Choosing Breast Implants

Reviewed by Michael Olding, MD, FACS

Breast implants come in many varieties, including:

• Implant surface: smooth or textured
• Implant shape: round or shaped
• Implant profile: how far the implant protrudes
• Implant size or volume: size typically ranges from 120 to 850 cc
• Implant filler: saline or silicone
• Implant material: "anatomy" of the implant

The type of breast implant you choose is based on your profile and increased-size goals, as well as other individual and anatomical factors. For example, you may want to restore your breasts to a pre-pregnancy or pre-breast feeding appearance (which may mean that you will also need a breast lift to treat the sagging appearance), or increase the size of genetically smaller breasts.

Important Factors about Breast Implant Choices

The surface of the implant is important for a number of reasons. Implants with textured surfaces were designed to reduce the chance of capsular contraction. However, textured implants are more likely to be visible through the skin, depending on the implant placement.

The shape, profile, and volume of the implant should be selected based on your breast-line goals. These factors are also affected by the implant placement. For example, a contoured breast shape may appear more rounded if the implant is placed in the full submuscular or partial submuscular position. Shell thickness may also be an important consideration depending on placement.

Putting the Pieces Together to Make Your Choice

Making a choice may seem overwhelming when you first investigate all the factors involved. Here is a good way to start putting the pieces together:

• Implant Anatomy fills you in on choices of material.
• Saline vs. Silicone helps you understand these two main types of implant filler.
• Implant Placement explains why certain locations for the implant work better for certain situations.
• Implant Incision describes scarring differences and other incision concerns.
• Two articles, Side Effects and Complications, help you understand various risks.

Surgical decisions such as placement and incision have an impact on the outcome of your surgery. That is why it is so important to discuss your options with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with breast augmentation surgery with breast implants. Your doctor can help you choose the implant and placement that best suit your condition and your goals.

[page updated June 2008]