Understanding the Different Types of Breast Implants

Breast augmentation offers an excellent solution for many individuals who are unhappy with their breast size, asymmetrical shape, or lost volume related to significant weight loss or aging.

Triple board-certified plastic surgeon Gordon Sasaki, MD, FACS, leads the team at Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center in Pasadena, California. Dr. Sasaki is recognized nationally for his surgical skills and has significant expertise in breast augmentation.

Dr. Sasaki has also helped develop breast implants and tissue expander techniques used during surgery that offer superior, natural-appearing results after breast augmentation.

Read what Dr. Sasaki and his team say about breast implants, their characteristics, and considerations for choosing the type that best fits your needs.

Understanding the different types of breast implants

There are several types of breast implants commonly used in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. These include:

Saline breast implants

Saline implants feature a silicone outer shell filled with sterile saline (salt water solution) after insertion. They are typically inserted while empty and filled to the desired volume during surgery, allowing for size adjustments.

Saline implants tend to feel firmer than silicone implants and may be more prone to rippling, especially in thin individuals with less breast tissue. In case of implant rupture, saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body, making detection easier as the breast deflates noticeably.

Silicone breast implants

Silicone implants consist of a silicone outer shell filled with silicone gel. These implants have a natural look and feel, closely resembling the texture of natural breast tissue.

Silicone implants come in various shapes, including round and teardrop, offering versatility in achieving desired breast shapes. They’re also less prone to rippling than saline implants, providing a smoother contour.

Structured breast implants

Structured implants combine the benefits of both saline and silicone implants. They feature a structured inner chamber filled with saline surrounded by silicone gel, which provides a natural feel while minimizing rippling.

Structured implants offer customizable volume adjustments during surgery, providing flexibility in achieving desired breast sizes. These implants are designed to maintain shape and stability, reducing the risk of wrinkling or folding.

Additionally, they may reduce the chance of capsular contracture, where scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to harden and potentially distort the breast shape.

Form-stable implants

Form-stable implants, also called gummy bear implants, are composed of a cohesive silicone gel, which maintains its shape even if its outer shell is compromised. Named for their consistency, resembling the texture of gummy bear candies, they’re known for their durability and longevity.

Gummy bear implants come in various shapes, including teardrop, offering a more natural breast contour with less risk of rotation. Despite their advantages, these implants require a slightly longer incision for insertion due to their form-stable nature.

Considerations for choosing breast implants

Based on your evaluation and his surgical skills and experience, Dr. Sasaki works closely with you to help determine the right choice for your breast implants.

Points to consider include:

Desired outcome

Your desired breast size, shape, and projection often play a role in determining which implant type best aligns with your aesthetic goals.

Body type

Factors such as existing breast tissue, chest width, and skin elasticity influence the suitability of different implant types for achieving natural-looking results.

Lifestyle and preferences

Lifestyle factors, such as activity level and future pregnancy plans, may influence your choice of breast implant type.

Safety and risks

Dr. Sasaki also ensures you understand the benefits and the risks associated with each implant type, which may influence your decision.

Other considerations include implant shape. For instance, round implants provide fullness in the upper part of the breast. In contrast, teardrop (anatomical) implants mimic the natural slope of the breast and are often chosen for a more natural-looking result.

What is fat transfer breast augmentation?

Fat transfer involves harvesting fat from other body areas through liposuction and injecting it into the breasts to enhance volume. Dr. Sasaki may suggest fat transfer as a solution for modest increases in breast size and shape refinement.

However, though it avoids the use of foreign materials, fat transfer has limitations in achieving significant breast augmentation compared to implants.

Schedule an evaluation at Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center for more information about breast augmentation. Call the office today.