Breast implant cosmetic surgery is a highly customizable procedure, which makes it a popular procedure among many patients. Different types and sizes of breast implants are available, which can be chosen according to the unique anatomical and aesthetic needs of a woman. At the time of pre-op consultation, the breast surgeon will discuss about different types of implants and help the patient make the best choice.
The patient should select the implant type that suits her personal sense of aesthetics and comfort levels. The size of implants should ideally be such that it makes the breasts appear proportionate to the rest of the body. If the skin availability is limited, then oversized implants should not be chosen to minimize the risk of implant rippling. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom provides breast implants to patients in Chicago, IL and surrounding communities.
Classification
Breast implants are primarily classified into two distinct categories: saline implants and silicone gel implants. The surgeon will discuss the benefits and limitations of each option along with their costs, and help the patient make the right choice for her breast augmentation plastic surgery procedure.
Saline Implants
The FDA had originally approved only saline implants for women above the age of 18, and they still remain a popular option for many women. These traditional implants have soft core filled with saline fluid, which is covered by an outer silicone shell. Saline implants provide natural firmness and shape to the breasts. Each implant can be filled to a volume to help balance symmetry between each breast.
Saline solution in these implants can be filled to the required level after the deflated implant is placed in the breast tissue. This allows for implant placement with a smaller incision in the breast. These implants are very safe because the saline solution is biocompatible and will get naturally absorbed by the body in the event of implant rupture or leakage.
Silicone Implants
Although silicone implants were approved again by the FDA in 2006, but their popularity has surpassed that of saline implants over the years. These implants offer an enhanced aesthetic appeal and natural touch and feel due to the silicone gel core. As a result, more women today prefer these implants over saline. Silicone implants are approved for women above the age of 21.
The silicone gel mimics the natural touch and feel of the breast tissue, and the quality of these implants has consistently improved over the years. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bloom receives patients from Chicago, IL and nearby areas for breast implant surgery and various other cosmetic procedures.
Gummy Bear Implants
Gummy bear implants or form stable implants are ultra-cohesive silicone gel based implants. These are the latest innovation in implants, and have become popular following the FDA’s approval. The highly viscous silicone gel in these implants enables them to maintain shape and form even under pressure.
Due to the high viscosity of these implants, the silicone gel does not leak out to other areas even when the implant gets broken or damaged. All types of implants are available in sizes ranging from 120 cc to 960 cc.