With a change in age, lifestyle, motherhood or genetics comes loss of volume to the breasts, which can interfere with one’s self-esteem. Although some women may be ok with this aesthetic change to their breasts, most may not be ok with it, hence the need to do something about it through breast augmentation, a procedure which is mostly done with breast implants.

Breast Augmentation is the enhancement of breasts and is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures among women around the world. However, breast augmentation cannot be mentioned without Implants as they go hand in hand.

Before undergoing Breast Augmentation, it is important to know and understand the different types of breast implants in the market and which would best suit you.

Types of Breast Implants

There are different types of breast implants in the market, and each type is decided with the needs of the patient in mind. The types of breast implants include:

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are usually pre-filled with a silicone gel which is a thick, sticky fluid that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They are FDA approved for breast augmentation in women above the age of 22 years. Because of their soft and natural feel, silicone breast implants are the most common breast implants in the market.

Sometimes the silicone breast implants can move or rotate while inside the breast, but this is usually not a concern because they are circular in form. Also, if they do leak, your breast will still hold its shape. However, the implant rupture may be difficult to spot as the breast will still retain its shape. Due to this factor, it is important to ensure your breast implants are intact by having regular MRI tests. The first test is usually performed three years following the breast augmentation surgery and the rest every two years thereafter. Silicone breast implants are also less likely to ripple under the skin.

Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Gummy bear breast implants, also known as form-stable breast implants or highly cohesive silicone breast implants, have thicker and firmer silicone gel consistency than the traditional silicone breast implants. Because of this, they still maintain their shape even when the implant shell is broken. They are available in both teardrop and round shape.

Teardrop-shaped gummy bear breast implants are tapered towards the top and have more projection at the top. If they rotate inside the breast, it may lead to an unusual breast appearance which will require another procedure to correct.

Due to their thicker consistency, gummy bear breast implants are known to have a better long-term performance with much lower rates of malpositioning, capsular contracture, rippling, or rupturing.

They however are firmer to touch and may not feel like the regular silicone implants and they also require a longer incision than the regular silicone implants.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are usually filled with sterile saltwater. They are inserted when empty and filled once in place. Because of this, they require a smaller incision than silicone breast implants.

Saline implants are FDA approved for breast augmentation for women above the age of 18 years. They provide a uniform shape, feel, and firmness to the breast.

Should a saline breast implant leak or rupture, the saline is usually safely absorbed by the body. It is easy to detect saline breast rupture as the breast will deflate and lose its shape. They do not have a natural feel to the touch compared to silicone breast implants and they also tend to be heavier. Rippling underneath the skin is more visible with saline breast implants.

Textured Breast Implants

Textured breast implants tend to develop scar tissue over time that sticks to the implant and makes them less likely to move around or be repositioned inside the breast.

What to Consider Before Getting Breast Implants

If you’re thinking about undergoing breast reconstruction, breast augmentation or breast lifting using breast implants, it is important to note that they will not only change your appearance but they will also:

• Not last a lifetime as there’s a possibility of rupture and the breast implants usually need to be changed in about 8-10 years.
• Not prevent the breasts from sagging as the breasts will still age naturally
• Need regular checkups

Risks of Breast Implants

The risks posed by breast implants include:

• Possibility of infection
• Breast pain
• Capsular contracture which can lead to pain
• Implant rupture or leakage
• Changes in breast and nipple sensation

Next Step

At Aesthetics by Kings College Hospital Dubai, we have the leading plastic surgeons in the region who are UK and European-trained and board-certified and focus on the safety and care of every patient in a compassionate environment with state-of-the-art facilities. To book a consultation, get in touch using the contact details given, and one of our patient-care staff will book an appointment for you.