Uncertainties about the shape and size of breast implants are common when considering breast augmentation.
Fortunately, there is a wide variety of breast implants, which allows the results of breast augmentation to be “individualised” according to the patient's wishes.
In fact, the plastic surgeon addresses and clarifies all questions during the consultation, in which the different implants and their characteristics.
Here's a guide to everything you need to know about breast implants: different sizes, formats, fillings, surfaces and prices.
What is breast augmentation?
The breast augmentation is the most popular surgery for women all over the world.
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for 2021, more than 1.7 million women have completed the breast augmentation surgery.
And did you know that scientific studies give this surgery a satisfaction rate of between 90 and 99%?
Despite the high demand, there are many questions about the size, shape, filling, coating of breast implants and even the price.
What are thebreast implants?
The breast prostheses vary in size, measured in CC (cubic centimetres - unit of volume).
Sizes vary according to the supplier laboratories, but generally start at just over 100 CC, and up to 800 CC.
In fact, one of the most common questions is: “what is the ideal size of breast implants for me”?
There is no “standard” answer to this question because the ideal size is different for each woman.
The appropriate volume for each patient depends:
- The desired result;
- Physical characteristics (weight, height, amount of breast tissue, chest width).
The combination of these factors will allow the plastic surgeon to advise on a breast implant size that suits the patient's physical structure and desires.
It should be noted that the larger the breast implants, the greater the risk of complications. There must therefore be a balance between the desired size and what might be the best option in the medium to long term.
Types of breast implant filling
There are breast implants with different fillings and they fall into two groups:
- Silicone gel implants
They are the best-known implants and the most widely used in breast augmentation, for their high degree of safety. They have a consistency more similar to breast tissue and human fat.
Currently, the highly cohesive silicone gel filling, In the event of a rupture, this gel does not migrate outwards due to its high cohesiveness.
The new generation B-Lite implants represent the most important advance in breast implants in the last 30 years. They are 30% lighter than conventional implants and promise longer-lasting results with fewer complications.
- Saline solution implants
These breast prostheses are cheaper and can be filled in the operating theatre to the desired volume.
They give a very symmetrical result.
Security
Both saline and silicone gel implants have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
The studies that have been carried out to study its safety show no evidence of an increase in the incidence of autoimmune connective tissue diseases (Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis), breast neoplasms or reproductive problems.
Some studies report that the rupture rate of silicone implants is around 0.5% per year, while the rate for saline implants is 1%.
Types of breast implant coatings or surfaces
Implants also differ in the type of coating. You can therefore choose between:
- Smooth surface
These implants were the first to appear on the market.
They are less commonly used today because they are associated with a higher risk of capsular contracture (rejection).
- Textured or microtextured surface
Textured surface implants are made up of an outer part that is rough or textured.
This is the type of implant most commonly used today, as it is associated with a low risk of capsular contracture. In fact, it adheres easily to the tissues, which benefits healing and the results of breast augmentation in the medium to long term. Because it has greater adherence, there is less chance of rotation - particularly important with drop implants.
- With polyurethane coating
These are breast implants filled with silicone gel, but have a polyurethane coating.
The material covering the silicone stands out because it adheres even better to the breast tissue, leaving the prosthesis firmly attached to the tissues (called the “Velcro effect”).
As a result, they adhere well and sag less, with a practically non-existent rate of rotation. Capsular contracture rates are also low.
Shape of breast implants
As well as the material it is made of, breast implants can also be differentiated by their shape. This is an important decision for the result that will be obtained.
The most common breast implant shapes are round or anatomical (drop-shaped).
- Round
They make the chest appear larger and more projected.
If displacement occurs, the shape of the breast remains much the same.
As it is symmetrical in all its dimensions, it fills all the spaces in the breast equally.
Round prostheses are widely used in cases where there is little volume in the upper pole of the breast.
- Drop or anatomical
They were developed to obtain a effect more similar to the natural shape of the breast.
These are breast implants that are fuller in the centre and bottom, giving the breast a more natural shape.
When placed under the pectoral muscle, anatomical implants can take on a more rounded shape that is also very natural.
This type of breast prosthesis is used a lot in cases where the patient doesn't want a very marked cleavage effect.
Price of breast implants
In fact, the selection of the breast implant is one of the factors that will influence the final price of breast augmentation. Therefore, all quotes are completely personalised.
The cost of implants varies according to their quality and size. For example, a 500 CC breast implant costs more than a 250 CC implant.
B-Lite implants also have a higher value.
As for the shape, the price of round implants is generally lower than that of drop implants.
In any case, never trust low-cost surgeries, as you could be jeopardising your health
Which implant is right for my body?
The decision regarding the size, shape and coating of the breast implants should be made together with the plastic surgeon. After a full physical examination and understanding of your goals, he will indicate the most suitable type of breast prosthesis.
There are those who want a more natural effect and those who want a more obvious result.
Common sense is essential to reduce the chances of future complications or disappointment with the result.
It's up to the plastic surgeon to advise the patient in order to achieve good results that suit their physical characteristics.
