Choosing your breast implants is an important decision in your breast augmentation journey. The best breast implants for you depends on your body type, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Let’s discuss the different types of breast implants so you can confidently make a decision on which breast implant is right for you.
Related: Moderate Profile Implants vs High Profile: Which Breast Implant Is Right for You?
What Are the Different Breast Implant Types?
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants contain a cohesive gel that feels similar to natural breast tissue. The gel maintains its shape even if the implant shell becomes damaged. Most patients find silicone implants provide the most natural feel and appearance.
These implants come pre-filled from the manufacturer. Placement of these implants typically requires a slightly larger surgical incision than saline implants. The incision is still relatively small and heals well in most patients.
Silicone implants are approved for patients age 22 and older for cosmetic breast augmentation. They require regular mammograms to ensure the implants remain intact over time.
Saline Implants
Saline implants contain sterile salt water. Saline naturally occurs in your body. The plastic surgeon fills them after placing the empty silicone shell in your breast pocket. This allows for a smaller surgical incision during the procedure.
If a saline implant ruptures, your body safely absorbs the saline solution. The affected breast becomes noticeably smaller, making ruptures easy to detect. You will need surgery to remove the deflated implant and replace it if desired.
Saline implants are approved for patients age 18 and older. Some patients prefer saline implants knowing that a rupture will be immediately obvious rather than requiring imaging to detect leakage as is needed for silicone implants.
Gummy Bear Implants
Gummy bear implants use a highly cohesive silicone gel. This firmer gel maintains its shape better than standard silicone. The implants are also form-stable, meaning they hold their shape over time and with the effects of gravity.
These breast implant types feel slightly firmer than traditional silicone implants. However, they provide excellent shape retention and natural-looking results. Many patients appreciate that these implants are less likely to have wrinkling or rippling of the implant that may become palpable or visible over time.
How to Compare Gummy Bear vs, Silicone vs. Saline Implants
Feel and Appearance Differences
Silicone implants typically feel more like natural breast tissue. The gel moves and compresses in ways that closely mimic your body’s own tissue. Patients with less natural breast tissue particularly notice this benefit. Gummy bear silicone implants may feel slightly firmer, but still feel soft and natural.
Saline implants feel firmer, especially in thinner patients. You might notice rippling or wrinkling more easily with saline. This visual appearance is less common with silicone implants due to the gel’s consistency and even less common with the gummy bear silicone implants.
The difference becomes less noticeable if you have more existing breast tissue. Your natural tissue provides coverage that reduces both visual and tactile differences between implant types.
Choosing between saline, silicone and gummy bear breast implants is a personal decision based on your preferences—there is no universally “right” choice for everyone..
Safety Considerations for Each Type
Both silicone vs saline implants are safe and approved by the FDA. Each type has different considerations if a rupture occurs. Saline ruptures are immediately obvious because the breast becomes smaller. The saline itself naturally occurs in our bodies and will not cause any harm to your body.
Silicone or gummy bear implant ruptures may not be immediately apparent. The FDA recommends regular imaging to check implant integrity. Mammograms, ultrasound or MRI can detect silent ruptures before they cause problems.
Modern silicone gel is cohesive and less likely to migrate if a rupture occurs. The gel tends to stay contained rather than spreading through your tissues. This represents a significant safety improvement over older silicone implants.
Longevity and Maintenance
All implant types can last many years with proper care. However, breast implants are not lifetime devices. Most plastic surgeons recommend being prepared for future implant replacement surgery at some point.
Saline implants may have slightly higher rupture rates compared to silicone. However, ruptures are easy to detect without special imaging. Silicone and gummy bear implants still require periodic monitoring even when you feel fine.
Your plastic surgeon will discuss realistic expectations for implant longevity. Factors like your activity level and body changes over time affect how long your implants last before replacement becomes necessary.
Understanding Breast Implant Sizes and Profiles
How Implant Volume Affects Your Results
Implant size is measured in cubic centimeters (cc). Larger numbers mean more volume and more enhancement. However, bigger is not always better when choosing the best breast implants for your body.
Your chest width limits how large you can go while maintaining natural proportions. Very large implants on a narrow chest look disproportionate. Your plastic surgeon measures your chest wall to determine appropriate size ranges.
Most patients choose implants between 300cc and 500cc. However, the right size depends entirely on your body proportions and desired outcome. Trying on different implant inserts into your bra during the consultation helps you visualize the potential outcome with different volumes. 3D Breast imaging is available in some plastic surgeon’s offices and can simulate different implant sizes on your existing breast to help you decide which size will help you meet your breast enhancement look.
Low, Moderate, and High Profile Options
Profile refers to how much the implant projects forward from your chest. Low profile implants are wider and flatter. High profile implants are narrower and project more prominently forward.
Moderate profile implants offer a balance between width and projection. These breast implant sizes and profiles suit most body types. They create natural-looking results without appearing too flat or too prominent.
High profile implants work well for patients with narrow chests who want significant volume. The narrower base fits your those with a narrower chest width while still providing noticeable size increase. Low profile implants suit patients who prefer a more subtle, natural appearance.
Width and Projection Considerations
Your natural breast width should guide implant width selection. Implants that extend beyond your natural breast footprint can look unnatural. They may also create visible edges that show through your skin.
Projection affects how your breasts look in profile. More projection creates a rounder, fuller appearance when viewed from the side. Less projection maintains a more subtle, natural slope.
During your consultation, detailed measurements will be taken. These measurements ensure the implant dimensions match your body proportions. Proper sizing creates results that look natural and feel comfortable.
Factors That Determine the Best Breast Implants for Your Body
Your Natural Chest Width and Frame
Chest width is one of the most important factors in choosing the right implant. Your ribcage sets physical limits on how wide an implant can be without extending beyond your natural breast tissue.
A plastic surgeon measures the distance between where your breast tissue starts and ends. This measurement determines the maximum implant width that looks natural on your body. Implants that are too wide create an unnatural appearance and potential complications.
Your overall frame size also matters. Petite patients often choose smaller implants to maintain proportion. Taller patients with broader shoulders can typically accommodate larger implants while still looking balanced.
Current Breast Tissue and Skin Quality
The amount of breast tissue you currently have is considered during breast implant selection. More existing tissue provides better coverage and a more natural appearance. Patients with less tissue may see or feel implant edges more easily.
Skin elasticity determines how well your tissue stretches to accommodate implants. Good elasticity allows for more breast augmentation options. Tight or thin skin may limit the size you can choose.
Previous pregnancies or significant weight changes affect tissue quality. Your plastic surgeon evaluates these factors during your physical examination. This assessment helps determine which breast implant types will work best with your existing breast tissue.
Lifestyle and Activity Level
Active lifestyles influence implant recommendations. Athletes and frequent gym-goers often prefer implants that do not interfere with movement. Your plastic surgeon considers your activities when recommending sizes and profiles.
Very large implants can affect your center of gravity and posture. They may cause back pain or shoulder discomfort during exercise. Choosing the right implant size helps you maintain your active lifestyle comfortably.
Consider your long-term plans for physical activity. Implants that feel comfortable during everyday activities should also work well during exercise. Your plastic surgeon can recommend implant options that support your lifestyle goals.
Desired Final Appearance and Goals
Your aesthetic goals drive many cosmetic surgery breast implants decisions. Some patients want noticeable enhancement that creates dramatic change. Others prefer subtle improvements that look completely natural.
Consider how you want to look in different clothing types. Fitted shirts show more implant shape than loose clothing. Swimwear reveals more of your breast profile than everyday outfits.
Bring photos to your consultation that show results you like. These images help your plastic surgeon understand your preferences. Clear communication about goals ensures you both work toward the same outcome.
How Breast Augmentation Options Fit Your Aesthetic Goals
Natural-Looking vs Dramatic Results
Natural results mean most people will not realize you had surgery. The implants enhance your existing shape without creating an obviously augmented appearance. This approach maintains your body’s natural proportions while adding volume.
Dramatic results create noticeable change that clearly shows enhancement. Some patients want their augmentation to be apparent. This decision is highly personal and depends entirely on your individual preferences and comfort level.
Your plastic surgeon’s before and after images can show you examples of different aesthetic outcomes. These comparisons can help you articulate your desired look. There is no right or wrong choice—only what feels right for you.
Placement Options That Affect Appearance
Implants can be placed above or below your chest muscle. Submuscular placement puts the implant under your pectoralis muscle. This provides more tissue coverage and creates a more gradual upper breast slope. This is often called the dual plane approach
Subglandular placement positions the implant above the muscle but below breast tissue. This placement creates more upper breast fullness. It may also involve slightly easier recovery since the muscle is not disturbed. This placement may be recommended if you are very physically active, engage in professional sports or have a very physically demanding job.
Placement affects how your breasts look, feel, and move. Your plastic surgeon can recommend the best placement for you based on your tissue characteristics and goals.
Customizing Your Cosmetic Surgery Breast Implants
Modern breast augmentation allows customization. You choose not only type and size but also the shape and profile.
Your plastic surgeon may use specialized techniques like scarless breast implants for minimal visible scarring. The surgical incision location affects your final appearance and scar visibility. Incision options for breast augmentation include under the breast (the crease incision), around the areola (the periareolar incision) or through the armpit (the transaxillary incision).
Every decision works together to create your final result. Taking time to understand your options leads to better satisfaction with your outcome. Your plastic surgeon guides you through each choice with recommendations based on your unique anatomy.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation With Dr. Adrian Lo
Finding the best breast implants requires expert guidance and careful planning. Dr. Adrian Lo provides personalized breast augmentation consultations for patients throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
During your appointment, Dr. Lo evaluates your anatomy and discusses your aesthetic goals. He will review with you the implant options that will achieve your desired outcome. His practice focuses on creating natural-looking results that enhance your confidence.
Schedule a consultation to begin your breast augmentation journey. Dr. Lo answers all your questions and helps you understand what to expect throughout the process.Visit Dr. Adrian Lo in Marlton to explore your breast augmentation options. His Philadelphia plastic surgery practice delivers high-quality care with attention to your individual needs and preferences.