One of the first things that any breast augmentation patient will consider is the question of choosing silicone or saline implants as well as the shape.
Below is some of the key information you need to know.
IMPLANT TYPES
SALINE
Saline implants are approved by the FDA. These implants are composed primarily of the same type of saline that occurs naturally in the human body. Saline implants have a firmer feel than their gel counterparts, but they still feel natural to the touch. Saline implants can be adjusted to the desired volume level during the surgery. These implants include a warranty of your choice, ranging from standard to lifetime replacement warranty.
SILICONE
Silicone implants are the preferred implant by most patients and Dr. Rau. It has the most natural feel and is safe to use. Our gel implants are FDA approved. This patented cohesive gel retains its form after placement and has a feel that closely mimics that of breast tissue. These gel implants have a pre-set fill volume, but they are available in a wide variety of sizes. They include a warranty of your choice, ranging from standard to lifetime replacement warranty.
TEXTURED OR UNTEXTURED?
Dr. Rau offers both textured and untextured silicone implants. The smooth implants have the advantage of minimal wrinkling. However, they do have less ability to adhere to the tissues in the chest for proper placement. Textured implants can maintain their position more easily, but they may be more likely to wrinkle. Both texture types are safe and reliable, so it is purely a personal choice as to which works best.
IMPLANT SHAPES
Implant shape depends on the desired overall breast shape. The most popular implant shape is the standard round style. Teardrop shape implants are also growing in popularity but have limited use. They may be ideal for women who want to emphasize the lower portion of the breast or women needing breast reconstruction.
IMPLANT PROFILES
The implant profile depends on the look you’re going for. A high profile implant is quite round and gives the upper portion of the breast extra volume, similar to the look of a push-up bra. It may separate breasts further and leave a smaller amount of cleavage. A medium profile implant tends to have less fullness at the top, but swelling more towards the bottom. The medium profile may allow for more cleavage, but will generally have a more subtle overall appearance.
To learn more about this procedure, visit our breast augmentation procedure page.
