Breast Implant Choices

Breast augmentation offers a myriad of choices, each tailored to meet individual preferences and anatomical needs. There are a lot of options out there, and it’s all about finding what’s right for you. As you look into breast implants, it’s important to know about the different types, shapes, and ways they can be placed. Every choice you make matters in getting the look you want. Thanks to new medical tools and better ways of doing surgery, there are more choices now than ever before. If you’re thinking about getting implants, whether for medical reasons, to change how you look, or a bit of both, it’s key to know your stuff.

Chester Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna performs breast implant surgery, as well as other face, body and skin procedures.

Factors to Evaluate in Choosing the Ideal Breast Implants

When making the important decision of choosing breast implants, several factors warrant careful consideration.

• First and foremost, contemplate the type of implant – saline or silicone – that aligns with your desired look and feel
• Evaluate the implant size and shape, ensuring it complements your body proportions and desired outcome
• Reflect on the projection and profile of the implant, as this influences the overall contour
• Texture matters too – smooth or textured implants – and their potential impact on aesthetics and comfort
• Deliberate on the incision placement that suits your preferences and healing process
• Long-term implications like durability and potential revisions should also be weighed
• Ultimately, each facet contributes to a decision tailored to your unique needs and aspirations

Before you decide on breast augmentation, it’s best to know your options and understand which breast implant choices may be best suited for your body and desires. Anca will offer guidance, but having prior knowledge can help you communicate your wishes more clearly. Here are the factors to consider:

Implant Type – Saline or Silicone Breast Implants

When you’re considering this procedure, one of the first breast implant choices you’ll face is the type of implant. Let’s look at the two most common options: saline and silicone implants.

Saline Implants

Saline implants consist of a silicone outer shell filled with sterile salt water (saline). They can be pre-filled to a predetermined size, or they can be filled during surgery to adjust the size.

Pros:

• If a saline implant leaks, the saline (salt water) will be absorbed safely by your body
• Typically, the incision required for saline implants can be smaller than for silicone implants, because your plastic surgeon fills them after insertion
• They may be more easily adjustable in terms of size, as your plastic surgeon can alter the amount of saline during surgery

Cons:

• Some people feel that saline implants don’t mimic the feel of natural breast tissue as closely as silicone implants
• There’s a potential for visible rippling or wrinkling, especially if you have thin skin or little natural breast tissue

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are made of a silicone outer shell filled with a silicone gel. They tend to feel a bit more like natural breast tissue compared to saline implants.

Pros:

• Silicone implants often offer a more natural feel and look because their consistency is similar to that of human fat
• There’s typically less chance of visible rippling or wrinkling with silicone implants

Cons:

• If a silicone implant leaks, the gel might stay within the implant shell, or it might escape into the breast implant pocket. This makes it harder to detect a rupture, which is why regular check-ups are important
• The incision for silicone implants might be larger than for saline implants because they come pre-filled

Implant Size and Shape

The size and shape of the implants play a significant role in the final result. Consider your body proportions, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences when choosing implant size. It’s crucial to strike a balance that enhances your natural beauty while maintaining a harmonious look. Implant shapes, such as round or teardrop, can affect the projection and contour of your breasts.

Implant Sizes

Volume-Based Sizing: Implants can be categorised based on their volume, usually measured in cubic centimetres (cc). The right volume largely depends on your personal preference, your body frame, and the recommendation of your plastic surgeon.

• Smaller Sizes (up to 250cc): These offer a subtle enhancement, often preferred by individuals wanting a natural look
• Medium Sizes (250cc to 500cc): A popular range for those seeking a noticeable but balanced enhancement
• Larger Sizes (above 500cc): These are for those who want a significant increase in breast size

Remember, it’s not just about the number. The same implant size can look different on different body types. It’s a good idea to discuss with Anca and try different “sizer” implants to gauge the potential outcome.

Implant Shapes

Round Implants: These are circular and tend to provide more fullness at the top of the breast. They’re versatile and can suit a variety of body shapes.

Pros:

• Offers a fuller look
• Less likely to cause visible abnormalities if they rotate

Cons:

• Might not mimic the natural slope of some breasts

Teardrop (Anatomical) Implants: These have a sloped contour and are fuller at the bottom than at the top, mimicking the natural shape of the breast.

Pros:

• Can provide a more natural-looking silhouette
• Often favoured for reconstructive surgeries

Cons:

• There’s a risk of the implant rotating, which might need another surgery to correct

Projection and Profile

Breast implants come in different projection levels, which determine how far the implants extend from your chest wall. The profile of the implant affects how much the implant projects forward versus its base width.

Implant Profiles

The profile of an implant refers to its width in relation to its projection. Let’s explore the common types:

Low Profile

• Description: These implants have a wider base and offer less forward projection
• Best Suited For: If you have a naturally wider chest or breast base, low profile implants might be a good fit. They spread out more across the chest, providing a subtle enhancement

Moderate Profile

• Description: As the name suggests, these are the middle-ground option with a balanced width-to-projection ratio
• Best Suited For: They can work well for a broad range of individuals, offering a natural look that isn’t too flat or overly projected

High Profile

• Description: These implants have a narrower base but offer more forward projection
• Best Suited For: If you’re seeking a more pronounced projection or if you have a narrower chest, high profile implants might be your pick

Implant Projection

Projection refers to how far the implant sticks out from the chest wall. The profile you choose will directly influence the projection.

Subtle Projection:

• Look and Feel: Provides a boost in size without being too noticeable. It respects the natural contours of the chest, offering a soft curve
• Best Suited For: If you’re aiming for a gentle enhancement and prefer a look that aligns closely with natural curves

Noticeable Projection:

• Look and Feel: This gives the chest a more defined, standout appearance. It’s more about making a statement and reshaping the silhouette
• Best Suited For: If you’re aiming for a dramatic difference and want your augmentation to be more evident

Maximum Projection:

• Look and Feel: As the name suggests, these implants provide the most significant forward projection
• Best Suited For: If you desire a profound change and seek the most pronounced silhouette possible

Implant Texture

Breast implants can have either a smooth or textured surface. Textured implants are designed to reduce the risk of capsular contracture (scar tissue formation around the implant), but they may have a firmer feel. Smooth implants tend to move more naturally within the breast pocket. Your surgeon will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each texture based on your specific situation.

Smooth Implants

• Description: As the name suggests, these implants have a soft and smooth outer shell
• Advantages: They tend to move more freely within the breast pocket, mimicking the natural movement of breasts. This can result in a more natural look, especially when lying down
• Considerations: Over time, there’s a possibility, though rare, for smooth implants to rotate or move within the pocket. It’s essential to discuss potential long-term effects with your plastic surgeon

Textured Implants

• Description: These implants have a rougher surface, almost like a fine sandpaper
• Advantages: The primary benefit is that the textured surface can help the implant adhere to the surrounding tissue, reducing the chance of implant movement or rotation
• Considerations: While they offer stability, there have been discussions and studies around textured implants and their potential association with certain medical conditions. Make sure to have a comprehensive conversation with your plastic surgeon about the risks and benefits

Incision Placement

The incision for implant placement can be made in various locations, including under the breast fold, around the areola, or in the armpit. Each option has its advantages and potential drawbacks. Anca will help you determine the most suitable incision placement based on your anatomy and preferences.

When it comes to breast augmentation, not only do you need to consider the type, size, and texture of the implant, but also where it’s placed in relation to your breast tissue and muscles. Each placement option has its distinct set of advantages and considerations.

Submuscular (or Subpectoral):

In this placement, the implant is positioned beneath the pectoralis major muscle.

Advantages:

• Natural Appearance: Offers a more gradual transition from the upper chest to the breast, often resulting in a more natural contour
• Reduced Rippling: The muscle layer can mask potential rippling or wrinkling of the implant
• Imaging: This positioning can lead to less interference during mammograms

Considerations:

• Recovery: Recovery might be slightly longer with more initial discomfort due to the muscle being manipulated
• Animation Deformity: In some cases, muscle movement can cause the implant to move, creating what’s known as an animation deformity

Sub-glandular (or Submammary):

The implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue but in front of the pectoral muscle.

Advantages:

• Simpler Surgery: Often involves a shorter surgery time and less initial discomfort during recovery
• Flexibility: Allows for larger implants in some cases
• No Animation Deformity: Since the implant isn’t placed under the muscle, there’s no risk of animation deformity

Considerations:

• Visibility: There’s a higher chance of the implant edges being visible or palpable, especially in women with thinner skin or limited natural breast tissue
• Mammograms: The implant might obstruct more breast tissue in imaging

Dual Plane:

A combination method where the upper part of the implant is positioned beneath the pectoralis muscle, while the lower part is sub-glandular.

Advantages:

• Natural Look: Combines the natural appearance benefits of submuscular placement with the flexibility and easier recovery of sub-glandular
• Adaptability: Can be tailored to individual anatomies, making it versatile for a variety of breast shapes and sizes

Considerations:

• Complexity: The procedure is a bit more intricate than the other two methods
• Recovery: Recovery experience might vary based on how the dual plane technique is tailored to the patient

Long-Term Considerations

Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and they may require replacement or removal at some point due to factors like implant rupture or changes in personal preference. Understanding the longevity of your chosen implants and the potential need for future surgeries is essential for long-term planning.

Realistic Expectations

While breast augmentation can enhance your appearance, it’s essential to maintain realistic expectations. Discuss your desired outcome openly with your plastic surgeon, and understand the limitations and possibilities of the procedure.

Recovery and Aftercare

Consider the recovery process and aftercare involved with your chosen implants. Follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to promote proper healing and achieve optimal results.

Medical References about Breast Implants

• Information For People with Breast Implants – NSW Health
• Breast Implant Illness – Cleveland Clinic
• Breast Implant Safety – WebMD
• Breast Implants – WebMD
• Breast Implants: Saline vs. Silicone – Mayo Clinic