Which Type of Breast Implant Is Best?

If you’re thinking about breast augmentation surgery, a procedure designed to change the shape, positioning, size, or volume of your breasts, you know it requires implants. But breast implants come in different shapes filled with different materials. How can you tell which type is better?

At Brooks Plastic Surgery in Hollywood, Florida, Dr. Christopher Brooks specializes in breast augmentation using the most advanced techniques and materials to give you natural-looking, long-lasting results. 

It’s always best to schedule a consultation and talk to a breast augmentation specialist when deciding which type of implant you want. Your provider understands your unique needs and goals and can make personalized recommendations.

In the meantime, keep reading to learn essential information about breast implants, your top choices, and selecting the best implant for you.

Understanding breast implants

Breast implants are prostheses used to increase the size of your breasts. The two types of implant are: saline and silicone. 

Both saline and silicone implants are considered safe and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They both last about the same period of time (10-15 years) and can provide natural-looking results. 

Both types have benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a closer look:

Choice 1: Saline implants

Saline implants are crafted from an outer shell made of silicone material, but they’re filled with sterile salt water (saline). Your surgeon places the implant while it’s empty and then adds saline once the implant is in place. This means saline implants generally require a smaller incision.

Even though saline implants won’t cause any health concerns if they rupture, this type of implant is more likely to ripple or wrinkle. Some women also report feeling water moving in their breasts, though baffled saline implants have different chambers to address this issue.

Choice 2: Silicone implants

Silicone breast implants are created from a silicone shell, which is pre-filled with a silicone gel. They come in different shapes and sizes. This type of breast implant most closely mimics the appearance and feel of natural breast tissue. This type of implant is also less likely to fold or wrinkle. 

Although there are many benefits to choosing silicone implants, the downside is this type of implant material is dangerous to your health should your implant leak. For this reason, Dr. Brooks supports the FDA recommendation to have your breast implants screened regularly (usually every three to five years).

Choosing the right implant for you

Before you decide on which implant is right for you, it’s important to be confident in your choice to undergo breast augmentation surgery. There is no one reason to select this treatment, and women opt for breast augmentation or many reasons, including:

• Desire to increase bust line
• Issues with asymmetry between breasts
• Loss of breast tissue volume
• Boost of self-esteem
• Reconstruction after breast cancer surgery

Once you’ve reviewed the benefits and risks associated with the surgery, it’s time to determine the right breast implant. Dr. Brooks reviews your medical history, conducts a physical exam, and discusses your lifestyle and goals to help you choose the best type of implants for your needs. 

Learn more about breast implants and breast augmentation surgery by requesting an appointment online or over the phone at Brooks Plastic Surgery today.