What Type of Breast Implants Should I Choose?
Determining which type of breast implant is right for you is often one of the most important – and sometimes most difficult – decisions in the breast augmentation process. With so many available shapes, materials, and styles, selecting the ideal implant can feel overwhelming without the proper guidance.
Our renowned Bethesda plastic surgeon, Mark Richards, MD, has extensive experience performing breast enhancement procedures and walking patients through the various options available. If you’re considering breast implants, Dr. Richards will be glad to educate you about the potential benefits and risks of each implant variety. During your consultation, he will provide the information and support you need to make an informed decision about your care.
Candidates for Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation can be performed for a wide range of reasons. Some patients are seeking to restore lost volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or breastfeeding, while others are pursuing the procedure to increase their natural breast size or achieve greater symmetry. Regardless of your reasons, understanding your expectations will allow Dr. Richards to design a surgical plan that aligns with your vision and produces a natural-looking, long-lasting enhancement.
One of the most important criteria for anyone considering breast augmentation will be the individual’s current state of health. During your initial consultation, Dr. Richards will examine you and discuss your medical history to determine whether you’re eligible for the operation. He will also speak with you about your reasons for wanting the surgery and what specifically you would like to accomplish with regard to the appearance of your breasts. Reasonable expectations for the outcome are important.
Your Unique Goals
Every patient brings a different perspective to breast enhancement. Some individuals prefer a fuller, rounder silhouette, while others are looking for subtle enhancement with anatomical precision. One of the most important aspects of the consultation with Dr. Richards is identifying your ideal aesthetic. He will take into account your frame, body proportions, skin elasticity, and overall health to recommend the right implant size, shape, and material. Your desired look – whether bold or understated – will guide the entire planning process.
What Types of Implants Are Available?
There are two primary categories of breast implants commonly used in augmentation surgery: saline and silicone. Both are FDA-approved and available in a range of shapes, with distinct characteristics that may make one better suited to your individual preferences.*
Saline
Filled with sterile saltwater, saline implants are frequently praised for their adjustable volume. That said, saline implants are also more prone to visible rippling and may not offer the same soft, lifelike feel as silicone-based implants.
Silicone
Silicone implants are filled with a soft, gel-like material designed to replicate the natural feel of breast tissue. These implants are known for offering a smooth, realistic texture and appearance, and they tend to hold their shape well over time.
Cohesive Gel
Cohesive gel implants are often referred to as “gummy bear implants,” a nickname that refers to their dense, form-stable gel consistency (which resembles the texture of a gummy bear candy.) These silicone implants are designed to retain their shape even when a patient moves around or changes position. They also tend to be less prone to rippling, leakage, or capsular contracture compared to traditional silicone options.
Dr. Richards has been using a variety of implants for decades and now offers options like Mentor® MemoryShape®, a trusted cohesive gel implant with proven safety and aesthetic outcomes. Because of their shape and consistency, these implants can be an ideal choice for patients who desire a natural, anatomical result and want implants that maintain their integrity over time.
Schedule Your Consultation
Choosing the right breast implant type is a highly personal decision, and Dr. Richards understands the importance of tailoring the procedure to your goals and comfort level. During your consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to view before-and-after photos, feel sample implants, and ask detailed questions about your options.
Dr. Richards combines decades of surgical experience with a patient-focused approach to achieve exceptional surgical outcomes that align with your lifestyle and aesthetic vision. Whether you are just beginning your research or ready to take the next step, he and his team are here to support you every step of the way.
If you have additional questions or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Richards, we welcome you to contact Ageless Impressions – Plastic Surgery Institute today.
Editor’s note: This blog was originally posted on March 12th, 2015.