There may be many reasons for undergoing cosmetic breast surgery. Maybe you want to change the size and shape and restore the appearance of your breasts after a pregnancy, weight loss, or an illness. Nonetheless, breast augmentation procedures are incredibly popular and in 2021 alone, there were 365,000 breast augmentations performed.

Breast augmentation includes many different techniques and combinations. For this reason, in the article below we’ll try to make things a little less overwhelming and a little clearer so that you can make the best decision for your breast augmentation procedure.

Types of Implants

When it comes to breast augmentation, breast implant surgery is usually the option patients choose. Basically, there are two main types of breast implants available—silicone and saline implants. Both implant types have a cover of silicone but are filled with either a saline solution, shape-retaining silicone gel, or a viscous silicone gel.

• Saline Types

Saline breast implants contain sterile salt water. The advantage of saline implants is that they don’t contain any filling that is foreign to the body, and if the implant were to rupture, the body absorbs the saline solution and excretes the liquid via the urine. The casing is indeed made of silicone, but of such a nature that it cannot release silicone but settles down in the event of a rupture like an imploded bag in its pocket.

The disadvantage of saline implants is that they can give a sensation of flapping if air has entered in connection with the filling and that they have a tendency to fold, which can be felt and sometimes even seen through the skin of a thin person.

• Silicone Breast Implants

If you are looking for a natural feeling, then silicone gel implants are a very popular choice. They are often softer and more natural to the touch than those filled with saline salt, which is a feeling that most patients strive for.

• Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Gummy bear breast implants, also known as form-stable implants, maintain their shape even when the implant shell is broken.  The silicone gel implants’ consistency is thicker than other silicone gel implants. These implants are also more solid than traditional ones. 

Gummy bear breast implants have more projection at their bottom and are tapered toward their top. The thick silicone gel in this type of implant maintains its shape and offers additional firmness and a unique appearance.  

• Round Breast Implants

These implants tend to make breasts look fuller and since they’re the same shape all over, they don’t change the look of your breast if they happen to rotate out of place.

• Smooth Breast Implants

These implants have the softest feeling and usually have a more natural movement than other implants. However, they may have some palpable or visible rippling under the skin.

• Textured Breast Implants

Textured breast implants create scar tissue that adheres to the implant, making it less likely for it to move around inside the patient’s breast. Texturing offers a level advantage in reducing the risk of a tight scar capsule.

Procedure Types

• Sub-Pectoral or Inframammary

This procedure involves incisions in the fold under the breast. It allows the surgeon to have more control over the placement of the implant. The incision placement has minimal impact on milk-producing regions of the breast. 

If complications occur or additional surgery is required, the same incision can be used. Because of the natural sagging in the breasts due to pregnancy and aging, an inframammary fold augmentation is a good option for mothers.

• Transaxillary

Here, an incision is made at the armpit or axilla to insert the implant above or below the muscle. To complete the procedure, some surgeons may use an endoscope that allows them to see inside the body. Transaxillary breast augmentation is good because there’s no scar left on the breast. 

The potential drawback is that it’s more difficult to place symmetrical implants. Also, corrections of post-operative issues will likely require additional incisions. There’s also the possibility of thickened scars, which can be visible when wearing sleeveless clothing or bathing suits, or raising your arms.

• Peri-Areolar

This surgical procedure involves making an incision around the nipple-areolar complex and the scar will blend into the areola’s edge. Women who undergo peri-areolar breast augmentation may experience difficulty breastfeeding and get nipple sensations since the incision is so close to the breast’s milk-producing areas. This incision is preferred for women with smaller breasts and no folds under their breasts.

Final Thoughts

Breast augmentation is a common surgical procedure but before you decide to undergo this type of surgery, you should gather all the information you can about different implant and procedure types. It’s important to discuss your options with your surgeon and make your decision based on realistic expectations.