Understanding the Different Types of Breast Implants

Breast augmentation surgery is common and involves inserting implants into the breast tissue. Patients who want to increase satisfaction with breast appearance in size, shape, or both often seek breast implants. Breast augmentation performed on patients who have suffered a loss of breast tissue due to injury or illness is considered breast reconstruction surgery. Whether you seek breast augmentation or breast reconstruction, understanding the different types of breast implants will help you along this journey. 

Types of Breast Implants

Breast implants have two main categories: silicone and saline. These two categories refer to the silicone gel or the saline water used to fill the outer shell. Patients do not commonly understand that both types of breast implants (saline and silicone) are contained inside a silicone case. This casing comes in different shapes and can either be smooth or textured. 

Saline Implants

A sterile saltwater solution called saline fills these implants. If a leak or rupture occurs with saline implants, a collapse is often experienced, which provides a good indicator of implant malfunction. If a rupture occurs, the saline is sterile and absorbed by the body without issues. Saline is thought by some to create a less natural feel than silicone and may cause a rippling-like appearance under the skin. Saline implants are placed inside the breast tissue and then filled, which requires a smaller incision than its silicone counterpart. They are also less expensive than silicone. 

Silicone implants

These implants are filled with a silicone gel that feels closer to natural breast tissue due to a more viscous consistency than saline. If a leak occurs, it is usually slow, and the patient will not experience collapse. Because a leak does not result in a noticeable collapse, physicians recommend ultrasound or MRI screening of silicone-filled implants to ensure proper functionality. Silicone implants come prefilled and therefore require a larger incision during placement. 

Structured saline implants

These implants are filled with saline and offer the benefits of saline with the natural feel of silicone. Structured saline implants are sometimes understood to be a third type of breast implant. 

Textured implants

Textured implants have a textured outer shell that allows for the surrounding tissues to scar onto the casing. This scaring helps to hold the implant in place, therefore, diminishing the risk of implant repositioning. The textured implants also decrease the risk of capsular contracture. Textured implants can be either silicone or saline. 

Smooth implants

Smooth implants are the softest feeling of the breast implant options and can move within the breast cavity made during surgery. The ability of these implants to move freely often gives a more natural-looking movement when breasts are in motion. Smooth implants are round and can be either silicone or saline. 

Round implants

Round implants are best for patients who desire a more prominent and fuller appearance and offer a higher profile with more projection. Because these implants are entirely round, rotation within the breast cavity is generally not a concern. Round implants can be either silicone or saline and have a textured or smooth casing. 

Teardrop implants

These implants mimic a more anatomically correct shape by starting with less fullness at the top and widening towards the bottom, like a teardrop. Due to the asymmetry of these implants, rotation within the breast cavity may result in an abnormally shaped breast. Because of this, a textured casing is used to help reduce the risk of rotation.  Teardrop implants can be either silicone or saline but have a textured outer shell. 

Gummy bear implants

This different type of breast implant, also called form-stable, contains thicker silicone gel than traditional silicone implants. Gummy bear implants will maintain shape even if the implant case acquires a tear or break and are less likely to rupture and deflate. Gummy bear implants have a firmer feel than other implants. Should rotation occur, the breast may have an abnormal appearance due to the shape of this type of implant. The patient should understand that additional surgery is required to correct implant rotation. 

Understanding Breast Implant Options

If you have considered breast enhancement surgery, you know researching your options can be confusing. Deciding if breast augmentation is right for you starts with learning the basics. Knowing your options empowers you to make choices you are happy with for years to come. While only your doctor can help you decide which implant is right for you, understanding the different types of breast implants can give you the confidence you need to move forward on this exciting path.