What Are the Different Types of Breast Implants?
There are several distinctive differences between saline gel and silicone breast implants. Before making a final decision, it’s important for patients to understand these differences so they can form accurate expectations. Some basic information about breast implant types:
Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants are comprised of an exterior silicone shell and interior containing a salt-water like substance. They are typically filled after placement by the doctor to help establish symmetry. Since they are often inserted empty, the incision required may be smaller. Saline breast implants are the most common type used, and they are available to patients 18 years of age or older.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants also have a silicone shell; however, the interior is comprised of a thick synthetic gel that often contributes to a natural-looking appearance and texture. Silicone implants are less prone to rippling, and therefore may be a good option for thinner body types. The latest versions of silicone implants are FDA-approved for women 22 years of age or older as well as breast reconstruction patients of any age.
Natrelle® 410 Cohesive Gel (“Gummy Bear”) Breast Implants
The Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-Filled Breast Implants are sometimes referred to as “Gummy Bear” implants. They are composed of a form-stable silicone gel that is able to hold its shape. Many women opt for Natrelle® 410s because they often provide a very natural look and feel. Natrelle® 410 breast implants are approved by the FDA and can be very effective for establishing a consistent shape, particularly in the upper pole regions of the breasts.
Natrelle® INSPIRA Gel Breast Implants
Allergan designed Natrelle® INSPIRA cohesive silicone gel breast implants to help give patients a fuller, rounder breast implant shape. Compared to Natrelle® Classic Round implants, the INSPIRA models are more fully filled, which allows for greater breast volume and a soft feel. The cohesive nature of the gel and fullness of the implant also has the added benefit of reducing the potential for rippling and the possibility of implant rupture. The Natrelle® INSPIRA line of silicone implants now comes in three different cohesivities—ranging from “gummy,” to “gummier,” to “gummiest”—with the Natrelle® INSPIRA Responsive Gel Implant, Natrelle® INSPIRA Soft Touch Implant, and the Natrelle® INSPIRA Cohesive Implant, respectively. The shape and fullness is better maintained the more cohesive the implant. The type of Natrelle® INSPIRA implant chosen will be based on your aesthetic goals, as well as your body structure. INSPIRA implants also come with a textured or smooth shell depending on the anatomical needs and goals of the patient. For further customization of implantation results, INSPIRA implants are available in a range of sizes and profiles.
In addition to these four distinctive types, breast implants come in an array of sizes and shapes. Your physician will go into further detail about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of implant during a consultation to help you determine which one best fits your individual goals.