What Types of Breast Implants Exist?
Making the decision to undergo breast augmentation is a significant decision – but it’s not the only choice you’ll need to make before your surgery happens. In fact, apart from deciding to move forward with the procedure and finding the right plastic surgeon, your next choice will be breast implant type.
Don’t worry, you won’t have to make that decision alone. Learn more about the two most common types of breast implants, including questions you should ask your plastic surgeon to ensure you’re selecting the right implants for your results.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants contain a silicone interior as well as a silicone outer shell. Silicone implants are more likely to rupture when forcefully compressed. Forceful compression can occur as a result of a mammogram or even a “forceful hug” from a friend. Silicone is thicker and heavier than saline, therefore it creates more pressure on the implant shell when squeezed, leading to a higher chance of rupture. You might be walking around with a leaking silicone implant, and you wouldn’t even know it!
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants have an outer silicone shell with saline, also known as saltwater, interior. Breast augmentation with saline implants is commonly known as Transumbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA). Most saline implants are deflated prior to surgery and then filled once they are placed inside the breast. The TUBA technique helps to eliminate the possibility of scarring from your surgery.
Additionally, leaky or ruptured implants are more easily recognized without the need of a mammogram. They are less likely to rupture from compression since saline is not as dense as silicone, so squeezing them causes less pressure on the implant.
Dr. Vitolo has been performing Scar Less Breast Augmentation for over 20 years. He has never had a patient with saline breast implants rupture during a mammogram, leading him to prefer the TUBA technique.
Still Confused? Ask Your Plastic Surgeon These Questions
Not sure which type of breast implant is right for you? We recommend asking a board-certified plastic surgeon the following questions:
- My lifestyle is very active/laid-back. Which implant type do you recommend for me?
- What are some of the benefits/drawbacks of these breast implants?
- What type of implant do you work with more? What do you recommend?
- Based on my aesthetic goals, what type of implant do you recommend for me?
“I wanted to have implant in for a while now I did not have small breast to begin with. And I did not need a lift I just wanted to have that extra !!! The procedure was through my belly button I was back at work by the third day. Dr Vitolo. Is wonderful and listens and gives his honest opinion. His staff is very friendly and warm and really attentive during and after the procedure. The facilities very clean and modern. Highly recommended” *
Take the Next Step
Want to learn more about the different types of breast implants, including which one may be best for you?
Schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Vitolo at his plastic surgery practice by filling out the consultation form on this page or by calling 800-332-1067 to get more information or to make an appointment at one of his 3 offices.
Dr. Vitolo serves the greater New York Metropolitan area including Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and New Jersey.