Naturally, patients have a ton of questions when it comes to getting a breast augmentation or mammoplasty. This includes questions about how breast implant size and shape can impact the procedure.
Since a “boob job” is literally placing an implant or fat transfer inside the breast to increase the size, one of the most common questions we get from patients is about the actual size, shape, and material of breast implants. Understanding what exactly your surgeon will place inside your body can help settle any concerns about safety and health during and after a procedure.
Plastic surgeons may have a preferred type of implant, but the patient’s needs and the situation will be the most important factor when determining what type of implant to use.
Size, shape, and material composition varies greatly between manufacturers, models, and unique patient needs. As a result, the types of implants we discuss here is not all-inclusive, but it touches on the implants that the plastic surgery community most widely recognizes.
Different Breast Implant Materials:
Saline breast implants
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater. What’s important to know about the saline implant is that if the shell of the implant leaks, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness, and feel.
Structured saline breast implants
Very similar to the basic saline breast implant, structured breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater. They also contain an inner structure which delivers a more natural feel to the breasts.
Silicone breast implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels a bit more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse. Patients with silicone breast implants often elect to visit the doctor regularly to ensure the implant is in place and functioning properly
Gummy bear breast implants
Form-stable implants are often called gummy bear breast implants because they maintain their shape even when the implant shell is broken.
The consistency of the silicone gel inside the implant is thicker than traditional silicone gel implants. As a result, these implants are also firmer than traditional implants.
Shaped gummy bear breast implants have more projection at the bottom and are tapered towards the top. This creates a more tailored look for the patient.
Different Breast Implant Shapes:
Round breast implants
Round breast implant are as they sound, round. They are the same shape all over and provide a consistent, even if the implant moved or rotates. Round breast implants have a tendency to make breasts appear fuller than form-stable implants. Higher profile options can achieve even more projection.
Smooth breast implants
Smooth breast implants are the softest feeling. They can move with the breast implant pocket, which may give more natural movement.
Textured breast implants
Textured breast implants develop scar tissue to stick to the tissue, making them less likely to move around inside of the breast and become repositioned.
Texturing offers some advantage in diminishing the risk of a tight scar capsule.
Technology and innovation are causing new products to enter the market all the time. So be sure to talk to a plastic surgeon to get an understanding of all your options. The most natural breast implant shape for you will depend on your current breast shape and size as well as your desired appearance after plastic surgery.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Plastic Surgeons
We Can Discuss Breast Implant Options
Call our office at (520) 297-3300 to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our board-certified surgeons. You can also email us at cday@hessandsandeen.com or stop by our offices at in the La Cholla Corporate Park in Tucson, Arizona.
