Your Complete Guide to Breast Implants

Posted May 24, 2022 in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants

3 Minute Read:

Women generally seek breast augmentation to improve their body image and increase their confidence. It’s completely natural to desire a fuller bust, and with today’s options, you don’t have to settle for a one-size-fits-all approach.

A woman wearing a white shirt with large breasts.

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The following guide can help you decide if breast implants are right for you and which type is most suitable.

Breast Implant Material

All breast implants start with a silicone shell, and you can choose from two kinds of material used as filler:

Saline
Silicone

A woman choosing her breast implant type.

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Saline Breast Implants

The benefits of saline include:

Provide greater volume
Smaller incisions lead to less scarring
Lower risk of serious complications

Saline breast implants are inserted into the breast pocket empty and then filled with saline solution. This allows for smaller incisions to be used and, therefore, less scarring.

However, in women with little breast tissue, they are more prone to rippling, a complication that involves the edges and folds of the breast implant showing through the skin. This is often visible on the sides of the breasts and the cleavage.

Implant leaks are easier to detect with saline implants, and the contents are safely absorbed by the body.

Silicone Breast Implants and Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Cohesive silicone gel and gummy bears implants offer the following advantages:

A more natural feel
Can be different shapes
Less risk of rippling

Silicone and gummy bear breast implants come in various shapes and provide the most natural look and feel. These implants contain a cohesive silicone gel filler to prevent a rupture from spilling the contents outside of the implant.

However, it is not as easy to detect a leak, and an MRI is needed to confirm this diagnosis.

A Note About Breast Implant Ruptures

While saline leaks are easy to detect, as deflation is usually experienced, silicone implants do not cause a sudden decrease in size.

If you see or feel the following changes, take it seriously and call your surgeon:

Change in breast shape
Lumps in breast
Breast pain

Size and Shape of Your Breast Implants

A woman holding three breast implants of different sizes.

Choosing the size of your breast implant is serious business. The number one complaint about breast augmentation results is that the patient feels the implants aren’t big enough.

However, for those with highly active lifestyles, like athletes or dancers, too big of an increase may interfere with their performance.

When it comes to the contours of the implant, your surgeon can help you understand what to expect from the different shapes available.

Every implant will take some time to settle into place and reveal your final silhouette.

Dr. Chin uses 3D imaging with the VECTRA® 3D system to allow you to visualize your treatment beforehand. This can be very useful when determining the size of your implant.

Placement of Breast Implants

Once you choose the type and size of breast implant you want, you’ll discuss the placement with your surgeon. Your decision should be based on your desired aesthetic results and your lifestyle.

For instance, an athlete may choose a smaller implant and have it placed underneath the chest muscle (submuscular), while someone with a less active lifestyle may choose to have their implants placed over the muscle and under the breast tissue (subglandular).

breast implant placement diagram with a woman covering her breasts.

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Breast Implants in Fresno

Dr. Mark Chin is a well-respected, board-certified plastic surgeon with the skill and experience you need to help ensure your best breast augmentation results.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Chin, click the “Get More Info” button above or call us at (559) 382-9654 today.