Why Choosing the Correct Implant is More Important Than Ever

You have more options today than ever to get just the look you want with breast augmentation—it’s not just a matter of “saline or silicone” anymore.

When choosing breast implants, you’ll also need to consider the size, shape, and profile that will work best for your body and your personality. While picking out implants can be a lot of fun, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the seemingly endless variety of breast implant choices.

Our advice? First, consult with an experienced cosmetic surgeon who understands the nuances of breast augmentation and can offer specialized guidance about the different implant choices. In the meantime as you do research, focus on the look and feel you want, rather than the technical specs of breast implants.

Is a totally natural feel on your “must-have” list?
Silicone gel implants, such as Mentor MemoryGel and Allergan Natrelle, contain a soft, cohesive filling that closely mimics natural breast tissue. They come in a round shape that provides a nice fullness in the upper part of the breast, offering a youthful breast shape that feels like a natural part of your body. Silicone gel is a great option for patients who don’t have a lot of existing breast tissue to camouflage the implant, as they are softer and less likely than saline to show visible rippling. Silicone implants are FDA approved for patients 22 years of age and older.

Are you looking for a cost-effective breast augmentation with the smallest scar possible? 
Less expensive than silicone and highly adjustable in size, saline implants can be a great option for many women. Because they are filled to a precise volume at the time of surgery, saline can be an excellent option to correct asymmetry for beautifully even breasts. While saline implants may feel slightly firmer than silicone, they can still provide a beautiful result. Plus, they can be placed through a smaller incision. Saline implants are currently the only implant FDA approved for patients 18 years of age and older.

When it comes to size, you won’t know how many cc’s you want until you have a consult.
One of the most talked-about topics when it comes to breast augmentation is how to choose the right implant size. While it’s tempting to look at breast augmentation photos online and come up with a desired size in cc’s, the right size of implants for you is based on your unique anatomy and body characteristics. Your overall height, weight, width of your chest and shoulders, breast shape, and more will factor into which implant size will provide the look you want. The good news is that you can come in for a consultation and tell me about your goals, and then try on a range of implants to get an idea of how they might look. After that, you’ll have a good sense of the size and look you like.

Do you prefer a more subtle, sloping breast contour?
Anatomically shaped silicone or “gummy bear” implants are made with you in mind. The newest product available, these teardrop-shaped implants contain a firmer, form-stable silicone gel that holds its shape in any position. Despite the fun nickname and recent flood of attention given to the “gummy bear” implants since their debut, they aren’t the right fit for everyone. They feel a little firmer than standard round silicone gel implants, and incision placement is limited to the crease underneath the breast. Shaped implants are best for those who desire a very natural-looking enhancement with less fullness in the upper pole.

Have more questions about your breast implant choices? Give our office a call. I’ll be happy to discuss your options during a consultation.