Types of Breast Implants
Breast Implants
When planning to get a breast implant it is essential to discuss the matter thoroughly with the plastic surgeon that will perform the procedure. It is not a real complicated process, but there are many different choices available. Sometimes a cosmetic surgeon will prefer a certain type of breast implant and other times they will leave the entire choice up to the woman having the breast implant. They are very qualified to make some suggestions as to which type of material, shape, or textured implant might work best in any given situation. The Short Hills plastic surgeon will be very supportive in helping to make this choice.
Saline or Silicone Fillers
Once the decision has been made to undergo surgery, the type of breast implant will need to be selected. There are two different types of implants that are approved by the FDA for breast augmentations: saline implants and silicone implants. Each of these can have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. They are different in their consistency, material and how they are implanted. The surgical procedure for implanting a saline breast implant is to insert the empty implant shell into the prepared cavity and then filling it with saline. The procedure for implanting the silicone implant is to make a larger incision in order to implant the gel filled prosthetic breast. Advantages of the silicone implant include looking and feeling more like a normal breast whereas saline filled implants can be less natural in appearance although there are ways to enhance their appearance.
Shapes of Breast Implants
Implants are available in two shapes: contoured or round. Contoured were originally designed for use in a breast reconstruction but have recently begun to be used in various other cosmetic procedures. The shape of a contoured breast implant has a tear drop shape which simulates the natural shape of the breast. However, there are other ways of obtaining a natural look since a round shaped implant can be placed under muscle to help create a more natural appearance. The surface of a round implant is smooth and is among the most common used for breast augmentations across North America. When placed over muscle they can provide a distinct cleavage and a fuller appearance. When they are placed under muscle they will have a very natural looking shape. Round implants are available in many different sizes in order to accommodate the varying body sizes and builds of women.
Textures of Breast Implants
Both a silicone and a saline implant have an outer shell which is made of a special rubber or silicone elastomer. The surface is either rough or smooth. Most of the time a plastic surgeon will use the smooth implant since they will exhibit a more natural appearance than a textured implant. The textured implant will have an irregular surface which is actually designed to help it in place. Scar tissue will form around the implant to keep it from moving around in the pocket which keeps it from being displaced. In most cases, a textured surface is used with a contoured implant so that the teardrop shape does not become distorted.
Newest Options Available
Sometimes it can be very difficult for women to decide what size of breasts they want to gain from a breast augmentation. Plastic surgeons can now use a post-operative adjustable saline breast implant. This special design will allow the surgeon to make changes in the size of the breast for up to six months following the breast augmentation. After the surgery, a removable fill tube is temporarily attached to the implant. The NJ surgeon can increase the breast size by injecting more fluid into the breast; or he can remove liquid to reduce the size depending on the woman’s personal preference. This allows some flexibility in case the patient decides the breasts are too large or uncomfortable, or that they are not large enough.
Saline or Silicone Fillers
Once the decision has been made to undergo surgery, the type of breast implant will need to be selected. There are two different types of implants that are approved by the FDA for breast augmentations: saline implants and silicone implants. Each of these can have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. They are different in their consistency, material and how they are implanted. The surgical procedure for implanting a saline breast implant is to insert the empty implant shell into the prepared cavity and then filling it with saline. The procedure for implanting the silicone implant is to make a larger incision in order to implant the gel filled prosthetic breast. Advantages of the silicone implant include looking and feeling more like a normal breast whereas saline filled implants can be less natural in appearance although there are ways to enhance their appearance.
Shapes of Breast Implants
Implants are available in two shapes: contoured or round. Contoured were originally designed for use in a breast reconstruction but have recently begun to be used in various other cosmetic procedures. The shape of a contoured breast implant has a tear drop shape which simulates the natural shape of the breast. However, there are other ways of obtaining a natural look since a round shaped implant can be placed under muscle to help create a more natural appearance. The surface of a round implant is smooth and is among the most common used for breast augmentations across North America. When placed over muscle they can provide a distinct cleavage and a fuller appearance. When they are placed under muscle they will have a very natural looking shape. Round implants are available in many different sizes in order to accommodate the varying body sizes and builds of women.
Textures of Breast Implants
Both a silicone and a saline implant have an outer shell which is made of a special rubber or silicone elastomer. The surface is either rough or smooth. Most of the time a plastic surgeon will use the smooth implant since they will exhibit a more natural appearance than a textured implant. The textured implant will have an irregular surface which is actually designed to help it in place. Scar tissue will form around the implant to keep it from moving around in the pocket which keeps it from being displaced. In most cases, a textured surface is used with a contoured implant so that the teardrop shape does not become distorted.
Newest Options Available
Sometimes it can be very difficult for women to decide what size of breasts they want to gain from a breast augmentation. Plastic surgeons can now use a post-operative adjustable saline breast implant. This special design will allow the surgeon to make changes in the size of the breast for up to six months following the breast augmentation. After the surgery, a removable fill tube is temporarily attached to the implant. The NJ surgeon can increase the breast size by injecting more fluid into the breast; or he can remove liquid to reduce the size depending on the woman’s personal preference. This allows some flexibility in case the patient decides the breasts are too large or uncomfortable, or that they are not large enough.