Types of Breast Implants
Our surgeons only place round, smooth implants for your custom breast augmentation in San Antonio. Textured and anatomical-shaped implants have been implicated in Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). We will not compromise the best practices and safety of your breast augmentation. In our experience, most patients have been happier with round implants as they make the breasts appear fuller with less risk of implant rotation.
We offer silicone and saline breast implants. The choice is generally yours unless there are specific reasons we recommend one type over the other, especially with breast revision surgery.
Silicone implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. Should the implant leak, the gel may stay in the shell or escape into the breast implant pocket. However, a leaking implant filled with silicone gel won’t collapse.
When you choose silicone implants, be prepared to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to assess the condition of your implants. While silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in patients 22 and older, an ultrasound or MRI screening will ensure proper implant function.
Some of the benefits of silicone vs. saline implants include the following:
- They are softer and lighter
- They have fewer tissue-rippling issues
- They feel closer to natural breast tissue
Saline implants
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. Should the implant shell leak, the implant collapses, and the saline will is absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
Some of the benefits of saline vs. silicone implants include the following:
- They have a uniform shape, firmness, and feel
- They are FDA-approved for augmentation in patients eighteen and older
- Structured implants contain an inner structure that aims to make the implant feel more natural
- They can be filled to larger sizes, as silicone implants are capped at 800 mL
- They generally cost less than silicone implants
Profile: Low, medium, or high?
Once you have chosen between silicone and saline, you’ll select your implant’s profile based on your desired outcome.
The width of your breast is measured to determine the “base diameter.” Next, your breast tissue and shape are evaluated before considering your desired amount of augmentation. This is because implant projection depends more on the measurements of the implant than the overall fill.
For example, an implant with a smaller base and 300 cc fill will have increased projection compared to an implant with a broader base and 300 cc fill.