The Ultimate Guide to Breast Implant Options

Silcone vs. Saline

“Saline Implants consist of a silicone outer shell filled with sterile saltwater, or saline, solution,” says Glen Carbon, IL plastic surgeon Ryan Diederich, MD. “These implants can be filled to different sizes depending on the desired outcome, and the saline solution is absorbed harmlessly by the body if the implant ruptures.”

Silicone implants are made of a silicone outer shell filled with silicone gel inside says,” New York plastic surgeon Elie Levine, MD. “Silicone generally feels more natural and soft. Small saline implants can feel natural and soft, but when you start getting to moderate and large sizes, it begins to feel a little less natural.” The gel is less likely to ripple than saline implants. However, if they rupture, silicone gel can leak into the surrounding area and may require surgical removal.

The FDA-approved breast implant brands available in the United States are Allergan’s Natrelle, Mentor’s MemoryGel and Ideal Implant by Bimini Health Tech.

Gummy Bear Implants

Dr. Levine describes Gummy Bear implants as having a more cohesive gel inside, maintaining stability if the implant shell is compromised. “There are different levels of silicone in terms of how firm they are and how cohesive they are. The difference is that if you were to take a traditional silicone implant and cut it, it would be kind of gooey inside and if you were to cut a Gummy Bear implant, it would be formed stable.”

Risks Associated with Implants

The common risks associated with breast implants include infection, pain, scarring, and changes in nipple sensation. There is also a risk of capsular contracture, implant rupture or leakage, which may require additional surgery. “Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and contracts, potentially causing discomfort or distortion of the breast shape,” says Dr. Diederich. “Implant rupture or leakage can also occur and cause changes in breast size, shape or texture. In the case of a silicone implant, the leaked gel will need to be removed.”

Textured implants, once popular for reducing contracture risks, are now less favored due to their association with a rare type of cancer called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This is why today’s implant options are all smooth, round implants. “Very few people are using them anymore because of the risks,” says Tucson, AZ plastic surgeon Raman Mahabir, MD.

Some patients report symptoms associated with breast implant illness (BII), prompting discussions about implant removal. In July 2019, the FDA requested that manufacturers add a black box warning to breast implant labeling to highlight the risks of BIA-ALCL and BII and other potential complications such as implant rupture and capsular contracture. It aims to ensure patients are informed about these risks to facilitate informed decisions in consultation with healthcare providers.

How to Choose the Right Implant

Tuscon, AZ board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raman Mahabir emphasizes the importance of proper measurement and offers 3D imaging technology to simulate outcomes, aiding in choosing the right implant size and shape. “Your plastic surgeon will take the full measurements of your chest and breasts to get what’s called the footprint or the base diameter of your breasts,” he explains. “Everyone is different, so you have to respect the width of your chest or if you go bigger, you’re going to get side boob.”

Dr. Diederich says 3D imaging technology may also be used to simulate what different sizes and shapes of implants would look like on your body. “Together with your surgeon you can discuss the benefits and drawbacks of different options to help you choose the right size and style of implant for your body,” he says.

Implant Alternatives

For those preferring non-implant options, fat transfer involves transferring fat from areas like the thighs or abdomen to enhance breast size. It offers a less invasive option with potentially more natural results. “This involves taking fat from one part of the body, such as the thighs or abdomen, and injecting it into the breasts to increase their size,” adds Dr. Diederich. “However, the amount of fat that can be transferred is limited, so the increase in breast size may be subtle and take multiple procedures to obtain.”

Cost + Recovery

The cost of breast implants can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the geographic location of the surgery, the surgeon’s level of experience, and the type of implant used. The average cost of breast augmentation surgery is $4,294, according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, this figure does factor in other expenses such as anesthesia, facility fees, and follow-up appointments, which can add to the total cost.

Breast implant recovery can vary depending on several factors, including the type of implant surgery, the patient’s overall health, and the size and placement of the implants. “In general, patients can expect to experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising for a few weeks after surgery,” says Dr. Levine. “They may also need to limit certain activities, such as exercise and lifting heavy objects, for a week to ensure proper healing.”

Registering Your Implants

It is important for patients with implants to register them with the manufacturer and other regulatory agencies. “By doing so, you can be notified of any safety concerns or product recalls related to their implants,” says Dr. Levine. Additionally, keeping track of important information such as the implant type, size, and placement can help healthcare providers provide better care in case of complications or future surgeries.

Patients are encouraged to register implants with manufacturers for safety notifications and recalls. Tools like the Aesthetic One app facilitate tracking implant information and healthcare management.