Breast augmentation is certainly not a one-size-fits-all. There are many questions, concerns, and factors to consider, and every woman’s needs and preferences are unique. One important decision you will make is the type of breast implants you will receive. Using the following considerations, Dr. Aycock will help you choose which breast implant is best for you.

Understanding the Two Types of Implants for Breast Augmentation

Breast implants come in two varieties: saline and silicone. Both are made of a silicone shell with different filler materials. Saline implants are filled with sterile saline (salt water), and silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. Both saline and silicone implants are approved by the FDA and are regularly used in breast augmentation procedures all over the world.

Breast Implant Scars

Breast augmentation scars are unavoidable since incisions are necessary to insert the implants. However, both the insertion location and implant type will influence breast implant scar length and appearance. Speaking generally, silicone breast implant scars are usually more prominent because the implants are pre-filled. If minimizing your scars is very important to you, it may be best to consider saline implants instead of silicone.

The technique selected for your breast implant insertion is also a factor and may determine which type of implant you will be able to receive.

• Inframammary Incision: The incision is hidden beneath the breast along the crease. Either implant type may be used, and this technique poses the fewest risks. (Recommended for patients who are especially concerned about the potential risks of breast augmentation)
• Periareolar Incision: The incision is hidden around the border of the areola surrounding the nipple. A limited range of implant types and sizes may be used.
• Transaxillary Incision: The incision is hidden in the underarm so that there is no scarring on the breasts. A limited range of implant types and sizes may be used.

It is important to note that scarring is also affected by your own body’s healing response. Dr. Aycock takes great care to minimize the incisions needed and facilitate healthy healing for every patient.

Breast Implant Cost

Finances are often a factor when it comes to breast enhancement surgery. Saline implants are more affordable than silicone implants. If you are concerned about how expensive breast implants may be, consider this as you weigh the other factors.

Your Desired Appearance

The final appearance of your breasts after breast augmentation is largely affected by the type of implants you choose. In general, silicone implants tend to create a more natural feel and appearance while saline implants tend to create a firmer and fuller look. If you know precisely what appearance you are looking for, allow these points to guide your decision; however, also bear in mind that your appearance will also be affected by breast implant placement, profile, and chest anatomy. Fat transfer, performed here at Dr. Aycock’s office, can also be used in tandem with your breast implants to enhance your aesthetic results.

Implant Placement

Breast implants are placed either above the chest muscle or below the chest muscle. Over-the-muscle breast implant placement may make the implant more visible, especially for women who are thinner and/or have less natural breast tissue. On the other hand, this placement can help to create more cleavage and may add a slight breast lift effect for women with mild sagging. Silicone implants, which are generally less visible than saline, may be recommended for thinner women who are interested in these benefits.

Below-the-muscle breast implant placement makes the implant less visible. It is also associated with a reduced risk of capsular contracture, a rare complication that may be slightly more common with silicone implants. Women who are interested in saline implants but concerned about implant visibility can minimize it with under-the-muscle implant placement.

Chest Anatomy

Your anatomy is one of the most important elements unique to your individual breast augmentation. Consider the difference between two women who both desire breast enhancement, where one woman has a thin body frame and minimal breast tissue and the other woman has a broad chest and more natural breast tissue. These women may have similar preferences for their final appearance, and they may even desire the same bra cup size after breast augmentation. However, their anatomical differences dictate that they will likely need entirely different implants to achieve their goals.

As women’s bodies are beautifully unique, choosing the right breast implant for your needs is best done with the help of an experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Aycock will take careful measurements and assessments of your body frame before making recommendations for you. As you discuss your needs with her, she will be able to help you select breast implants that will give you the most beautiful results for your body.

Breast Augmentation Virtual Consultation

Decisions about breast implant type are best made on an individual basis, and our breast augmentation virtual conversation can help you get started. Each question will consider your unique needs so that your virtual consultation results will recommend what may be the best implant for you. Take our virtual consultation here to find out what implant type Dr. Aycock would be likely to recommend for you.