What are breast implants? Types, materials, and shapes explained

Considering breast augmentation but unsure where to start?

Understanding breast implants is the first step toward making an informed choice. From the types of breast implants available to the materials and shapes used in today’s advanced techniques, each option offers unique benefits depending on your body type and aesthetic goals.

In this blog, we’ll break down the types of breast implants, their materials, and shapes to help you understand your options before making a decision.

What are women Breast Implants?

Breast implants are medical prostheses used to enhance or restore the size, shape, and contour of the breasts. 

These implants are most commonly used in:

  • Breast augmentation, a cosmetic procedure aimed at increasing breast size or improving symmetry.
  • Breast reconstruction which restores breast volume and contour after mastectomy, trauma, or congenital conditions.

Why do people get breast implants?

Many people who choose breast implants do so to increase the size and fullness of their breasts. The decision is highly personal and may be motivated by a variety of reasons, such as:

  • Restoring previous breast size – Breasts often lose volume or firmness after pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss, or the natural ageing process.
  • Correcting asymmetry – Many women have breasts that differ in size or shape, which can affect confidence. In some cases, breast tissue development may have been impacted by injury or medical conditions during puberty.
  • Reconstruction after mastectomy – For women who have had a breast removed due to cancer or other health conditions, breast implants can restore natural contours, femininity, and help them feel whole again.
  • Boosting self-confidence – Many women opt for breast implants to feel more confident, attractive, and comfortable in their own bodies.

What are the different types of breast implants?

When considering breast augmentation or reconstruction, understanding the breast implants types available is essential for making an informed choice. Each implant type offers unique benefits in terms of feel, appearance, and maintenance. The most common options include:

Based on the material

One of the most important decisions when choosing breast augmentation is selecting the right implant materials. The material inside the implant affects how your breasts look, feel, and behave over time. 

Saline Breast implants

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. They are considered very safe because the body naturally absorbs the fluid without harm if they leak. 

They can provide a fuller shape, but some women feel they don’t mimic natural breast tissue as closely as silicone.

Pros:

  • Smaller scars due to smaller incisions
  • Size can be adjusted during surgery
  • Very safe if they leak (body absorbs saline)

Cons:

  • Can feel less natural than silicone
  • More likely to show rippling or wrinkles under the skin

silicone breast implants

 Silicone implants are filled with soft silicone gel that closely mimics natural breast tissue, making them a popular choice for a realistic look and feel.

The only thing to remember is that silicone leaks aren’t always obvious, so regular scans are recommended to ensure they’re intact.

Pros:

  • Look and feel very natural
  • Less chance of rippling compared to saline
  • A popular choice for cosmetic results

Cons:

  • Requires a slightly larger incision
  • Needs regular scans (MRI or ultrasound) to check for hidden ruptures

Gummy bear breast implants

 Gummy bear implants are filled with a thicker, form-stable silicone gel that holds its shape—even if cut, like a gummy bear. 

They are designed to create a natural breast shape and last a long time. Because they are firmer, the incision to place them is usually a bit bigger.

Pros:

  • Keeps its shape, even if damaged
  • Creates a very natural, sloping breast shape
  • Lower risk of leaking

Cons:

  • Feels firmer than regular silicone implants
  • Needs a larger incision for placement

Based on shape

When considering breast augmentation, one important decision is choosing between different breast implant shapes. The shape of the implant plays a big role in how natural or enhanced your results will look.

Round implants

Round implants are the most common type and give the breasts a fuller, lifted look. They add more volume to the upper part of the breast, which can create a rounder cleavage. 

Because they are symmetrical, they don’t cause issues if they rotate inside the breast.

Pros:

  • Creates fuller cleavage and upper breast volume
  • Softer feel and natural movement
  • No concerns if the implant rotates

Cons:

  • May look less natural for women wanting a subtle shape
  • Can appear more prominent on very slim body types

Teardrop (anatomical) implants

Teardrop implants are shaped to mimic the natural slope of the breast, with more volume at the bottom and a gentle taper at the top. They are ideal for women who want a subtle, natural appearance or need reconstruction after surgery.

Pros:

  • Mimics natural breast contour
  • Great for a subtle, realistic enhancement
  • Often preferred in reconstructive procedures

Cons:

  • Can cause an uneven appearance if the implant rotates
  • Slightly firmer feel than round implants
  • Usually more expensive

Based on surface texture

The texture of their outer shell can affect how the implant feels, moves, and interacts with your natural breast tissue.

Smooth implants

Smooth implants have a soft, polished surface. They move more freely inside the breast, creating a natural look and feel. Because they don’t attach to the surrounding tissue, the breasts may have a softer movement, similar to natural breasts.

Pros:

  • Very soft and natural to the touch
  • Freer movement within the breast pocket
  • Lower risk of visible rippling in some patients

Cons:

  • May shift or move slightly within the breast pocket
  • Can result in less stability compared to textured implants

Textured implants

Textured breast implants have a slightly rough surface designed to adhere to the surrounding tissue. This helps keep the implant in place and reduces the chance of rotation, which is especially useful with shaped (teardrop) implants.

Pros:

  • Provides more stability in position
  • Reduces risk of implant rotation
  • Often used with anatomical (teardrop) implants

Cons:

  • May feel less smooth and natural than smooth implants
  • In rare cases, linked to certain complications like capsular contracture

Based on the placement technique

Another important factor when considering breast augmentation is where the implant will be positioned inside the chest. The two main placement techniques are:

Subglandular placement

Subglandular placement positions the breast implant beneath the breast tissue but above the chest muscle, typically allowing for a shorter recovery and less post-surgery discomfort.

However, the implant edges may be more visible in women with minimal natural breast tissue.

Pros:

  • Shorter recovery period
  • Less post-surgery discomfort
  • Creates more lift and projection

Cons:

  • Implant edges may be visible in thin patients
  • Slightly higher chance of capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening)

Submuscular placement

In submuscular placement, the implant is placed under the chest muscle. This method gives a more natural look, especially in women with less breast tissue. It also lowers the risk of visible rippling. 

Recovery can take a bit longer since the muscle needs to heal.

Pros:

  • More natural appearance in slimmer women
  • Lower risk of visible implant edges or rippling
  • Reduced risk of capsular contracture

Cons:

  • Longer recovery time compared to subglandular placement
  • May involve more post-surgery discomfort initially

Dual-plane placement

Dual-plane placement combines both techniques. The upper part of the implant sits under the chest muscle, while the lower part rests directly under the breast tissue. 

This gives the benefits of both methods—natural-looking results with better lift and reduced implant visibility.

Pros:

  • Combines the advantages of submuscular and subglandular placement
  • Provides natural shape and softness
  • Works well for women with mild sagging who want a breast lift effect with implants

Cons:

  • Slightly more complex surgery
  • Recovery may involve both muscle and tissue healing

Ready to begin your journey?

Choosing a breast implant procedure is a personal decision, and having the right guidance makes all the difference. 

At Aesthetics by King’s College in Dubai, our specialist breast implant surgeon, Dr. Dragana Spica, takes the time to understand your goals and design a treatment plan tailored just for you. From exploring different types of breast implants to finding the ideal size, shape, and placement, you’ll receive expert care at every step.

 Book your consultation today and take the first step towards enhanced confidence, natural-looking results, and a body you’ll love.

FAQs

Yes. Combining a breast lift with implants is a popular procedure. While implants add volume and shape, a lift corrects sagging by tightening the skin and repositioning the nipple. Together, they provide fuller, more youthful-looking breasts.

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. On average, they last 10–15 years, but many women keep them longer without issues. Regular checkups and imaging tests (like MRI or ultrasound for silicone implants) are recommended to ensure they remain safe and intact.

Breast implants sizes are measured in cubic centimeters (ccs). The higher the cc, the larger the implant. Sizes range from small (around 200cc) to large (over 500cc). The ideal size depends on your body frame, chest width, skin elasticity, and desired results.

Most surgeons recommend waiting until the breasts are fully developed, usually after 18 years for saline implants and 22 years for silicone implants. The “best” age also depends on your health, lifestyle, and personal goals.

Textured or smooth silicone gel implants typically look and feel the most natural, closely mimicking the softness and shape of real breasts. However, the ideal choice depends on your body type and preference.

In most cases, women can breastfeed after getting implants. The breast implants procedure is designed to avoid interfering with milk ducts, but the outcome can vary depending on the placement and technique used.

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