Breast Implant Choices

Decision making doesn't end after you have decided to have a breast enlargement procedure. Afterwards more decisions await you, like where you want the implants placed, what kind of implants you want, what shape and size, and what type of procedure you want done.

For some women, deciding what size they want the implant to be can be the most difficult decision to make. A wrong choice can lead to a size that is too small or too large, which may often necessitate the need for another operation. Generally, the larger the size, the larger the implant that the surgeon needs to use. It will also depend on the condition of your breast (the amount of breast tissue that you have), which will be thoroughly evaluated by the surgeon to determine if you are suitable for the size that you want.

You also need to choose between saline-filled or silicone-filled implants. Silicone-filled implants are considered to mimic the consistency and feel of real breast tissue better than saline implants. They may vary in shell surface, size, and shape. The downside to silicone implants is that ruptures are often harder to detect because the silicone fillers can leak into the surrounding tissue without any observable changes to the breast's outside appearance. Silicone-filled implants are also associated with a higher incidence of capsular contractures and a higher deflation rate.

Saline-filled implants, although much harder and more prone to wrinkling and creasing, may come in adjustable sizes. The greatest advantage to saline breast implants is that in the case of a rupture, the saline is easily absorbed by the body without any harmful effects. However, saline-filled implants may not be advisable for thinner patients with a small amount of breast tissue since they won't have enough tissue to effectively conceal the implant. Ripples, wrinkling, and creasing may be more visible in these women.

Another decision regarding the breast implant is the type of breast implant surface you want. Breast implants come in either smooth or textured forms. Textured breast implants were designed to reduce the risk for capsular contracture, the hardening and tightening of the muscles around the implant. However, studies have concluded that there is no difference in the risk for capsular contracture between women with textured and smooth implants. Textured implants, although more prone to rippling, are less likely to be displaced and firmer than smooth implants.

Smooth implants are used more often than textured implants because they have lower risk of rippling and any rotation does not affect the appearance of the breast.

Finally, you also need to choose the shape of the implant, although you can trust your surgeon to assist you in making this decision. Most doctors can give you a choice between smooth round implants or tear drop or anatomic implants. Teardrop implants are a better choice for simulating the natural contour of the breast and is often used by surgeons for reconstruction and augmentation. Smooth, rounded implants are more suitable for augmentation purposes.