The choice to get breast implants is highly personal and women undergo it for a variety of reasons. Breast Implants come with pros and cons. You may be looking to increase your natural breast size, which can help boost confidence. Or, you may need augmentation to repair damage from illness or surgery. Whatever your reason, the type of implants you select are an important step in the decision-making process.
Implants are generally silicone shells filled with different materials. However, every type of implant is different and there is no one size fits all option.
What works for one woman may not necessarily work for you. Implants come in different shapes and sizes, are filled with different materials, and have varying outer textures. If you want to walk away from augmentation feeling good about yourself and your body, you’ll need to take some time to consider what type of implant works best for you.
Below, you’ll find a guide to help you parse through the types of breast implants and the Pros and Cons. This will help you make the best decision for yourself and your body.
Implant Types: Pros and Cons of Breast Impants
Both saline and silicone gel are used to fill implants. Both options come with pros and cons. What’s right for you depends on your desired plastic surgery outcome.
Saline Breast Implants Pros and Cons
Saline breast implants are filled with saline, or sterile water, after insertion.
Pros
- They’re one of the cheapest types of implants.
- They require a smaller incision, which means less scarring
- You can catch ruptures quickly as your breasts deflate in the event of a rupture
Cons
- Saline implants tend to be firmer, which can make them feel less like natural breasts
- Ruptures are slightly more likely
- They weigh slightly more than silicone gel implants, which can cause discomfort and drooping
Silicone Gel Implants
Silicone gel implants are filled with silicone gel, a substance meant to feel like human fat, prior to insertion.
Pros
- They are among the most natural-looking implants
- They feel more like natural breasts than other options
- Since November of 2006, all silicone gel implants are made with highly cohesive gel, which is less likely to run in the event of a rupture
Cons
- They’re more expensive than saline implants
- They require a longer incision, which can lead to more scarring
- They come in a variety of shapes, so you can customize the shape to your body type
The Shell and Shape: Pros and Cons of Breast Impants
The implant type isn’t the only thing you should consider when choosing implants. There’s also the size and shape, as well as the outer shell.
Shell
When getting implants, you can choose from either smooth or textured shells.
Textured shells allow for more diversity in terms of shape as they can be round or teardrop-shaped. However, they also may feel thicker and less natural than smooth shells.
Smooth implants do have a much more natural feel and look. They’re also less linked to cancer than textured implants (more on cancer risks below). However, smooth implants may be more prone to sliding, especially for women with convex or concave breast bones.
Shape
Round implants are generally the less costly option. Plus, if they move or shift with time, it’s less noticeable. However, some women find round implants look less natural overall.
Contoured or shaped implants, sometimes called teardrop implants, have a more oval appearance. Many women find they look more natural. If contoured implants shift with time, however, it can create an asymmetrical appearance.
Potential Health Risks
One thing to consider when choosing implants is potential health risks.
Recent studies show breast implants may be linked to a cancer known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). However, the link has yet to be proven and the implant most closely associated with this cancer was pulled from the market.
If you’re at a higher risk of cancer you may want to reconsider implants. Instead, you can look into a breast lift or implant-free augmentation.
Conclusion
When it comes to deciding on breast implants, everyone’s body is different. However, breast augmentation can provide an invaluable boost to your self-esteem when you go into the procedure confident about your decision.
Breast implants have among the highest satisfaction rates in terms of plastic surgery. So, with a little time and research, you should be able to find the right implants for you.
If you think augmentation is right for you, Dr. Leif Rogers is an Ivy League-educated, board-certified surgeon and a standing member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He’s dedicated to working one-on-one with every single patient to discuss their desired outcome and determine the most appropriate procedure. If you’re ready to get started, get in touch with us today.
