight, and frame, to see what sizes would work best.

Choosing the Right Incision

There are many different incision techniques to choose from with inserting the implant and closing up. These include:

  • Transaxillary
  • Inframammary
  • Areolar
  • Trans-umbilical breast augmentation

Inframammary and areolar incisions are most common but very different. For a periareolar procedure, the incision is made on the areola to hide the scar. Inframammary incisions are made in the crease under the breast, and although it is better for the doctors to see what they are doing, it can sometimes leave visible scarring.

Main Types of Breast Implants

More Breast Implant Insight

Choosing to undergo invasive, major surgery is an arduous process. The types of breast implants alone are difficult to choose between. The most important decision, however, is when choosing the right surgeon with many years of experience, great credentials, and a long list of happy reviews.

Good luck on your journey, and make sure to browse the rest of our page for any additional advice you may need.