Choosing Your Breast Implant Size & Shape-

This month, to celebrate the relaxing of social distancing, Dr. Ali is offering special discounts on both silicone and saline breast implants! All that’s left for you to do is choose the size, shape, and implant material! In this article board certified Detroit area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali offer information and tips for choosing the breast implant material and shape that’s best for you.

When it comes to breast augmentation, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all breast implants. Depending on a variety of factors including heredity, pregnancies, your body shape and natural contours, breast implants must be individually chosen to match each woman and meet her appearance goals.

There are only three companies that sell breast implants in the U.S. These are Allergan, Mentor and Sientra. And the only silicone implants currently approved for use in the US are made by Mentor and Allergan. (Sientra is still in business after their factory burned down, but their production of breast implants is stopped or limited.)

However, these manufacturers offer a wide range of breast implant sizes, designs, shapes and “profiles”. Only board-certified plastic surgeons like Dri. Ali have access to all the various types of implants. Dr. Ali will help you choose the best type of implant for your body type, individual needs, and appearance goals.

Breast Implant Materials

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. They do provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel, but are less popular than silicone implants because they do not feel as “natural”.

Structured saline breast implants contain an inner structure which helps make the breast implant feel more natural.

If the saline filled breast implant shell leaks, it will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. Saline breast implants also offer the advantage of requiring a smaller incision.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel, which feels remarkably like natural breast tissue. Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for breast augmentation in women age 22 or older.

Some women are concerned about silicone breast leaks because of inferior breast implant technologies that were in use many years ago. However this should not be a concern. Today’s silicone breast implants are far superior, and in rare cases where a leak occurs, the gel may remain within the implant shell. This means that a leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse. And, all breast implants manufactured for use in the United States come with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

“Gummy bear breast implants” contain a silicone gel inside the implant that is thicker than traditional silicone gel implants. They maintain their shape even if the implant shell is broken. However gummy bear breast implants are firmer than traditional implants, and require a slightly longer incision in the skin.

Breast Implants Shapes

Round Breast Implants

Because round implants are the same shape all over, there is less concern about them rotating out of place. Round breast implants typically make breasts appear fuller than contoured shaped implants.

When very large round implants are chosen they may be slightly less “natural” looking – giving more of a high profile “Hollywood” look. Some women prefer this look, while many women opt for something more natural.

Contoured Breast Implants

Contoured breast implants are shaped like a natural breast and are more anatomically correct. There are a variety of contoured shapes available to match a woman’s frame, body type, and appearance. Contoured breast implants come in different shapes, including: anatomical, teardrop, or bio-dimensional.

Dr. Ali is one of Oakland County’s top breast implant surgeon. He will show you the different shapes that are available, and take exact measurements of your chest and breasts, before recommending the proper breast implant shape and proportions for your frame.

Breast Implant Profiles

The “profile” of a breast implant refers to how far it projects from your chest.

In addition to selecting the size of implant, Dr. Ali will discuss the profile options of your breast implant. Profile types may be high, moderate or low, and should be matched to the width of your chest for the best “fit” for your frame.

High profile implants have more volume in a narrower width, which is often best for women with a narrow ribcage. A lower profile may be better for a more broadly built woman. Dr. Ali will discuss this with you to help you achieve the best aesthetic result.

Smooth vs Textured Breast Implants

Smooth breast implants have the advantage of being the softest feeling – and the most natural in terms of movement. However they may develop some slight rippling under the skin that is visible or palpable to the touch.

Textured breast implants have a slight texturing that helps the body develop scar tissue to hold the breast implant in shape. This makes textured breast implants less likely to move and become re-positioned. Texturing also offers some advantage in diminishing the risk of a tight scar capsule.

Best Oakland County Breast Implant Surgery

As you can see there are many decisions to be made when selecting the best breast implant that is right for you. The only way to truly understand your options is to schedule a consultation with a top Oakland county breast surgeon like Dr. Ali. If you are considering breast implant surgery, he will be happy to offer you a consultation to help you decide the right size, shape and type of implant for you.

Feel beautiful inside and out, with breast implant surgery. And remember, financing options are also available.