Breast augmentation is still the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the world. It is designed to improve breast shape and size using silicone gel or saline implants. Our board-certified plastic surgeons are highly experienced with breast augmentation procedures and can provide you with the information you need to choose the right implant. There are a variety of types, sizes, and shapes to consider, and each type of implant has its own unique advantages. In addition to doctor recommendations, our state-of-the-art VECTRA^{^®} 3D Cosmetic Imaging technology can help patients visualize the potential results before undergoing the procedure for a general idea of what they can expect.

*This video contains nudity

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For more information about breast implants, please read the detailed sections below and/or contact us at Pinsky Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation. Our team looks forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Types of Breast Implants
What Breast Implant Shapes Are Available?
Choosing the Right Breast Implants for Me
Your Breast Implant Consultation

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
Silicone Breast Implants
Natrelle^{^®} 410 Cohesive Gel (“Gummy Bear”) Breast Implants
Natrelle^{^®} INSPIRA Gel Breast Implants

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.

Breast Implants Results

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What Breast Implant Shapes Are Available?

There are two main shape categories: round or teardrop (also called “shaped” or “anatomical”). Each implant shape offers specific aesthetic benefits that can help patients achieve their ideal look:

Round Implants

Round breast implants are the most common shape of breast implants, and they can be filled with saline, silicone gel, or cohesive silicone gel. Patients who choose round, symmetrical implants often do so to create more noticeable volume in the upper portion of the breast, while emphasizing lift and cleavage for a fuller, more shapely look.

Teardrop-Shaped Implants

Teardrop-shaped implants are designed to create a natural-looking breast enhancement result. These implants are fuller at the bottom and tapered at the top, which gives them their signature sloped side profile. This type of breast implant is always made from cohesive silicone gel to maintain its unique shape. To help prevent rotation of a teardrop-shaped implant (that would cause the breast shape to appear distorted), the surface is always textured.
Within these categories, there are a terrific number of varieties in size and projection, all of which will be covered in complete detail at the time of your consultation to ensure the appropriate decisions are made for the outcome you desire.

*This video contains nudity

How Do I Choose the Right Breast Implants for Me?

Choosing the implant that is just right for you can be fun and also challenging when there are so many to choose from. One of our physicians will work with you to define your goals, choose an implant type, and finally determine a size. While some patients want a “wow” effect, others are looking for more of a “keep them guessing” effect. Either way, we will help you evaluate options and create a surgical plan that meets your goals for beautiful breasts.

During the consultation, your doctor will provide examples of breast implant shapes and sizes and will likely use our VECTRA 3D Cosmetic Imaging system to simulate your body with the implants you are considering. While there is no way to completely predict the results, these models often provide a well-rounded understanding of what is possible. The 3D simulation is a bit like a hologram that is saved to your MyTouchMD portal and can be viewed from home.

Our physicians are happy to answer all your questions and will discuss the full range of breast implant options during your consultation. We encourage you to speak openly and honestly about your goals to help us give you the best possible result.

Preparing for Your Breast Implant Consultation

When you come to Pinsky Plastic Surgery for any type of breast surgery consultation, your physician will walk you through every stage of the evaluation and procedure planning process. Whether you are considering breast augmentation, breast lift with augmentation, breast revision, or breast reconstruction with implants, a portion of your consultation will be spent discussing the breast implant type, size, shape, projection, and texture that is best suited for accomplishing the look you desire. We have compiled a list of questions you may want to consider prior to your consultation with one of our doctors:

Do you want to increase your cup size? If so, how many cup sizes larger do you think you’d like to go?
Are you trying to restore depleted breast volume? If so, what was your former breast size and shape?
Do you want to balance the proportions of your figure with larger breasts?
Do you prefer a natural look or a more noticeable degree of breast enhancement?
Is there a picture that provides a good example of the goals you’d like to achieve?
Would you like to see added fullness in the upper portion of your breast? Would you like to enhance the appearance of your cleavage?
Do you want to focus on adding more volume to the lower portion of the breast for a more subtle “tear drop” shape?
Are you most interested in a natural-feeling implant?
Are you focused on minimizing the occurrence of potential breast implant complications (capsular contracture, implant rippling, implant rotation, etc.)?

You don’t need to have all of the answers ready when you meet with our team—if you have any questions or concerns about breast implants, your physician can draw upon their experience and expertise to give you the answers, options, and recommendations you are looking for. We strongly suggest reviewing our breast augmentation before-and-after photos to see the kind of results that are possible. Our photo gallery also contains additional images of patients who have undergone other breast surgeries that included the placement—and, in some cases, replacement—of breast implants.

Let’s Talk! Contact Pinsky Plastic Surgery

If you would like to learn more about breast implants and breast augmentation, or if you wish to schedule a consultation, please contact us today. We look forward to addressing any concerns and discussing treatment options.