Which Type of Breast Implant is Best for Me?
Across the globe, people frequently request breast augmentation surgery, making it a highly sought-after operation. It involves placing an implant over or under the chest muscle for better breast size and shape. However, the availability of numerous options makes it challenging to select the right kind of breast implant which suits an individual’s preferences.
Considering factors such as size and texture play a critical role. We will cover different types of breast implants, including their benefits and downsides, to help you make a wise decision.
What Are the Safest Types of Breast Implants?
You should note that there are always risks with any cosmetic surgery, which you need to discuss with your surgeon.
The safest types of breast implants are those:
- Approved by regulatory agencies in Australia, this is TGA (The Therapeutic Goods Administration)
- Made by reputable manufacturers
- Inserted by an experienced FRACS Surgeon
- Surgery is done in a fully accredited private hospital
- Breast Implant that is selected specifically for your tissues and body
Saline and silicone gel breast implants are the two types of breast implants approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia. Saline implants are filled with a sterile salt water or saline solution, whereas silicone gel implants are filled with silicone gel.
These have been extensively studied by surgeons, and are considered safe for most women. It is essential to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon with extensive experience in Breast augmentation. They should have a good track record in breast augmentation procedures.
Dr. Bernard has something to say about this. “As a surgeon, it’s my responsibility to discuss with my patients the pros and cons of various implant types while helping them find the ideal breast implant for them,” This is ideally one important factor every patient needs to consider.
Moreover, regular breast exams and follow-up appointments are vital for every patient. This ensures that potential complications are monitored to achieve safe and satisfying results.
Breast Implant Types Options Available for You
When looking forward to breast augmentation in Newcastle, there is much to consider before making the final decision. First, you’ll need to choose the right breast implant type, followed by the right size and shape. So, let’s explore your breast implant options and help you make an informed decision.
Breast Implant Types
Before choosing a breast implant that suits you, it is ideal to understand your breast implants and the surgery options available for you. Here we’ll look at the types of implants available and approved by TGA.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water solution and are available in different shapes, sizes, and textures. In addition, they require a smaller incision than silicone implants. One significant advantage of saline implants is that the breast tissue harmlessly absorbs the sterile salt water if they rupture.
Another notable advantage of a saline implants is that they are more affordable and can be adjusted easily for symmetry during surgery.
This doesn’t mean they are entirely safe and risk-free. They come with several potential drawbacks. They do not feel as natural as their silicone counterparts.
Saline implants are also prone to rippling. If this happens, the saline implant and shell wrinkles causing noticeable folds on the breast surface.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel which feels more like “natural” breast tissue. Silicon gel is thick and sticky and mimics the human fat feel. One significant benefit of silicone implants is their lower risk of deflation.
On the downside, they are more expensive than saline implants and call for regular monitoring. There are two monitoring options availed to patients: Ultrasound or MRI screening. The surgeon can use these to assess the patient’s breast condition.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
Gummy bear breast implants are a type of silicone implant made of a thicker, more cohesive gel than traditional silicone implants. They are designed to maintain shape and provide a natural look and feel.
Gummy bear breast implants are suited for women looking for breast augmentation that looks and feels like “normal” breasts. They may be a good option for women with thin breast tissue, as the cohesive gel helps prevent rippling and skin wrinkling.
Benefits of gummy bear breast implants include:
- Natural look and feel
- Reduced risk of rippling and wrinkling
- Long-lasting results
- Lower risk of implant rupture
Disadvantages of gummy bear breast implants include:
- Higher cost than traditional silicone or saline implants
- More invasive surgery required to insert the implant
- They may require a longer recovery time due to the size and shape of the implant placement
Breast Implant Shapes
Here, we will look at two main shapes available for you; round and teardrop (anatomical).
Round Implants
Just like round shape the name describes, round implants are round. They are also very smooth on the outside. These implants are common to women seeking a fuller or more upper pole appearance creating a “natural” cleavage. They are also lower chances for them to rotate or move around within the placed breast pocket.
Teardrop (Anatomical) Breast Implants
Teardrop implants are designed to mimic a natural breast shape and are generally micro-textured. They feature a thick bottom and thinner upper part, which provides a more subtle slope. They are perfect for addressing shape issues and ‘filling’ the breast. It’s important to note that they have a higher rotation risk which can lead to a distorted appearance.
Breast Implant Textures
There are two main texture variations for breast implants in Sydney: smooth and textured.
Smooth Implants
These have a smooth surface which allows them to move freely within the breast pocket. Smooth implants are made of a slippery shiny silicon shell that does not attach to its surrounding breast tissue.
Textured Implant
Textured implants feature a rough, thick silicone shell, similar to a soft rubber sandpaper. The textured natures help them attach to the breast tissue preventing them from moving around the breast pocket. As a result, they are less likely to rotate.
There are two types of textured breast implants; Macro-textured and micro-textured. TGA only allows the use of micro-textured breast implants in Australia. Macro-textured implants were banned as they pose a higher risk of BIA-ALCL.
Breast Implant Size
This is another choice you’ll need to make when choosing a breast implant type. Breast implant size varies depending on individual preferences. Every patient must consult their surgeon to help them select an implant size that gives them a desired look while still fitting comfortably with their body.
There are small to large implants. Ideally, small-sized implants range from 150 to 200cc, while large implants go beyond 400cc. Your torso and physique dimensions determine how small or large an implant should be.
For instance, a 400cc might be very large on a more petite body but look better and more “natural” on taller patients. In addition, choosing the right type will help you avoid complications like back pain, changes in nipple breast sensation, and more that huge breasts could bring.
Implant Placement Pocket
Breast implants can be created in different locations within the breast tissue. There are three basic placement options:
- Submuscular
- Subglandular
- Dual plane
Submuscular
For this placement option, the implant is placed behind the chest muscle, mostly the pectoral muscle, providing additional tissue. It is ideal for women with minimal natural breast tissue since it allows for a more “natural” look. Submuscular also reduces the risk of visible implant rippling. It is important to note that the results will vary from one patient to the other.
Subglandular
This is the implant placement in front of the chest muscle but behind the breast tissue. It is ideal for patients with enough natural breast tissue to cover the implant. The procedure is fast enough, considering there is less to no disturbance of the muscles during surgery. It also tends to recover faster compared to submuscular implants.
Dual Plane Placement Option
This is a combination of both submuscular and sub-glandular placement. The implant is generally placed behind the chest muscle at the upper pole of the breast and in front of the breast tissue at the lower pole of the breast.
Your Breast Implant Consultation with Dr. Bernard Beldholm
Selecting the ideal type and surgical technique of breast implant may seem daunting, yet choosing wisely is essential to reaching your desired result. Dr. Bernard Beldholm is an experienced specialist surgeon performing breast augmentation in Sydney; during your consultation, he will outline all available options before helping you select one best suited to your needs and desired result.
Breast augmentation surgery is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure to help women attain the breast size and shape they desire. Selecting an implant that best meets your body type and surgical techniques that minimise risks is key to ensuring a positive experience and the desired result without complications. Dr. Bernard Beldholm will help determine your best option so that you receive the optimal results possible. Book a consultation in Newcastle or Sydney today.
References
- Chiemi, J. A., & Kelishadi, S. S. (2022c). A Rationale for Micro-textured Breast Implant Augmentation. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 4.
- Rocco, N., Rispoli, C., Moja, L., Amato, B., Iannone, L., Testa, S., Spano, A., Catanuto, G., Accurso, A., & Nava, M. B. (2016b). Different types of implants for reconstructive breast surgery. The Cochrane Library, 2016(5).
- Nelson, J. A., McCarthy, C. M., Dabic, S., Polanco, T. O., Chilov, M., Mehrara, B. J., & Disa, J. J. (2021b). BIA-ALCL and Textured Breast Implants: A Systematic Review of Evidence Supporting Surgical Risk Management Strategies. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 147(5S), 7S-13S.
- Adams, W. M., & McKee, D. (2016). Matching the Implant to the Breast. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 138(5), 987–994.
- Karabeg, R., Jakirlic, M., Karabeg, A., Crnogorac, D., & Aslani, I. (2019). The New Method of Pocket Forming for Breast Implant Placement in Augmentation Mammaplasty: Dual Plane Subfascial. Medicinski Arhiv, 73(3), 178.
- Hamas, R. S. (1999). The Postoperative Shape of Round and Teardrop Saline-filled Breast Implants. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 19(5), 369–374.
