Breast Implants Resources & Articles

Whilst many believe in simply finding the right surgeon to perform their breast augmentation, others understand that the selection of choices involves far more. Other features that patients have to bear in mind include which type of anaesthesia will suit them best; local or general, or whether they would prefer silicone gel or saline implants.

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Contemplating which choices to make when it comes to breast enlargement surgery can be a very time consuming procedure thanks to the variety of options that patients have available to them.

In this article I am going to elaborate on the many choices facing women who want to have a boob job, outlining the many different types of implants that are readily available and widely used today.

With technology constantly evolving, the different types of breast implants are constantly changing and improving with the aim of making them healthier and longer lasting for patients.

The most common types of Breast Implant

  • Saline breast implants
  • Silicone gel breast implants
  • Fat implants
  • Textured implants
  • Teardrop implants
  • Gummybear implants

The most basic form of implant available today is the saline implant. While it is regarded as one of the safest implants, which is why it is also the longest lasting type, the saline solution implant is fairly artificial in feeling, shape and texture. The implants are prone to damage and can easily leak or rupture. The advantage behind saline implants is that they are post-operatively filled, meaning that the shell is positioned before the solution and therefore shape is added. As only the shell is inserted initially with saline implants, incision hole are generally much smaller meaning that the scars are usually much smaller with saline implant as the implant is only filled once the shell of the implant has been positioned.

Silicone Gel Implants

The silicone gel implant is regarded as a superior kind of implant to the saline implant in terms of artificiality, feel and shape. Although many forms of silicone implants have been developed, I refer to the 5th generation of silicone gel implants that are the most favoured type of implant in use today. Referred to as ‘gummy bear’ implants the new generation of silicone implants are made out of a cohesive gel that has a thicker and therefore more realistic consistency than that of saline. While they are deemed superior to saline implants, as the implants come pre-filled, incision holes must be larger than with saline implants, meaning that scarring will also be more prevalent. Due to the cohesive gel used to make these implants, they are less likely to leak, even when they have been ruptured.

Anatomical or Tear Drop Implants

Anatomical, or ‘tear-drop’ implants are available in both saline and silicone gel. They are named so as they resemble the shape of a tear drop, and have a much more realistic appearance than the typical round implants that have been used by celebrities such as Jordan. Although they are superior in shape to the round implants, they have a greater tendency to move around once they have been implanted. They are also more expensive than round implants.

When choosing implants, patients also have a choice of whether the implant is smooth or textured. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. While smooth implants move more freely, last longer and have thinner shells, textured implants tend to remain in one position, have thicker shells and do not last as long as smooth implants. Once again saline and silicone gel implants come in a choice of either smooth or textured depending on the needs of the patient.

Hydrogel Implant

The latest type of implant to enter the market has been the Hydrogel implant, which has all the safety elements of a saline implant but has all the benefits of silicone gel implants. They have been designed with the body in mind, as if the implants rupture and leak, the chemical that is released will be safely absorbed into the body with no harm or side-affects.

Breast Enlargement through Fat Transfer

Another form of breast enlargement surgery that is available is the idea of breast enlargement through fat transfer. The procedure eradicates the need for implants. The concept involves liposuction on fatty areas, with the fat then used to enlarge the bust. It takes several visits to complete the procedure as only so much fat can be added at once. It is most commonly used by those who do not wish to have foreign materials, such as implants, inside their body.

One type of implant cannot be recommended above the other as all types have their own advantages and disadvantages. What is more, most patients will have their own opinion when it comes down to what implant they would prefer depending on the nature of their body, the size of breast wanted after surgery and so on. It is recommended you speak in detail to your GP if you are considering any type of cosmetic surgery.