What’s the best type of breast implant to get?

Breast augmentation is one of the most common surgical procedures amongst women. It allows you to achieve the ideal silhouette with a voluptuous pair of breasts that make you feel confident and happy. However, one of the most crucial factors to consider when getting breast implants is the type of implant. Choosing the incorrect implant can lead to undesired cosmetic results necessitating a revision. As such, you must consider all your options and choose the right implant for your specific needs.

You should consider several factors when looking for breast implants, including the material and shape. Below, we provide a detailed overview of the different types of breast implants.

Material: Saline vs. Silicone

Saline Implants

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater. Saline implants give the patient considerable control over the implant size because they are filled with saltwater after insertion. Saline implants are incredibly safe because the saltwater is simply absorbed by the body if there’s a leak — there are no risks. Saline implants also require smaller incisions under the arms. However, saline implants don’t accurately resemble the natural texture of breasts, and there’s a risk of rippling under the skin.

Pros:

• Greater control over the implant size.
• Safer in case of leaks.
• Smaller incisions in less visible areas.

Cons:

• Not the most natural.
• Risk of visible ripples under the skin.

Silicone Implants

Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel, which closely resembles the natural texture, feeling, and volume of actual breasts. However, patients seeking silicone implants must choose the ideal style and size before insertion because the size can’t be adjusted later. If there’s a leak, the silicone gel may escape into the breast implant pocket. Unlike saline implants, there’s no rippling under the skin, but that also means you have no way of visually gauging if there’s a leak. As such, you need to go for regular MRI screening to ensure the implant is intact and there’s no leakage.

Pros:

• Resemble the natural appearance and texture of breast tissues.
• No rippling under the skin.

Cons:

• Silicone gel isn’t absorbed by the body in case of leaks.
• You need regular MRI screening to ensure the implants are intact.

Shape: Round vs. Teardrop

Round Implants

Round breast implants have the same shape all around. They appear fuller than form-stable implants with the possibility of more projection. There’s no risk of them rotating out of place because all the sides are uniform. 

Pros:

• More projection.
• No risk of rotating out of place.

Cons:

• Appear fuller than natural breasts.

Teardrop Implants

Teardrop or “form-stable” implants are heavy at the bottom and tapered at the top, making them more closely resemble natural breasts. However, if the implant rotates, it might poke out of the skin and look unnatural.

“Gummy bear” silicone implants are the most popular variation of teardrop-shaped implants because they’re essentially indistinguishable from actual breasts, and they retain the shape even if the implant shell is broken.

Pros:

• Extremely natural appearance.
• Form stable.

Cons:

• Risk of rotating out of place.

What’s the Best Implant For Me?

Each individual needs a different type of implant-based on their specific goals and concerns. “Gummy bear” implants are widely considered the most natural-looking and form-stable implants, but they carry minor risks you have to be aware of. You should discuss your breast implant options with your cosmetic surgeon. Schedule a consultation today!

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