Which Type of Breast Implants Should I Get?
There are many different “types” of breast implants, but usually when people refer to a “type” of breast implant, they are talking about the material. For your breast augmentation with Dr. Stevens, you can choose between the following options for your breast implant material. Each has its own pros and cons that can help you choose which is best for your needs.
Saline Implants
Saline implants have a silicone shell and are filled with a saltwater solution. They can produce a firm and round appearance and are often chosen for their versatility, availability, and affordable nature.
Pros:
- FDA approved for adults as young as 18
- Can be filled after insertion, which leads to flexible sizing and less scarring
- Most affordable implant type
- Greatest versatility for incision technique
Cons:
- Less natural look and feel
- More likely to show rippling
- More likely to leak and deflate
- Leakage can be immediately noticeable depending on the rate of deflation
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants have a silicone shell and are filled with silicone gel. They are currently the most popular implant type due in large part to their tendency to produce a natural look and feel.
Pros:
- Natural look and feel
- Lower rupture rate than saline implants
- Lower chance of wrinkling and visible rippling
- More options in terms of implant shape, profile, texture, etc.
- Longer lasting than saline implants
Cons:
- More expensive than saline
- Pre-filled means that larger incisions are required and sizing cannot be adjusted during surgery
- FDA approved only for patients ages 22 and older
- Rupture may only be detected by MRI
Natrelle INSPIRA® Smooth Cohesive Round Gel Breast Implants
Natrelle INSPIRA® Smooth Cohesive Round Gel Breast Implants are prefilled with a highly cohesive silicone gel in a high gel-fill ratio. They are newly approved by the FDA and are designed to maintain their shape and fullness with a low wrinkling/rippling rate and a soft feel.
Pros:
- Can produce the fullest roundness
- Maintain a soft, natural feel like other silicone implants
- May retain better shape in the upper pole of the breasts
- Because of its solid fill, no gel migration has ever been observed
Cons:
- Most expensive implant type
- Pre-filled means that larger incisions are required and sizing may be less accurate
- FDA approved for patients ages 22 and older
IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants
The new IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants are saline-filled implants with multiple chambers. The design adds structure to the implants to improve the feel with the safety of saline over silicone gel.
Pros:
- Internal structure controls saline movement to mimic a natural feel
- Lower chance of rupture than traditional saline implants
- No “silent rupture” as with silicone implants
- Lower rate of capsular contracture than silicone implants
- Can use a smaller surgical incision for reduced scarring
Cons:
- Leakage may be immediately noticeable depending on the rate of deflation
- Deflation produces a noticeable deformity that lasts until corrective surgery is performed
- May have an increased failure rate over time due to additional shells within the implant
- Newness (FDA approved since 2014) means their longevity is unproven
In terms of popularity, most women choose silicone implants. However, any of the other options included here could be better for your needs. It all depends on what factors matter most to you. Consider these pros and cons and consult Dr. Stevens for his opinion, and you will be able to make an educated choice that will lead to the best results for your breast augmentation.
Dr. Stevens can help you understand the details of the differences between breast implant types and help you draw the best conclusions for your needs. To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Stevens, please call us at 310.556.1003 or fill out our online contact form today.
