What Are Breast Implants Made of?

Women may be dissatisfied with the appearance of their breasts for several reasons, such as changes in breast tissue after breastfeeding or feeling that natural breasts are too small. Regardless of your reasons, breast augmentation with breast implants is a good option to increase the size of the breasts, and get the look that you want. Learn more about this procedure before you schedule a surgical consultation at eSSe Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

The two most common materials for breast implants are silicone and saline. Saline is the implant material that has been used the longest, while silicone gel implants are often a more popular option among patients with certain aesthetic goals. A saline implant is made with a silicone shell that is filled with sterile saline water, which allows for more customization in the firmness of the implant.

Silicone implants, on the other hand, are made with a silicone shell filled with a silicone gel that is designed to mimic the feel of natural breast tissue. A recent study found that silicone implants are chosen for breast augmentation over 80% of the time, especially by women who want to achieve more natural-looking results.

Gummy bear implants are a newer material that has been approved for the last decade. Gummy bear implants are similar to silicone gel implants, except the silicone used for gummy bear implants is “form stable”, which means that the implant will maintain its shape even if the shell of the implant is damaged. These implants are firmer than traditional silicone implants. Gummy bear implants mimic both the natural shape and texture of the breasts.

Choosing the right implant material for your aesthetic goals is a major decision. It’s generally best to have a conversation with your surgeon to identify which implant material will meet your needs best. Sometimes, women choose their implant material based on how safe the implants will be if there is any damage to the implant, while other women may prefer to prioritize natural-looking and natural-feeling results.

If you can’t choose between implant materials, your age may be a factor that needs to be considered. Although many women wait until their late 20s or 30s to have breast augmentation surgery, many younger women also use this procedure to improve the appearance of their breasts. For women over the age of 22, both silicone gel and saline implants are approved implant materials; if you are younger than 22, your only implant option is saline.

While selecting the right implant material is a crucial step for achieving your aesthetic goals, you will have other things to consider when you and your surgeon are mapping your treatment plan. Another major decision you will have to make is about the shape of your implants. Implant shape can have a drastic effect on your final results, so you will need to think about the shape that best compliments your body.

Round implants are ideal for women who want to achieve a fuller bust or a rounder breast shape. Round implants are the most commonly used shape for breast augmentation, but the profile these implants create may not be an ideal option for all women. This implant shape tends to create a higher profile or more breast projection, even if you are using an implant with a moderate profile.

There are a few advantages to using round implants, such as the level of customization since you can choose between moderate, high, and extra-high profiles. You also have the option to place this implant under the chest muscle for a more natural appearance. Round implants are typically smooth in texture and will maintain the breast shape even if the implant rotates.

Teardrop implants are a good option for women who want to subtly increase the size of their breasts, as well as women who want to enjoy natural-looking results. Teardrop implants are designed to increase breast fullness on the lower breasts, while the upper breasts will not significantly increase in volume. Usually, these implants use a textured shell, which may cause shifting of the implant.

The advantage of this implant shape is that teardrop implants can be used even by women who have thin breast tissue or very little natural breast tissue. These implants can also be the best option for women who have breast deformities, severe asymmetry, or other challenges.

Implant size is another major consideration. Many women have the misconception that breast implants are measured by cup size, but implant sizes are actually measured with cubic centimeters. To increase at least one cup size, the implant will need to be filled by at least 150 to 200 CCs, which is more than enough for women who want a moderate volume increase or who want to achieve natural-looking results.

When you are trying to determine what breast implant size is ideal for you, there are several things you will need to keep in mind. Factors such as your ideal cup size, the frame of your body, and your lifestyle habits are all used to identify the best implant size for you. This is important since choosing implants that are too large for your body can create unnecessary complications.

The ideal cup size for your implants may be initially determined by your goal cup size. If you typically wear an A-cup, and you’d like to increase your breast volume to a C-cup, this can give your surgeon a good idea of the amount of volume increase you want to achieve with your implants. However, it’s important to remember that cup sizes aren’t universal across bra brands, so other body measurements (such as your rib circumference) will also need to be considered.

It’s essential to account for your natural body shape and body frame when you are selecting your implant size. If you are a smaller woman who frequently shops in the petite section, you likely have a smaller body frame that will not accommodate very large implants. Choosing an implant size that compliments the size and shape of your body can also prevent complications such as shoulder pain and back pain.

If you lead a very active lifestyle, then selecting large implants may not be a good choice for you. Exercising and playing sports can be more difficult when implants are too large, so if you intend to stay active, it may be best to opt for a moderate implant. You should also not overlook your personal style, since having breast implants will call for a wardrobe update.

Implants don’t last a lifetime, but you can expect implants to last for at least 10 to 20 years most of the time. After 15 to 20 years, you may notice natural changes in your breast tissue due to the aging process that makes your implants seem more obvious. At this point, you may want to consider updating your implants to maintain your aesthetic goals.

Breast augmentation with implants is a surgery that can take several hours to complete based on your surgical plan, the type of implants being used, and the skill of your surgeon. You will usually only need to stay in the hospital for one or two days after your procedure, but you will have an extensive recovery period that can last for six to eight weeks.

Good candidates for breast augmentation with implants include women who are relatively healthy and who have adequate natural breast tissue. Women who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding are not qualified for this surgery. If you have been breastfeeding within the last three to six months, you may need to postpone your procedure. You may need to complete exams and imaging, such as a mammogram, before you are approved for this surgery.

If you want to increase the size of your breasts, correct asymmetry, or restore your breasts after breastfeeding, you may want to consider breast augmentation with implants. Breast implants come in many sizes, shapes, and materials, so you can fully customize your results. If you think this surgery is right for you, contact us at eSSe Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to schedule a consultation.