The Breast Implant Decision

After making the decision to have breast augmentation, you also need to make micro-decisions specific to the procedure. Choosing which breast implant type, size, and shape is one of these micro-decisions. An overview of the different implant choices below can help you figure out which ones will suit your aesthetic goals and preferences.

Saline Implants

These implants are made of saline with an outer silicone shell and are approved by the FDA for women who are over 18 years of age. They only require tiny incisions (which is actually an advantage due to less likelihood of obvious scarring) as the saline is only injected once the implant is put into place. An implant rupture from saline implants does not pose any health risk because the sterile saline solution will be naturally absorbed by the body.

Other advantages of saline implants include the following:

·         generally expensive than silicone implants

·         typically has a firmer feel than their silicon counterparts

·         available in various projections to suit different breast shapes

Silicone Implants

Approved by the FDA for women who are 22 years of age, silicone implants are preferred by many because they have a more natural feel and look than their saline counterparts. These implants are pre-filled with silicone gel which requires larger incisions than saline implants.

Silicone implants also have the added benefits:

·         breast implant rupture and rippling rarely happen in silicone implants

·         silicone implants give the upper breast a more normal sloped appearance which makes it look more natural

·         silicone implants typically last longer than saline implants

Gummy Bear Implants

These implants are also known as cohesive gel silicone implants and are approved by the FDA for women who are 22 years old and above. The silicone in these implants have a gummy bear-like consistency and are usually thicker than traditional silicone implants. The firm nature of gummy bear implants can either be perceived as a benefit or a drawback. It becomes a benefit because it provides for a more natural feel while it becomes a drawback because it requires larger incisions to be inserted.

Teardrop vs. Round Implants

Teardrop implants offer the most natural look and feel because they create a sloped appearance similar to that of natural breasts. However, they require the skills of a surgeon who have lots of experience in placing teardrop implants. If the pocket in which the implant is inserted is not correctly done, the implant will most likely flip resulting to a misshapen-looking breast.

On the other hand, round implants are ideal for women who want to have soft, fuller, and well-proportioned breasts which can emphasize cleavage. However, they can look more artificial than teardrop implants.