Factors to Consider When Selecting Breast Implants

Choosing the type of breast implant for your breast augmentation procedure can be a difficult decision. Many choices exist, and each implant type has its benefits. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Debra Johnson, can help you decide which breast implant will give you the bust you desire during your one-on-one consultation.

Some factors you may want to consider when weighing your breast implant options include:

The “Feel” of Breast Implant Types

Saline breast implants are FDA-approved for individuals 18 and older, while silicone implants are approved for 22 and up. The feel of silicone implants after breast augmentation closely mimics natural breast tissue, but many people can’t tell the difference between silicone and saline implants on feel alone. However, saline implants may feel stiffer. IDEAL saline implants are also available; these offer the safety of saline but include inner baffles for a feel closer to that of silicone.

Your Current Breast Size

The size of your given breasts will influence your decision. Those with a B-cup or larger can benefit from silicone or saline implants because there is ample breast tissue. If you have A-cup breasts, you may be happiest with silicone implants because you may feel saline implants under the skin’s surface if there’s not enough native breast tissue in the area. Saline implants are inflated after being placed in the breasts and often sit higher on the chest with a firmer feel, increasing the risk of visible implant rippling in patients with less breast tissue or thin skin.

Your base diameter is the most important measurement for implant size. You should not place an implant wider than your natural breast as that tends to look unnatural or deformative. Higher-profile implants are best for women who want larger augmentations, but there is always a limit to what a particular woman can have.

Your body proportions, posture and skin elasticity will help determine the best implant type for you. Large implants can speed up breast sagging and lead to back and shoulder pain in less elastic skin.

Dr. Johnson will advise you on the range of implants that will “fit” your breasts and create a natural and long-lasting result.

Breast Implant Costs and Potential Complications

Saline implants often cost less because it is more expensive for the manufacturers to bring silicone implants to market. That does not mean that silicone is better. There are pros and cons to each implant type.

Your everyday activities can cause implants to fold or bend, which may lead to implant ruptures. Ruptures in saline implants are visible because your body absorbs the saline, causing your breast size to decrease. A silicone implant rupture requires medical imaging because the cohesive silicone gel sticks together and remains in the breast scar capsule. Dr. Johnson recommends an MRI five years after breast augmentation with silicone implants to check on the shell’s integrity and make sure it hasn’t ruptured. Smooth textured silicone implants offer more accurate MRI checks.

Breast implants come with a lifetime warranty. If you experience a complication within 10 years of your breast augmentation, the manufacturer may cover some surgical costs to replace the implant. However, implants only need to be replaced if they fail. Many people enjoy their breast implants for decades without issue.

Contact Dr. Debra Johnson About Breast Implants

Dr. Johnson is a board-certified plastic surgeon who will discuss your breast implant options during your consultation at our Sacramento office. Call or email today to schedule your appointment.