If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, it doesn't have to be permanent. Breast implants have come a long way, both in safety and longevity.
Patients always have questions about the different types of implants available and the options that may be best for them. The answer to that question is, it depends. What's perfect for one patient may not be perfect for the next.
Each type of implant delivers slightly different results, but a qualified plastic surgeon will be able to match the best type of breast implant for your exact body type and needs. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of the 3 common types of breast implants, so you can get a better idea of which type of breast implant may be the best fit for you.
Saline vs. Silicone vs. Gummy Bear: Which is Best?
All implants are placed surgically, usually under general anesthesia. Each type of implant begins with a silicone rubber shell, but the filling is where the differences begin.
Saline Breast Implants: The Pros and Cons
Saline implants are an inflatable option that is inserted empty and then filled with sterile saltwater during the surgery. Because it's filled after placement, incisions are smaller than those of the other options.
The most popular incision site for saline implants is around the areola. Because of the risk of developing rippling in the skin over the saline implant, the preferred placement is partially beneath or below the pectoral muscle.
Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, feel, and firmness.
The implant volume is adjustable, and with the right size selection and a qualified surgeon, the results look great and natural. The feel of saline implants is firmer than other options, but if you have enough breast tissue and choose sub-muscular placement, a talented surgeon will get you that natural feel.
The cost of saline implants is often lower than other options. Postoperative exams are also much simpler, and you won't need an MRI. However, all implants have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced eventually.
In rare, extreme cases, saline implants may leak, causing the implant to collapse. The sterile saltwater is not dangerous will be safely absorbed by your body. If this ever happens, the collapsed implant must be removed and replaced with a new one.
Silicone Breast Implants: The Pros and Cons
Traditional silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel. If you cut into the implant, the gel retains its shape and doesn't run out of the rubber shell like saltwater does. Silicone implants are also lighter and softer than other options, which creates a more natural feel and is less visible beneath the skin.
Because of the nature of the silicone gel, these implants require a longer incision to insert. The most popular incision site is along the breast crease. However, incisions can be made near the armpit or in the navel.
Placement can be above the pectoral muscle, below it, or partially beneath it, depending on your individual needs and desires. Your plastic surgeon will be able to help you make the right decision on incision sites and implant placement.
Silicone implants cost more than saline but have a slightly longer lifespan. Because it's filled with a cohesive gel that doesn't leak, it is harder to detect a rupture. The gel generally stays in the shell, but, again in extreme circumstances, it's possible some gel may escape into the breast implant pocket. For this reason, silicone breast implants involve regular visits to your doctor and possible periodic MRI screenings to make sure the implant is still healthy.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants: The Pros and Cons
Gummy bear implants are more accurately called 'form stable breast implants.' They are silicone, but the gel used is highly cohesive, which means it is thicker and firmer, and the silicone shell is usually textured.
This option holds up well to applied pressure, then returns to its original form when released. This makes form stable implants less likely to rupture or leak than traditional silicone implants.
These implants require a slightly longer incision than that of the traditional silicone implants, but incision site and placement options are the same. This type of implant comes in round or anatomic shapes and, although these implants are firmer than other options, the implant looks and feels natural with the right placement.
Gummy bear implants cost more than other options, and also require follow-up visits with your doctor and periodic MRI screenings.
Choosing the Best Breast Implant Type for Your Body
There's a lot of information available about breast implant options today. There's also a lot of marketing hype surrounding some procedures. A lot of women feel a bit overwhelmed trying to decide on which option is best.
The best patients are well informed and consult with a trusted, board-certified plastic surgeon with proven results before making any decisions.
You deserve the results you want. Selecting the right implant is one of the important determining factors in getting those results. If you'd like to talk to Dr. Fan, schedule a free consultation or complete a virtual consultation for free.
