Choosing to undergo a breast augmentation or another surgical procedure involving breast implants, such as breast asymmetry or breast reconstruction following a breast cancer diagnosis and a mastectomy, is a major decision, and there are many small selections you need to make.
One of these choices is the type of breast implants you want. The different types of breast implants are split between the material used and the shape of the implants.
Mr Pieri has put together this guide to the different types of breast implants you can get and how you can find the right implants for you.
Materials Used For Breast Implants
The material used to make your breast implants is the primary consideration you need to think about because the material affects the results of your breast implant surgery significantly. Many women choose silicone implants, but saline breast implants can work for some patients. Saline implants are rarely used in the UK.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone implants are a modern type of breast implant comprising a silicone shell filled with silicone gel. This choice is popular with many women because they are comfortable and can give a natural look and feel.
These implants are less prone to rippling than saline breast implants and fit comfortably into the breast implant pocket.
Silicone implants have a highly cohesive silicone gel filling, which are also known as ‘gummy bear breast implants’ or ‘form stable implants’. As the names suggest, gummy bear implants have a stable gel consistency such that, if you were to cut an implant in half, the gel would not leak out like a liquid but would hold its form to some extent, like a gummy bear.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water. They tend to look and feel firmer than natural breast tissue.
While these traditional breast implants are now one of the least common breast implant options, saline breast implants do offer some benefits, especially when it comes to scar tissue.
Because saline implants are inserted empty and then filled when inside the breast, they require smaller incisions, as opposed to silicone implants, which require a slightly longer incision.
Also, if implant rupture occurs, it is easily noticed with saline breast implants, as opposed to silicone implants, and the saline can be absorbed into the body and the shell removed surgically. If a silicone implant ruptures, the gel filling and the implant shell have to be removed surgically, which can cause further scarring.
Breast Implant Surface Texture
Some silicone implants have a grippy surface, known as “macro-textured” implants. The main purpose of macro-texture is to grip the breast tissue and help reduce implant rotation. For this reason, it is more commonly used in anatomical AKA teardrop implants as rotation is a significant problem with this shape, whereas implant rotation doesn’t really matter with symmetrical round breast implants. The main issue with macro-textured implants is that they have been associated with a higher risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).
Most modern implants now have a less grippy surface texture (to reduce or negate ALCL risk mainly) and are categorised as micro-textured, nano-textured or smooth, depending on the amount of texturing applied to the implant surface.
There are many pros and cons to the various implant surface texture options. It is important to ask your surgeon to explain their preference and reasoning for this, based on the current research evidence. At the time of writing, Mr Pieri mainly uses nano-textured surface implants, such as Motiva Ergonomix or GC Aesthetics Perle. This is due to the low ALCL rates, low capsular contracture rates and more natural look and feel they often achieve.
Breast Implant Shapes
The shape of your breast implants also has an impact on the results you get from your breast implant procedure, but the two shapes offered are similar to each other.
Round Breast Implants
Round implants are a popular choice for many women. Because they offer an even shape, these implants will provide fullness in the whole breast. Some round implants are designed to provide a firmer projected cleavage and pronounced depth. Others are designed to have a softer gel fill, which gives a much more natural result, historically associated more with anatomical implants.
Teardrop Breast Implants
Teardrop shape implants used to be a better option for women wanting to achieve a more natural result. However, this can be equally achieved with some types of modern round implants, without the downsides of teardrop implants (higher ALCL risk if macro-textured or rotation risks if not macro-textured). Anatomical implants are still used by some surgeons, but they are not as widely used since more natural round implant options have been introduced to the market.
What Are The Best Types Of Breast Implants For Your Breast Augmentation?
The best types of breast implants for you will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of breast surgery you’re having, the breast size you want and the type of aesthetic result you want to achieve.
To help you find the right implant type for your breast implant procedure, you need to work with an experienced breast surgeon.
Mr Pieri has extensive experience carrying out breast augmentation surgery in Newcastle and the North East, so he can provide you with the support you need.
From the beginning, he offers extensive support to his patients, providing a breast implant sizing session to help them find the right size and type of breast implant.
Once the procedure is complete, he will provide follow-up appointments to ensure your breast augmentation recovery is going as expected.
If you’re ready to see how Mr Pieri could enhance your life and give you the body shape you’ve always dreamed of, book a consultation today. Alternatively, for more information and a no-obligation discussion, email info@andrewpieri.co.uk or call +447526556934.
