Types of Breast Implant

Answer 1

Breast implant surgery is an increasingly popular option for women all over the world. Regardless of the overall goals of the woman having the breast implant surgery, there will be an implant size and shape that will be ideally suited for each person. A qualified plastic surgeon will be the first, and most important, person to speak with if you are interested in obtaining breast augmentation.

Implants can vary widely in volume. Volume may be as small as 120 ml or may be as large as 850 ml. The volume that each patient chooses depends on the size of the breasts prior to surgery, how much of a major change that is desired, and the recommendations of the plastic surgeon who will be performing the procedure. In addition to the differences in volume, breast implants can have different shapes, profiles, and base materials.

There are two types of breast implants that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA.) Silicone filled implants were the original type of breast implants, and saline implants were the newer entry to the breast augmentation market. Both of these types of implants actually are coated with a shell made of silicone elastomer. The shell is the outer container for the breast implant material.

The saline type of breast implants contain salt water (saline.) Saline implants may be shaped in a perfect circle or may be in a teardrop shape that is considered more anatomically correct. These implants can be obtained in either high or low profile, depending on the look desired.

Silicone breast implants contained a silicone gel. While silicone gel implants did leak in years past, the silicone implants today contain a thicker, gel based silicone, which is considered to be safe by the FDA since it is far less likely to leak and cause side effects. Silicone implants are considered by some patients to have a more natural feel than saline implants, but each patient has their own opinion.

If you are interested in having a breast implant procedure, be sure to make a consultation appointment with an expert plastic surgeon who is experienced with breast implant surgery. Discuss the options with the surgeon and make a decision based on your personal needs and expections to get the best result from your breast augmentation surgery.