TL;DR:
- Type of Filling: Silicone implants offer a natural look and feel, are durable, and have high patient satisfaction. Saline implants involve smaller incisions and safe leakage but may appear less natural. Mixed-fill (Baker’s expanders) combine silicone’s natural feel with saline’s adjustability.
- Shape: Round implants create fullness and lift; suited for full cleavage. Anatomical implants mimic natural breast shape; ideal for a subtle, natural appearance.
- Surface: Smooth implants allow natural movement with reduced skin creasing, suitable for thicker breast tissue. Textured implants provide stability and are better for thin tissue or reconstructions.
- Size Selection: Implant size should match body structure, weight, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals for proportion and symmetry.
- Consultation: An experienced plastic surgeon and tools like simulations help select optimal implants aligned with patient expectations.
Choosing breast implants is a crucial step in the breast augmentation process. The right type and size of implants are fundamental to achieving a harmonious and natural result that meets your expectations. It is therefore very important to enlist the help of an experienced plastic surgeon who will not only perform the procedure professionally from a technical point of view, but also choose the size and type of implants accordingly.
Breast implants filled with silicone gel or saline solution?
When choosing breast implants, one of the key aspects is the type of filling. The most popular options are breast implants filled with silicone gel and saline solution. Each option, of course, has stronger and weaker points, so it is worth discussing the choice with your surgeon.
Silicone implants
It is now common to use implants filled with silicone gel, a thick, flexible substance that makes the breasts soft and natural to the touch. Its appearance is more similar to that of natural breasts, making them often preferred by patients who want to achieve a realistic effect. The silicone gel is stable and maintains its shape, which translates into implant longevity. In a study conducted by the American Society for Plastic Surgery (ASPS), breast implants filled with silicone gel were found to give a more natural visual effect and better tactile sensation compared to implants filled with saline solution. The aforementioned studies indicated a high level of patient satisfaction with silicone implants.
Saline solution implants
Implants filled with saline solution are placed in the patient's body and then filled with the liquid to the desired size. This type of implant has several advantages, such as a smaller incision in the implant area, so the risk of scarring is minimized. In case of a possible implant leak, the saline solution is safe for the body. The third available solution is mixed-fill implants, or so-called Baker's expanders. They contain silicone gel, additionally surrounded by a layer of saline. This solution was introduced to achieve certain advantages of both types of implants. The silicone gel provides flexibility and a natural effect, while the additional saline filling allows the volume of the implants to be adjusted once they are placed in the patient's body. This is important for the plastic surgeon, who has control over achieving optimal proportions. Baker's expanders can be particularly beneficial for patients who need to adjust the size of their implants during the breast augmentation process, such as when nipple reconstruction and breasts are involved.
Round or anatomical implants?
The decision to choose between round or anatomical implants is an important step in the breast augmentation process. Both types of implants have their own distinctive features to consider in order to achieve the result you dream of. [read more url="https://otcoclinic.com/offer/breast-augmentation/" text="Breast implants – anatomical or round?"].
Round implants
Round implants are symmetrical around the axis and provide evenly filled breasts. They are characterized by a fuller appearance in the upper part of the breast, which can create a breast lift effect. Their placement in the body is simpler, as there is less risk of unevenness. Thus, they allow an effect similar to breast lift and achieve full cleavage.
Anatomical implants
Anatomical implants, also known as pointed or shaped implants, have a natural shape that mimics the anatomy of natural breasts. They are narrower at the top and have a slightly drooping shape to mimic the natural drooping of the breasts. They are ideal for patients who strive for a very natural look. Anatomical implants can be particularly beneficial for patients with low body weight or low levels of body fat, as they allow for a harmonious effect.
Smooth or textured implants?
Another decision to be made before breast augmentation is the choice of implant surface: smooth and textured implants are available.
Smooth implants
They are characterized by a smooth surface, which allows the implant to move freely within the tissue capsule of the breast. This type of implant can provide a more natural breast movement and appearance, especially when moving. Their surface can also reduce the risk of skin creasing, which is important especially with thin breast tissue. Smooth implants may be more beneficial in patients with good breast tissue coverage who do not need the additional "clinging" effect of an implant.
Textured implants
Textured implants have a fine texture on the surface, which prevents the implant from moving and minimizes the risk of swelling of the tissue capsule. They tend to "adhere" to the breast tissue, which can help keep the implant stable. These types of implants are often used in patients with thin breast tissue or those opting for breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
What size implants to choose?
Deciding on the right size of breast implants is one of the key steps in the breast augmentation process. The right choice is based on a thorough understanding of one's expectations and consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon.
Body structure
The size, bone structure and width of the chest will affect the final outcome of breast augmentation. It is important that the implants are proportional to your figure to achieve a harmonious appearance.
Size and weight
Patients of larger weight and size can choose implants of a larger size while still maintaining a natural appearance. For patients of lesser weight, implants of too large a size may appear unnatural, and not every woman wants this effect.
Expectations and lifestyle
When choosing implant size, it is important to consider your appearance and lifestyle expectations. Do you prefer a subtle augmentation or a more striking effect? Is physical activity important to you, which may affect the comfort of wearing larger implants?
Proportion and symmetry
A good plastic surgeon will take care of symmetry and balance, not only between the breasts, but also the entire figure. Differences in the size or shape of the breasts can be corrected by choosing the right size of implants.
Consultation with a surgeon
A consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon is a key step in choosing implant size. The surgeon can use visualization technologies, such as implant samples or computer simulations, to help you see how different sizes will look on your figure. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures for a reason. To be satisfied with the result, it's very important to consult with an experienced surgeon who will select the right implants for the patient's expectations and figure.
Conclusion
Choosing the right breast implants is about balancing your goals, body structure, and lifestyle. Silicone, saline, round, or anatomical—each option offers unique benefits tailored to individual preferences. Partnering with an experienced surgeon ensures expert advice, proper implant selection, and personalized results. Remember, this process is as much about achieving aesthetic harmony as it is about your comfort and confidence. With the right guidance, you can make choices that align with your vision and enhance your natural beauty. Make informed decisions, and trust the process for results you'll truly appreciate.
