Breast augmentation has been one of the most common cosmetic treatments done in the world since 2006. It is a surgical procedure that changes the size or the shape of the breasts.
But, despite what is shown in the media, the procedure does not necessarily involve a drastic and noticeable change. Some of the top reasons why women opt to enhance (or reduce) their breast size include:
- Increased confidence in appearance
- Reconstructing breasts after a major surgery
- Loss of breast volume due to pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Loss of breast volume due to weight loss
Most people think that all breast enhancements are the same, but it is an outdated view. Today, you can find a wide selection of breast implants as not all women can benefit from the same type of implant. Choosing the right type is an important decision and should not be taken in haste.
Breast implants come in a variety of styles and shapes and offer different looks and feels. Here is a guide on the different types of breast implants available in the market, helping you decide which one you should pick.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants are inserted first and then filled with sterile saline allowing patients to control their breast size.
One of the main reasons women choose saline breast implants is that if the implants are to suffer leaks, the water will get absorbed by the body without any lasting effect. These are smaller than silicone implants, but it also means that they need smaller incisions.
However, they can feel and look less natural compared to silicone implants. They tend to be rounder in shape and firmer.
Structured Saline Breast Implants
Structured saline breast implants combine the benefits of both saline and silicone implants. These are saline breast implants but have an internal structure made of nested shells. These offer support and control fluid movement to provide a more natural feel. The filler is only made of saline and offers peace of mind in case of deflation.
Silicone Breast Implants
As the name suggests, these implants are infused with silicone gel. It has a silicone outer shell filled with silicone gel which feels more like breast tissue.
Even if the leaks occur ever, the gel remains within the shell or may fill the breast implant patch. However, they do not collapse. Remember, if you choose silicone breast, it needs to be monitored by your surgeon more frequently compared to saline implants.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
Also known as form-stable implants, these implants maintain their shape even if the implant shell suffers from a breakage. While the gel inside the implants looks similar to silicone gel, their consistency is much thicker, making them firmer than traditional implants. Because they hold their form, these implants are made to shape (round or teardrop-shaped).
These add volume to the breasts and are soft and more natural to touch. However, these require a lengthier incision in the skin than other traditional breast implants.
Round Breast Implants
Round breast implants are spherical and have the same dimension across the entire implant.
They make the busts look fuller and more graceful than other stable-type implants. Since these implants are uniformly shaped, patients do not have to worry about them pivoting out of place.
Smooth Breast Implants
Smooth breast implants offer the gentlest feeling as they are covered with a soft and silky outer shell when touched. These move along the breast implant pockets and move freely during activities compared to textured implants. However, these may have visible rippling or shift under the skin over time.
Textured Breast Implants
Textured breast implants are covered with a grained outer shell and stick to the body tissues. It allows the implants to stay in position, and patients do not have to be concerned about the implant getting re-positioned.
However, they tend to look less natural, and there are high chances of the implants developing wrinkling over time.
Making An Informed Decision
If you are considering breast augmentation, you need to know exactly what you want before plastic surgery. Apart from the type of breast implants you pick, the satisfaction with the implants will depend on the surgeon’s experience and skills. Before meeting your surgeon, think about what you want to change about your breasts.
The surgeon will assess different factors such as the physique of the patient, the anatomy, the quality of the breast tissue and others. In addition, your surgeon should be able to advise specifics to you about the type of breast implants that will work best for you.
Remember that you are looking for improvement, not perfection. Ensure you are in good mental and physical health overall and set realistic expectations. Your surgeon should be able to walk you through the different options to help you find the best fit for your shape, size and body goals.
Thank you for such an informative article! What type of implants is better to choose if I plan to have children in the future? Does breast augmentation affect the ability to breastfeed?
Hello, Hannah. In general, breast augmentation shouldn’t affect your ability to breastfeed. However, as with any surgery, there is the risk of complications that could alter your ability to produce and deliver milk. Some of these complications include:
– Nerve damage as a result of incisions made around the areola. To prevent this from happening, your doctor can make incisions in the belly button, armpit, or under the breast instead.
– Improper placement of the implants. For breastfeeding, it’s better to have implants placed under the chest muscle, as implants placed under the breast tissue can sometimes affect milk production.
– Mastitis, which is a type of breast infection that can lead to the development of scar tissue. Scar tissue can block milk ducts and prevent the production of milk.