After selecting a highly qualified board-certified plastic surgeon, many women undergoing breast augmentation concentrate on implant choice.
This decision is critical, as the type of implant can significantly affect surgical outcomes from a cosmetic and medical perspective.
Therefore, patients should be aware of the pros and cons associated with the three different options for breast implants, which include silicone implants, highly-cohesive silicone/gummy bear implants, and saline implants.
So, which style is most appropriate for your desired goals and body shape? Here’s what you need to know about breast implants.

What are the benefits and risks of silicone implants?

Silicone implants are the most popular implant style and provide soft and natural-looking results. They closely resemble normal breast tissue and are less likely to produce rippling compared to saline implants.
However, patients should also consider that silicone implants require a longer incision for placement, can rupture and produce leaks that are less evident than in saline implants, and are only available in a round shape.

How well do highly-cohesive silicone/gummy bear implants perform?

Gummy bear implants are comprised of a highly-cohesive silicone gel that makes them thicker and firmer than regular silicone implants. As a result, they can provide better shape and are more durable.
They come in a round shape, which is usually best-suited for women that have looser tissue and want more stable implants, and a teardrop/anatomical shape, which interact well with tighter tissue and provides more projection and lower pole fullness.
This type of implant also has lowest rates of rippling, rupture, or capsular contraction, making them a good option for long-term performance.
Conversely, gummy bear implants are more expensive and challenging to insert through the areola, underarm, or belly button. Teardrop implants also have a higher risk of malrotation, compared to round gummy bear implants.

What are the pros and cons of saline implants?

Of the three implant types, saline is the least popular, but may be a good option for patients adverse to silicone implants.
Additionally, the volume of sterile saltwater within these implants can readily be adjusted during surgery, making them a more malleable choice if a woman has breasts that vary widely in size.
Saline implants also offer more upper pole fullness, have a smaller incision, cost less, and allow for easier detection of a rupture or leak because they will deflate.
Nevertheless, this material is firmer and feels less natural than silicone implants, has a greater chance of rippling or rupture, and is more likely to “bottom out” due to increased weight and gravity.
For additional information on breast augmentation and implants, please contact our office today for a consultation. We can expertly guide your selection and develop a customized treatment plan for your surgery.