Lewis Plastic Surgery: Gordon Lewis, MD
2331-A Robious Station Circle
Midlothian, VA 23113
(804) 267-6009
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m.

Breast Implant Types: Beyond Saline & Silicone

What type of breast implants will you choose? If you think the only decision you’ll have to make is between saline and silicone, you’re mistaken. When it comes to choosing implants a lot of different options are available. Don’t worry, this isn’t a decision you’ll have to make alone. Dr. Lewis will work closely with you to choose the implant that is right for your body and your aesthetic goals. Let’s take a quick look at some of the options you’ll have for your breast augmentation.

Size: Big, Small, or In Between?

With breast implants, size does matter. The size of implants used during your surgery will impact the size of your breast once the operation is complete. The implant used will largely depend on your personal preferences. What size breasts are you trying to achieve? Dr. Lewis will choose an appropriately sized implant for your breast augmentation whether you’re looking to become a 36B or 38DD.

Fill: Saline or Silicone?

There are two primary choices for implants: saline and silicone. Saline implants have a silicone shell that is filled with a saline solution. With saline implants it is easy to spot a leak as the fluid will naturally absorb into the body as the implant deflates. These implants can be used in patients 18 and over.

Silicone implants have a silicone shell and are filled with a silicone gel. If silicone implants break you probably won’t notice since the implant will not collapse. If you choose silicone you may need regular screening (MRI or ultrasound) to make sure your implant stays intact. Silicone implants have a very natural look and feel and tend to be lighter than a similarly sized saline implant. These implants can be used on patients 22 and older.

Outer Shell Texture: Smooth or Textured?

One of the biggest potential complications with breast augmentation is a condition known as capsular contracture. This occurs when the capsule (or pocket) surrounding the implant tightens and hardens causing the breast to feel more firm and sometimes causing pain or distortion. Some textured implants have been shown to slightly reduce the risk of capsular contracture but may be associated with a health condition called BIA-ALCL. You can learn more about textured implants and BIA-ALCL from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Smooth implants have a natural, soft feel. These implants can move about the implant pocket for more natural movement. Talk with Dr. Lewis about the advantages of each implant type and find out which he would recommend for you.

Shape: Round or Tear-Drop?

Round breast implants tend to provide a perkier, fuller look for the breasts. Since they are uniformly round there is little risk of the implant slipping out of place. Shaped implants provide a more natural look, but can occasionally rotate out of place and leave the breast looking distorted.

In addition to these decisions, many women also choose to combine their breast augmentation with a breast lift to address breast sagging or with a tummy tuck to better contour the entire trunk of the body.

When you’re ready to make the implant decision, come see Dr. Lewis. He’ll help you navigate through the tricky waters of saline and silicone, round and shaped to choose the perfect implants for your new figure. Call us today at (804) 267-6009 or request a consultation using our online form!

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