Making the decision to get breast implants, also known as breast augmentation, is just the first in a long line of choices you will have to make before your surgery date. One of the most important decisions will be what type of implant you choose. You will work with your surgeon, who knows all about the different types of implants on the market.
Types of Breast Implants
The most popular types of breast implants include:
Saline
Tried-and-true, saline breast implants have stood the test of time as one of the safest, most well-studied breast implants on the market. Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and mimic the movement of natural breasts. If a saline implant ruptures, the saltwater is simply absorbed by the body and naturally expelled with no adverse effects. Saline breast implants are FDA-approved for patients ages 18 and over.
Structured Saline
Structured saline breast implants are just like regular saline implants, except that they include an inner structure that gives an even more natural appearance.
Silicone
Silicone is the most popular of all breast implant materials. These implants are filled with silicone gel, which mimics the feel and movement of natural breasts even more than saline. Patients like silicone breast implants because even if one ruptures, it won’t collapse. However, silicone implants, while FDA-approved for patients 22 and over, also require regular monitoring to ensure the correct placement and functioning of the implant.
Form-Stable (Gummy Bear)
Form-stable implants contain a thicker silicone gel than regular silicone implants so they completely maintain their shape, even when ruptured or rotated. They are fuller at the bottom and tapered toward the top, meaning a rotation can lead to an odd-looking breast profile indeed. Your surgeon will know the specific best uses for form-stable breast implants and help you decide if they are right for you.
Form-stable implants can come in alternative shapes. Round implants are round, full, and symmetrical, meaning a rotation doesn’t change the shape of the breast.
Smooth vs. Textured Breast Implants
Some implants give you the option to choose a smooth-surfaced implant versus one with a textured surface. Smooth implants can slide around in the breast implant pocket, giving the most natural effect possible. Textured implants encourage scar tissue development to anchor the implant in place, limiting motion. Both smooth and textured implants have their best uses. You should trust your surgeon’s recommendations when given the option between these two implant types.
Natural-Looking Breast Implants in Tampa Bay
If you are ready to get a breast augmentation but feel confused by all the options out there, we can help. The expert cosmetic surgery team with Dr. William Adams in St. Petersburg can explain your options, give you advice based on years of experience with breast implants, and give you the full, voluptuous, and natural-looking profile of your dreams. Call 727-328-2299 or contact us online to schedule your breast implant consultation today.
