Which Type of Breast Implant
Breast implants, or breast augmentation, is one of the most common surgical procedures of our time. Many women experience dissatisfaction with the way their breasts look or with their size, leading them to breast augmentation surgery. Age, genetics, accidents or disease, can all affect breasts over time. Breast augmentation can not only increase the size of your breasts, but also improve their shape, making them more smooth, balanced, or shapely based on your desires.
With all breast augmentation, you also have a choice in the composition filling — saline or silicone. Each filling has its own attributes, contributing to the look and feel of your breasts. When deciding on an implant filler, it’s important to discuss with Dr. Moein which option will be best for you based on your body and your desired look.
Shape, Size, & Texture
Every breast implant differs on three key factors: shape, size, and texture. Based on the look you’re aiming for, size can range from standard, moderate, or high. If you’d like full, voluminous breasts, your size would likely be in the high range, for example. Size is what most people think of when they hear “breast implants”, but shape and texture are also important when considering breast augmentation. Breast implants can be round and perky or contoured, to achieve a more natural look.
You may also choose to have a smooth or textured surface to your breast. It’s important to know that breast implants won’t automatically cure any drooping or breast sagging. However, a breast lift can be included in your augmentation surgery to both increase the size and erectness. After a consultation where you discuss the size and look you’d like to achieve, your doctor can help determine what breast implant will be right for you.
Saline Vs. Silicone
After you’ve decided what shape, size, and texture you desire, it’s time to choose a type of breast implant: saline or silicone. Saline and silicone refer to the filling of the implant and can affect the look and feel of the breast. Both types of implants are available in all shapes and sizes.
So What’s the Difference Type of Breast Implant
Both implants are made of a silicone rubber shell that is inserted at the time of surgery, but silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel while saline implants are filled with saline solution, otherwise known as sterile salt water.
Because silicone gel is similar in texture to human fat, these implants mimic what natural breast tissue looks and feels like, creating a more natural semblance.
On the contrary, filling the silicone rubber shell with saline solution offers you the ability to change the volume of the implant over time. During your first breast augmentation, you may choose to increase the volume of your breasts to a B cup, and down the road you may find you want to increase to a D. With saline implants this is easily attainable with a simple injection performed by your doctor.
A downside to saline implants is that their shape is more fluid, which can sometimes cause wrinkles in the skin. This also allows the implants to be more noticeable. In addition, the shape and feel of a saline implant in relation to a natural breast, is inferior to that of a silicone implant.
There are also different age restrictions to implants. According to FDA regulations, women must be at least 22 years old to receive silicone gel implants, while saline implant surgery can be performed on any woman over the age of 18.
Here at Moein Surgical Arts, we understand the frustration many women experience when looking in the mirror at their breasts. We understand that you want to get back to a happy, confident you, and we are here to help guide you along the way. If you are interested in breast augmentation, but want to find out more about your options, please request a consultation online at our website or call our office at (310) 341-2506 to schedule an appointment today.