Breast augmentation is a life-changing procedure for many women, helping them attain or restore a beautiful breast contour and a head-turning figure. It employs implants that come in various shapes, sizes, and types. You may choose to combine it with other aesthetic procedures, including a breast lift and tummy tuck, in a mommy makeover.
Understanding how a breast enhancement can enhance your overall body outline and boost confidence and self-image starts with learning about implant materials. Continue reading to learn which implant type may be best for your body shaping goals.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants are typically in a smooth, round configuration. Your surgeon places them nearly empty, then fills them to a predetermined size. This technique allows for shorter incisions than may be possible with other implant options.
During the augmentation, a surgeon can adjust the volume of saline to provide an optimal size. This quality also gives saline implants an advantage in women whose breasts are significantly different in size.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone gel implants consist of a Silastic shell with a cohesive silicone filling. These implants help achieve pleasing breast augmentation, while making the breasts feel more natural.
Silicone implants usually come in a smooth, round configuration. These implants generate less rippling than saline devices. The surgeon positions them above or below the pectoralis muscle. Current cohesive silicone implants may limit leakage of silicone outside the implant.
According to Canadian regulations, only patients 22 or older can use silicone implants.
Gummy Bear Implants
In addition to saline and silicone implants, gummy bear implants are solid silicone gel implants. The Canadian government approved them about 20 years ago.
Gummy bear implants are available in a teardrop or round contour with a textured surface. They’re solid, but look and feel like natural breast tissue. With the added advantage, they are less likely to leak. These highly cohesive gel implants produce little rippling compared to their saline counterparts. However, implants with a textured surface can have more rippling than implants with smooth surfaces.
These implants may be helpful for women with markedly drooping breasts. A surgeon can position them in front of the pectoralis muscle. The teardrop shape can be beneficial for this purpose.
Gummy bear implants may require a longer incision, as they come pre-filled and don’t respond to compression like saline or traditional silicone implants do. Currently, there is a trend to decreasing use of textured and teardrop implants.
Vancouver’s Best Breast Implant Surgeon
If you’d like to learn more about breast implants and breast augmentation surgery, please contact us online or call our office at (604) 522-5199. We would be happy to meet with you for a consultation to discuss your cosmetic needs and goals.