TYPES OF BREAST IMPLANTS

Breast Implant Options at Longwood Plastic Surgery

Just like a woman’s body, breast implants come in many shapes, firmness, and sizes. Whether using breast implants for breast reconstruction or for cosmetic enhancement the physicians at Longwood Plastic Surgery pay close attention to each patient’s individual anatomy. This ensures that each woman has the implant that best matches their body and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, you will have an opportunity to see and feel the different types of implants. Together with your surgeon, you will select the implant most likely to give you the result you are hoping to attain.

Implant Shell

Smooth implants have a soft outer shell that allows the implant to move freely in the implant pocket. This may give them a more natural appearance. They have a tendency to be softer than their textured counterparts however and are more likely to show wrinkling and to descend over time.

Textured implants have a rough outer shell that increases the friction coefficient. This helps the implant to remain more stable in the pocket. Textured devices, in certain circumstances, help decrease the risk of capsular contracture.

Implant Fill

Silicone gel comes in different levels of cohesiveness meaning some silicone gel is softer and some are firmer. Much like breast tissue which varies in firmness.

Saline implants are made with the same shell as silicone-filled implants but are filled with sterile saltwater. If a saline implant leaks the body absorbs the saline and the other shell collapses inside the breast pocket. Saline implants tend to feel less natural. The edges are more likely to be seen especially in thin women or women with little breast tissue.

Implant Shape

Round implants have no top or bottom, they can spin and move in the implant pocket without distorting the breast shape.

Shaped implants have a top and a bottom, the bottom will have more volume and projection just like a natural breast. They are designed to be stiffer so they don’t move in the implant pocket.

Breast Implant Safety

Breast implants do not impair breast health.

Careful reviews of scientific research found no link between breast implants and autoimmune or other systemic diseases.

Information on Breast Implant-Associated ALCL

Other Important Considerations:

• Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants
• Pregnancy, weight loss, and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime
• Breast augmentation requires regular examinations of your breasts’ health and to evaluate the condition of your breast implants