So, you are interested in getting a breast augmentation? What type of breast implant should you choose? This is a very important decision and no doubt you are feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety about it. In this article, we provide you with some easy-to-understand information so you can feel enabled to make well-informed decisions.
There are several choices to consider when deciding which breast implants are right for you. These include:
- Silicone or Saline-filled implants
- Smooth or Textured (‘Rough’) Implant Surfaces
- Round or Teardrop Shapes
- Size
We won’t go into size in this article because that is really a personal choice that you should make with the assistance of your doctor. But we will expand on the other choices for you.
Silicone or Saline-filled Implants
All breast Implants consist of an outer casing (called the ‘shell’ or ‘wall’) plus an inner filler material, which is either saline or silicone. Silicone and saline implants have very different characteristics. The main advantages of saline implants are that they can be inflated and deflated (see the image below).
However, there are also several disadvantages which are why our patients very rarely request them:
- Less natural feel (more like a “waterbed” feel).
- There is the risk of spontaneous deflation (which could prove embarrassing).
- If a Saline implant wall ruptures, the implant will simply deflate, whereas Silicone implants have a shape-retaining memory, so breast fullness is not lost.
- The chance of surface wrinkling or rippling is greater for Saline implants than for Silicone implants.
See these comparisons in table form on our website page: Silicone versus Saline Implants
Smooth or Textured Implant Surfaces? And Not All Brands Are The Same!
There are many brands out there with differing levels of quality. Whether a patient prefers a Smooth or Textured Implant, we will always use only high-quality implant brands.
You can read more details about implant surfaces on our website.
Round or ‘Teardrop’ Implant Shapes: Main Features
Round Implant Shapes:
- Deliver more upper breast fullness
- Are sometimes the preferred shape to restore lost upper breast volume lost following breastfeeding or weight loss.
- Can be inserted through any incision location.
- Being perfectly round, rotation cannot produce any deformity of breast shape.
‘Teardrop’ Implant Shapes:
- Have more fullness in the mid and lower sections that then tapers off towards the top.
- Produces an attractive and natural straight-line drape of skin from the collar-bone down to the nipple.
- Can only be inserted through an incision under the breast
Making Your Choice
A good place to start when considering what type of breast implant is best for you is to decide what shape you would prefer. You’re going to be attached to these ‘babies’ for a long-time, so you really want to choose only the best quality implant that can deliver the ‘look’ you’re after.
Everyone’s situation is different and making the right decision is all-important, so make sure you book a consultation with your doctor and get personalised advice prior to making any choices.
