Types of Breast Implants
Size is important,the results you get from your breast augmentation depend as much on selecting the right type of breast implant as selecting the right size breast implant. but so is shape, feel and movement of the implant. And these are what you determine when you pick the type of implant.
Saline and Gel (Silicone Gel)
Saline and silicone gel are both excellent, safe options for breast augmentation, but which one is right for you depends on a number of factors. Gel implants look and feel more like natural breast tissue and are less likely to ripple, so they are definitely the choice for women with less breast tissue, particularly those women who want breast implant placement over the muscle. Larger gel implants seem to stretch the skin less than saline, making them less likely to sag over time, so they are recommended for women with less elastic skin and those who participate in athletic activities that stress the breasts, such as running, basketball, or volleyball.
Saline, on the other hand, has the advantage of being inserted before being inflated, so a smaller incision can be used, which also increases the incision options for breast implant placement. Because saline implants can be adjusted even after placement, they are ideal for some women, especially when you are hoping to correct uneven breasts with breast augmentation. Adjustable saline implants with the ability to either bury the fill valve for adjustment or even temporary placement of the valves outside the skin may be very useful for very uneven breasts, unusual breast shape such as tubular breasts, and in combination with breast lift to enhance the safety of the procedure. These implants are known as Spectrum implants, and Dr. Sweeney has published his extensive experience with these implants. All other factors being equal, saline are less expensive than gel, which should be taken into account.
Breast Implant Shape
Most breast implants are round, but some are anatomical or “shaped.” These implants were originally designed for use during breast reconstruction, but they may help some women achieve a more natural shape if they are starting with very little breast tissue. Unfortunately the shaped saline implants have had problems such as displacement or rotation, so very few plastic surgeons still recommend saline shaped implants. In the near future, we expect the FDA to release silicone shaped implants, the so-called “gummy bear” implants, which may be a significantly better option for some women.
Round breast implants come in three different profiles. The profile of the implant determines how much it projects from the chest. Women with narrower chests who want to achieve more dramatic results from their breast augmentation can get good results with high-profile implants. High-profile implants allow some women to get more projection without overcrowding the chest with implants or risking symmastia. Symmastia is when the tissue between the implants comes away from the chest, allowing the breast implants to touch. Symmastia is not very common, but the risk of it increases when women select breast implants that are too large for their chest.
If you would like to learn more about selecting the best breast implant type for you, please schedule a breast enlargement consultation today. We will answer any of your breast augmentation questions if you are in the Winter Park, Orlando, or Central Florida area.
