What is the Best Breast Implant? A Guide to Choosing the Right Implant for You

Enhancing your breasts can be an empowering decision, but with so many implant options, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. As a mom, you want to make the best choice for your body and desired results. 

Silicone vs saline, round vs teardrop, textured vs smooth — there’s much to consider! While there’s no universal “best” implant, being informed about the pros and cons of each option will help you have a productive consultation with your plastic surgeon. The right implant depends on your unique anatomy, goals, and preferences.

This guide breaks down the key factors to consider when choosing breast implants so you can feel knowledgeable and confident about your decision. 

A Quick Guide to Your Breast Implant Options

Implant Type

You’ve probably heard your doctor ask you about using silicone, saline, or the newer gummy bear implants. Here’s how they differ:

Saline Implants

Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water. They can be inserted empty and filled during the surgery, allowing for smaller incisions and adjustable volume.

Pros	Cons
– Lower cost compared to other options – Smaller incisions due to post-insertion filling – Uniform shape, feel, and firmness- Easily detectable ruptures, with harmless saline absorption by the body	– Firmer feel compared to silicone implants – Potential for rippling beneath the skin – Shorter lifespan, requiring eventual replacement

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that mimics natural breast tissue. They are available in round and teardrop shapes, offering a more natural look and feel.

Pros	Cons
– Softer and more natural feel than saline implants – Less visible beneath the skin – Longer lifespan compared to saline implants	– Higher cost than saline implants – Longer incisions required for insertion – Difficult to detect ruptures, requiring regular check-ups and possible MRI screenings

Gummy Bear Implants

Form-stable implants, often called gummy bear implants, are made of highly cohesive silicone gel. This thicker gel provides a firmer consistency and maintains its shape under pressure.

Pros	Cons
– Less prone to leakage or shifting due to the highly cohesive gel – Maintains a stable shape over time, reducing the risk of sagging – Available in round and anatomic shapes for customized results	– Higher cost than saline and traditional silicone implants – Slightly longer incisions required for insertion – Firmer feel compared to traditional silicone implants – Requires follow-up visits and periodic MRI screenings

Implant Shape

Aside from the type, you must also know what shape you want your implants to be. Here are your two choices:

Round Implants

Round implants are the most common choice for breast augmentation. They are circular and provide a fuller, more prominent look to the breasts.

Pros	Cons
– Provide a fuller, more dramatic appearance – Less risk of rotation, as the shape is not affected by implant movement – Generally less expensive than teardrop implants – Available in a variety of sizes to customize your desired look	– May appear less natural than teardrop implants if not proportionate to your figure – May not be suitable for women with little natural breast tissue – Soft feel makes them less effective for correcting mild sagging or drooping

Teardrop Implants

Teardrop implants, also known as anatomical or form-stable implants, are shaped to mimic the natural slope of the breast. They are narrower at the top and fuller at the bottom, creating a more subtle and natural-looking enhancement.

Pros	Cons
– Provide a more natural-looking result, especially for women with petite builds – Less likely to cause visible rippling or folding – Ideal for women seeking a subtle lift and shaping effect – Firmer silicone gel helps maintain the implant’s shape	– Generally more expensive than round implants – May not provide as much cleavage as round implants – Slightly larger incisions may be required, potentially leading to more scarring – Requires precise placement to avoid rotation and maintain the desired shape

Implant Profile

Breast implant profile refers to the degree of projection the implant provides in relation to its base width. The profile you choose will determine how much your breasts will project from your chest wall, ultimately influencing the overall shape and appearance of your breasts.

Ultra High Profile

Ultra high profile implants offer the most dramatic projection and fullness, particularly in the upper breast region. They have the narrowest base width, making them an excellent choice for petite, narrow-chested women who desire a significant increase in cup size and a more pronounced, curvy silhouette.

Pros	Cons
– Provides the most projection and fullness- Ideal for petite women with minimal breast tissue – Creates a striking “push-up” effect	– May appear less natural on women with broader chests – Requires sufficient skin elasticity to accommodate the projection

High Profile

High profile implants have a narrower base than moderate and low profile options, resulting in greater projection and a rounder, fuller appearance. They are well-suited for women with narrower rib cages who desire breasts with a full, voluptuous look and enhanced cleavage.

Pros	Cons
– Provides more fullness in the upper breast region – Ideal for women with narrow rib cages – Creates a dramatic, full, and round appearance	– May appear less natural on women with wider chests – Requires adequate skin elasticity to achieve desired results

Moderate Profile

Moderate profile implants balance projection and base width, offering a natural-looking result with a subtle increase in fullness. They are a popular choice among women who want a noticeable but not overly dramatic change in their breast size and shape.

Pros	Cons
– Provides a balanced, natural-looking projection – Suitable for a wide range of body types – Offers a subtle increase in breast volume	– May not provide enough projection for women desiring a more dramatic change – May not be ideal for women with very narrow or wide chests

Low Profile

Low profile implants have a wider base and provide the least projection, resulting in a more subtle, natural-looking enhancement. They are best suited for women with broader chests who desire a modest increase in breast size without excessive fullness in the upper breast region.

Pros	Cons
– Creates a natural-looking result with minimal projection – Ideal for women with broader chests – Provides a subtle increase in breast volume	– May not provide enough projection for women desiring a more noticeable change – May result in a less pronounced cleavage

Implant Surface

Implants come in two main textures: smooth and textured.

Smooth Implants

Smooth implants have a soft, silky, and shiny silicone shell. The smooth surface allows the implant to move freely within the breast pocket, mimicking the natural movement of breast tissue.

Pros	Cons
– Often considered to have a more natural look and feel – Softer and more pliable than textured implants – Less likely to have visible rippling or wrinkling – May have a slightly longer lifespan than textured implants	– Slightly higher risk of capsular contracture compared to textured implants – May be more prone to shifting or rotating within the breast pocket

Textured Implants

Textured implants have a rough, sandpaper-like surface designed to adhere to the surrounding breast tissue. This adherence helps to keep the implant in place and reduce the risk of rotation or shifting.

Pros	Cons
– Slightly lower risk of capsular contracture compared to smooth implants – Less likely to shift or rotate within the breast pocket – The only option for teardrop-shaped (anatomical) implants, as the texture helps maintain their orientation	– May feel firmer and less natural compared to smooth implants – Higher likelihood of visible rippling or wrinkling, especially in patients with thin breast tissue – Linked to a rare form of cancer called Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL), although the risk is extremely low (estimated at 1 in 30,000 patients)

It is important to note that the risk of ALCL is incredibly rare, and no cases have been linked to smooth implants. However, patients should know this potential complication when considering textured implants.

Implant Incision Placement

There are three common types of incisions used in breast augmentation: inframammary, periareolar, and transaxillary.

Inframammary Incision

The inframammary incision is made along the natural crease where the breast meets the chest wall. This is the most commonly used incision for several reasons:

Pros	Cons
– Provides direct access to the chest muscle for optimal implant placement – Less likely to cause contamination from skin bacteria around the nipple and areola – Allows for easier revision surgery if needed in the future – Does not affect nipple sensation or breastfeeding ability	– Leaves a noticeable scar, although it is usually only visible when lying down

Periareolar Incision

The periareolar incision is made along the border of the areola, where the pigmented skin meets the lighter breast skin. This incision is often chosen for its aesthetically pleasing scar placement.

Pros	Cons
– Scar is well-concealed along the areola border – Allows for direct access to the breast pocket	– May not be suitable for women with small areolas – Associated with a higher risk of capsular contracture – Can make breastfeeding more challenging due to the involvement of milk ducts – Potential for decreased nipple sensation

Transaxillary Incision

The transaxillary incision is made in the natural crease of the armpit, allowing for a breast augmentation without any visible scars on the breast itself.

Pros	Cons
– Avoids visible scars on the breast – Suitable for women who desire a scar-free appearance on the breast	– Can result in implants being placed slightly higher than desired – May cause a noticeable scar in the armpit, especially in warmer climates where sleeveless tops are common – Potential for decreased sensation in the armpit area – Not suitable for revision surgery

How to Choose Suitable Breast Implants

The right implant size is crucial for achieving the desired breast shape and cleavage after augmentation. 

Implants that are too small may lead to sagging, while excessively large implants can cause unnatural appearance, skin stretching, and premature drooping. 

Dr. Agha determines the appropriate implant size by examining your breast tissue, skin, and measurements, ensuring the implant corresponds to and covers the base of your breast. 

Breast size post-surgery depends on your pre-surgery size and the implant volume, measured in CCs (1 oz = 30 ccs). On average, a cup size is approximately 200 cc, varying slightly based on height and build. 

During the consultation, you will try on actual implant sizers in your bra to preview your final breast size. Mentor’s implant sizing system, which includes 18 unique volume sizers (nine for each breast), allows Dr. Agha to simulate 24 different breast volumes ranging from 150 to 775 ccs, helping you make an informed decision about your desired implant size.

But selecting your breast implants is more than just knowing the right size. You also have to consider the following factors:

• Natural body type and frame
• Natural breast size
• The elasticity of your breast tissues
• Skin quality
• Desired cup size and fullness
• Lifestyle and activity level
• Any medical considerations
• Your budget

Conclusion

Choosing the best breast implants is a highly personal decision that depends on your unique anatomy, goals, and preferences. By understanding the pros and cons of each implant type, shape, profile, surface, and incision placement, you can make an informed choice to help you achieve the beautiful, natural-looking results you desire.

Remember, selecting the right plastic surgeon is just as important as choosing the right implants. An experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Siamak Agha will guide you through decision-making and ensure your safety and satisfaction.

If you’re considering breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with The Aesthetic Centers. Our knowledgeable and compassionate team will provide personalized advice and expert care to help you feel confident and empowered in your journey to enhanced breasts.