Breast Implant Choices

Breast augmentation is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Every woman has her own personal reasons for seeking breast augmentation and her own idea about how her body should look. Fortunately, breast implants come in a variety of sizes, shapes and profiles. At your initial consultation, a Finesse plastic surgeon will discuss breast implant choices, to help you decide how to achieve your desired results.

Saline Breast Implants Vs. Silicone Breast Implants

Saline vs. Silicone

Saline and silicone implants are the two breast implant types used for breast augmentation. Both are FDA-approved and offer their own unique advantages. By educating yourself about the different types of implants available, you can ensure your preferences are considered for breast enhancement.

Saline

Saline breast implants consist of empty silicone shells that are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. Saline implants are filled at the time of surgery, which allows them to be inserted via a smaller incision than silicone implants. Saline implants allow for minor modifications in implant size at the time of the operation. If a saline implant were to leak or rupture, it is noticeable immediately and the solution harmlessly and naturally absorbed by the body.

Silicone Implants

Silicone filled breast implants have a solid silicone rubber outer shell filled with cohesive silicone gel. Silicone is a naturally occurring element found in sand, quartz and rock. All silicone breast implants are prefilled and may require a longer incision for implant placement. Patients tend to think that silicone implants feel more natural. If silicone implants rupture, it may not be obvious immediately. The FDA recommends MRI every other year starting beginning three years after surgery to look for silent ruptures.

Gummy Bear

Highly Cohesive Silicone “Gummy Bear” Implants

These implants are relatively new to breast augmentation. These consist of a silicone shell that is pre­filled with a higher concentration of silicone gel than regular silicone implants. The increased cross­linking of silicone bonds results in a firmer silicone gel that does not usually leak if a rupture occurs.

Breast Implant Shape

Breast Implant Shape

Breast implants come in two common shapes: round and teardrop. You can work with your plastic surgeon to determine which is right for you.

Round Breast Implants

Round breast implants have no orientation. They come in a multitude of different base diameters and variable projections from low profile to very high profile.

Teardrop Breast Implants

Teardrop or “shaped” breast implants are made with silicone that is firmer than silicone used in round implants. These implants have an anatomic (tear­drop) shape. This anatomically-shaped implant maintains its form in all positions. Shaped implants are designed with a textured silicone outer shell to reduce the chances of them shifting in the breast pocket.

Breast Implant Comparison Chart

Breast Implant Size

Breast Implant Profiles

The size of your breast implants also plays a major role in the overall appearance of your breasts. During your consultation, the current size of your breasts will be measured and our surgeons will help you evaluate what size breast implant will be best for you.

Schedule your initial consultation today to learn more about breast augmentation and breast implant choices.