Breast implants: What type is right for you?

Breast implant surgery, often referred to as boob job, is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Many patients decide to get this treatment to increase the size or improve the shape of one or both breasts.

It is important to know that there are different types of breast implants. If you want to have breast implant surgery, you will discuss with your doctor how the procedure works and what types of implants best suit you – based on your expectations and needs.

In this article, we are going to give you an overview of the different types of breast implants available and what types are offered at KCM Clinic.

What are breast implants made of?

When it comes to choosing the type of breast implant for your surgery, there are two main types of breast implants available:

Saline implants

Saline implants are inserted empty into the breasts and then filled with sterile salt water. This type of implant is available to women aged 18 or older and are usually cheaper than silicone implants. If saline implants rupture and leak, the saline solution will be absorbed by your body without any health risk. However, as the case of these implants is made of silicone, you might need surgery to remove it. You may choose to have a new implant inserted during the same procedure.

Silicone implants

Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel. Many patients believe that silicone implants feel more natural. They are available to women aged 22 or older, or to younger patients in exceptional circumstances for reconstruction purposes. If a silicone implant leaks, the gel will not be absorbed by your body but it won’t pose any health risk. You may be advised to remove it surgically by your doctor. Also in this case, you can choose whether to substitute it with a new implant during the same procedure.

What breast implant shapes are available?

You will choose the shape of your new breast implants depending on what you hope to achieve from the procedure in terms of shape, size, and proportion. There are two main shapes for breast implants.

Round breast implants

Round breast implants typically give a rounder overall appearance and are available in a wide range of sizes and widths. They have a half-moon shaped profile and can be filled with both saline or silicone gel.

Teardrop breast implants

Teardrop breast implants, also known as shaped implants, are considered to be more anatomical as they are fuller at the bottom and taper upwards. Women who want to opt for a more natural look typically choose teardrop breast implants.

How to Decide Which Type of Breast Implant Is the Right Choice for You

Choosing the right breast implant procedure can be a challenging task. However, individuals can use the following points as a helpful guide before meeting with a plastic surgeon.

Consider your body type and frame: Choosing a size that fits your frame is crucial for natural-looking implants. For example, a shorter, petite woman may achieve a full, natural look with a smaller implant size.

Think about your personal style:  The type of augmentation you choose will affect how tops, dresses, and swimsuits fit. If you prefer going without a bra or wearing tops and dresses that make wearing a bra difficult, smaller implants may be the best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer dresses or tops that require larger breasts, you might be more comfortable with larger implants.

Consult with a qualified plastic surgeon:  It’s essential to seek out a qualified plastic surgeon before making the final decision. During the pre-operative consultation, you can see, feel, and try on different implant sizes and shapes to help make the decision.

Consider the shape of the implant: Some women may prefer a round shape, while others might want surgery to correct sagging with a more natural teardrop shape. Each type of shape has its own appeal, and what looks good on one woman may not look good on another.

Don’t focus on bra size:  Bra sizes can vary widely between manufacturers, so they are not a reliable way to choose the right implant size.

Know your body:  It’s important to understand that the same implant size and shape may look different on different women based on their body type and frame.

Consider your lifestyle: Women with an active lifestyle may prefer smaller implants that won’t interfere with their activities.

What’s the difference between saline and silicone breast implants?

When it comes to breast augmentation, plastic surgeons have two popular choices: saline and silicone breast implants. Among these options, silicone gel implants stand out for their more natural consistency, making them the preferred choice for many patients. However, it’s essential to understand the key differences between these two types of implants before making a decision.

Saline Breast Implants:

• Filled with sterile salt water, these implants are usually inserted empty and filled once they are in place.
• Available to individuals aged 18 and older, saline implants can enhance breast size effectively.
• The consistency of saline implants is similar to water, which might not provide the most natural feel.
• Particularly under thin skin, saline implants are more prone to rippling or wrinkling.

Silicone Breast Implants:

• Silicone gel, a more viscous substance than saline, fills these implants, offering a more natural look and feel, closely resembling breast tissue.
• Women must be 22 years of age or older to be considered for silicone gel implants for breast augmentation, following the FDA’s regulations.
• Silicone implants have a lower incidence

Ultimately, the choice of breast implants should be a well-informed decision based on various factors such as the patient’s age, body type, and desired results. Consultation with a certified plastic surgeon is crucial to understanding the most suitable option for your specific needs and achieving the desired outcome. A qualified surgeon will guide you through the process, ensuring you make the best choice for your unique circumstances and aesthetic goals.

What are the Risks of Implants?

Implants present numerous risks that individuals must carefully consider before proceeding with the procedure. These risks encompass a range of complications, including pain and changes in sensation, the potential necessity for additional surgeries, such as device removal, and the development of capsular contracture, which causes discomfort due to the formation of scar tissue around the implant. Furthermore, there is a possibility of implant rupture and deflation, as well as the rare occurrence of Implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In addition, patients should be well-informed about other potential complications, such as damage to surrounding tissues during the procedure, the natural aging of the implant, and specific issues related to saline-filled implants, such as overfilling or underfilling. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of these risks and to thoroughly discuss them with their healthcare provider before making any decisions.

What Happens if an Implant Ruptures? 

Implant rupture can occur due to various factors, including normal ageing of the implant, surgical instruments used, manufacturing defects, underfilling, or trauma. However, the primary cause of rupture is typically the natural ageing process of the implant, which is recommended to be replaced after a lifespan of 12 to 35 years.

When rupture happens, it can lead to discomfort and noticeable changes in the shape or contour of the affected area. In the case of saline implants, rupture results in the harmless release of isotonic saline, which the body readily absorbs. On the other hand, silicone implant rupture can cause the silicone gel to migrate beyond the fibrous capsule, potentially causing discomfort and alterations in shape.

The impact of free silicone on the development of diseases is still uncertain. Therefore, if a woman suspects implant rupture, it is crucial for her to consult her plastic surgeon promptly. Diagnostic imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasound can effectively confirm the presence of rupture and guide further treatment decisions.

What Should I Consider Before Getting Breast Implants?

Before getting breast implants, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Complications and reoperations: Breast implants are not lifetime devices and complications can occur. It is important to understand that you may need additional surgeries (reoperations) in the future.

Costs: Insurance may not cover the cost of implant removal or replacement, even if you experience complications. It is essential to consider the financial implications of potential future surgeries.

Long-term complications: The longer you have breast implants, the higher the likelihood of experiencing complications and adverse outcomes. These complications may be cosmetically undesirable and irreversible.

Monitoring: Breast implants need to be monitored for as long as you have them. If you have silicone gel-filled implants, your healthcare provider may recommend regular exams using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound. It is important to note that these exams may not be covered by insurance.

Implants or fat transfer: Consider whether you want to undergo breast augmentation with implants or through fat transfer. Each option has its own considerations and limitations.

Realistic expectations: Breast augmentation cannot fix sagging breasts. If you have sagging breasts, additional procedures such as a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Implant lifespan: Breast implants do not last forever and may need to be replaced at some point. It is important to be aware of the lifespan of the implants and the potential need for future surgeries.

Health considerations: It is crucial to be in good overall health before undergoing breast implant surgery. Active infections, cancer, and pregnancy are contraindications for surgery. Additionally, smoking can increase the risk of complications and affect the healing process.

Ask questions: Do not be afraid to ask your surgeon any questions or express any concerns you may have. It is important to have a clear understanding of the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes.

Recovery: Recovery after breast augmentation can be uncomfortable at times. It is important to be patient, as final results may take some time to fully manifest.

Breast implants offered at KCM Clinic

If you choose to have breast implants, the first step is consulting with a doctor to select the appropriate type of implant. You can contact us anytime to start the consultation process: fill out the form and one of our patient coordinators will be in touch with you to explain how to move forward.

The surgeon who will perform the procedure will examine the natural shape of your body and chest and will advise you on what type of implant best suits you. You will be able to discuss your expectations and goals as well of course!

As mentioned earlier, there are two main shapes when it comes to breast implants: round and teardrop. At KCM Clinic we offer:

• • MENTOR round implants filled with silicone
  • MENTOR teardrop implants filled with silicone
    Both MENTOR round and teardrop breast implants are produced by the renowned company Johnson & Johnson. They are filled with the best quality cohesive silicone gel.
  • Polytech B-Lite implants: these breast implants are 30% lighter than regular implants of the same size. They are filled with B-Lite gel, a combination of medical silicone and microspheres — minuscule spherical particles that are empty on the inside. For this reason, this implant type is preferred by women who choose a large model, as they reduce the strain on their breasts.

Do you need to replace your breast implants?

You might have heard that it’s necessary to replace your breast implants every ten years. This is not necessarily true. There are different reasons why breast implants might need to be replaced:

• • If you’re not satisfied with the shape or size of the breast implants you already have.
  • If you had a breast implant rupture: the danger of implant rupture increases after ten years since your breast implant surgery. It often changes the appearance of the breast and the way it feels.
  • If you had a capsular contracture: since the implant is a foreign body, scar tissue forms around it. When the scar tissue becomes too thick, the implant feels firm and can cause pain. Capsular contracture may happen a few months following the operation and is treated by making incisions in the scar tissue. It allows the tissue to form again properly. This procedure is called a capsulotomy. It is recommended to remove the implant that caused capsular contracture and replace it with a different breast implant.

 

If any of the above happened to you, you may need to undergo a breast implant replacement. You can contact us anytime to discuss your needs and our team of highly specialised cosmetic surgeons will be happy to help. For more information on how a breast augmentation procedure works, check out our latest article “Breast implant surgery: How does it work?”. For any other questions, contact us here!