Breast implants can enhance your body’s contours and provide a fuller, more balanced look. However, with many options available, including silicone, saline, and gummy bear, the choice can seem overwhelming.
At eSSe Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we love helping women put themselves first by making informed decisions about their bodies. We’ll explore the different types of breast implants to help you find the right fit for you. Whether you’re considering size, shape, texture, or material, understanding each option will support your decision-making process.
What Is a Breast Implant?
A breast implant is a medical device that is placed beneath the breast tissue or behind the muscle on the chest wall. The purpose of an implant is to increase the size of the breasts, resolve asymmetries, or improve the breast shape. Breast implant surgery can be performed to improve the aesthetics of the breasts or to restore breasts after injury or surgery.
Types of Breast Implants
Saline Implants
Saline implants have a silicone shell that is filled with saltwater after being placed in the breast, allowing for minor adjustments in size during surgery. They provide a firmer feel compared to silicone implants and the sterile saline solution can be absorbed safely by the body if the shell ruptures.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are pre-filled with a cohesive gel that mimics the feel of natural breast tissue, offering a more realistic texture. These implants are less likely to wrinkle and ripple compared to saline implants. There are many breast implant options to choose from for silicone prosthetics since they come in a wide variety of shapes and textures.
Gummy Bear Implants
Gummy bear implants are made of highly cohesive silicone gel that retains its shape even if the implant shell is broken. They are known for their stability and natural appearance and are teardrop-shaped to mimic the natural slope of the breast. Gummy bear implants offer a firmer feel and are less likely to show visible rippling or shifting within the breast.
Extra Large Implants
Extra large implants are designed for patients seeking a dramatic increase in breast size, providing substantial enhancement. These implants require careful consideration of the patient’s body frame and tissue availability to achieve a balanced look. We specialize in extra large breast augmentation techniques, slowly stretching the breast tissue by using multiple surgeries or breast tissue expanders, always prioritizing safety.
Understanding Implant Volume
Implant volume, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), directly affects the overall appearance and size of the breasts after a breast implant procedure.
- Small Breast Implants: 125cc to 200cc
- Medium Breast Implants: 200cc to 350cc
- Large Breast Implants: 350cc to 800cc
- Extra Large Breast Implants: 800cc or larger
Choosing the Right Size
Choosing the right implant size involves considering your body frame, existing breast tissue, and aesthetic goals. A consultation with your surgeon will include measuring your chest width, evaluating your skin’s elasticity, and discussing your desired outcome. Trying on different implant sizers can help visualize the final result so that the chosen size aligns with your body proportions and personal preferences.
Understanding Implant Profiles
- Low Profile: Low profile implants have a wider base and lower projection, providing a more subtle enhancement. These implants are ideal for individuals with broader chests who desire a natural look without significant protrusion.
- Moderate Profile: Moderate profile implants offer a balanced combination of width and projection, creating a natural yet noticeable fullness. These implants work well for a wide range of body types, providing a harmonious enhancement without appearing too pronounced.
- High Profile: High profile implants have a narrower base and greater projection, offering a more dramatic breast enhancement. These implants are perfect for individuals with narrower chests who wish to achieve a fuller, rounder look.
Implant Texture Options
- Smooth: Smooth implants have a sleek, untextured surface that allows them to move naturally within the breast pocket, mimicking the motion of natural breast tissue. With smooth implants, there may be less of a chance of visible folds and wrinkles.
- Textured: Textured implants have a rough surface that adheres to the surrounding tissue, reducing the chance of movement within the breast pocket. After breast implant surgery, textured implants can provide added stability, especially for those with more active lifestyles or who prefer a firmer, more stationary breast shape.
Implant Shapes
Round
Round implants provide equal fullness at the top and bottom of the breast for a fuller, more voluminous appearance. They are versatile and work well for patients who want to enhance their cleavage and achieve a noticeable transformation. Depending on cohesiveness, round implants tend to maintain their shape and provide a balanced, symmetrical look when standing or lying down.
Teardrop
Teardrop implants, also known as anatomical implants, are shaped to mimic the natural slope of the breast, with more volume at the bottom and a gentle taper towards the top. This shape creates a more natural and subtle enhancement for those seeking a refined, elegant look. Teardrop implants are particularly suitable for patients who desire a more natural-looking breast shape and a gradual increase in volume.
Surgical Considerations for Breast Implants
Incision Locations
The inframammary incision, made in the crease under the breast, provides direct access for precise implant placement and is the most common incision type. The periareolar incision is made around the edge of the areola and allows for minimal visible scarring. The transaxillary incision, made in the armpit, leaves no visible scar on the breast itself but requires a more intricate surgical technique.
Placement Options
Subglandular placement, where the implant is placed above the chest muscle and beneath the breast tissue, can result in a shorter recovery time and more natural movement of the implant. Submuscular placement, where the implant is placed beneath the chest muscle, often provides a more natural contour and reduces the risk of rippling.
Anesthesia Options
Anesthesia options for breast implant surgery may include local and general anesthesia. Both options are administered by board-certified anesthesiologists who monitor you throughout the surgery.
Find the Perfect Breast Implant Option for You With a Consultation
Choosing the right breast implant involves understanding the various options and how they align with your aesthetic goals. At eSSe Plastic Surgery, we provide detailed information and expert guidance to help you make an informed decision. We serve patients in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Miami, and the surrounding areas. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please contact us through our online form or call (954) 533-1671.
