Breast Augmentation: More Choices of Implants Than Ever

Silicone, saline, smooth, or textured?

Perhaps it was simpler in the past several decades when breast implant choices were either silicone or saline. Women only had a choice between a natural look and feel with risk of silent rupture and health complications (silicone), or a less natural feel and appearance with a higher safety rating (saline). If you wanted to enhance your breasts, it seems, you could have safety or structure, but not both.

Fortunately, aesthetic and medical technology continue to advance, and now you have your choice of implants to meet most of your breast augmentation needs. While there’s no single perfect implant, there are implants that are perfect for you. If you’re considering breast implants today, your choices, along with some of their advantages and disadvantages, include:

Saline-filled implants

• Smaller incision
• Highly customizable and adjustable in size and volume at time of surgery for ultimate symmetry
• Highest level of projection and fullness
• Firmer than natural breast tissue

Structured saline-filled

• Filled with sterile saline, but inner structure acts like silicone implants
• Holds shape well
• Feels more natural than saline alone

Silicone gel-filled

• Softest, most natural-feeling implant
• Looks natural
• Available in many sizes
• Pre-filled, requires larger incision

Cohesive silicone gel-filled (gummy bear, form-stable)

• Filled with a thicker silicone gel than traditional implants
• Hold their shape better than other types
• Firmer than traditional silicone implants
• Teardrop shaped
• Slightly larger incision

Autologous fat transfer

• Takes fat from another area of your body to inject into breast tissue
• Less common; still undergoing clinical studies
• All-natural material

Each of these implants comes with advantages and disadvantages, depending on the shape and feel you desire. Breast implants also come in round or teardrop shapes, with smooth or textured surfaces.

Smooth surfaces allow for more natural movement and feel the softest. Textured implants develop scar tissue so they “stick” better and have less chance of rotating or becoming repositioned. For even more customization when it comes to implants, Dr. Polavarapu can position your implants above or below your pectoral muscles.

With so many options, how do you choose?

Furthermore, when undergoing the procedure, Dr. Polavarapu may insert your breast implants through incisions in your armpit, under your breast, or around your areola. So, when you’re considering breast augmentation surgery, you have the options of:

• Saline or silicone
• Round or teardrop shape
• Position within your breast tissue
• Type of incision

That’s a lot to consider, but the end result of so many choices is that each woman gets the type of implant and the type of surgery they want or need for the best outcome.

Of course, at your consultation with Dr. Polavarapu, she answers all your questions and talks to you about your desired outcome so she can advise you on which type of breast implant is ideal for you. If you’ve been thinking about breast implants, know that you have more choices now than any other generation of women.

Take the first step now. Call to schedule your consultation or book online.