Every year, thousands of breast augmentation procedures are done. The reasons for this surgery are deeply personal to each patient. However, the desired outcome is similar across the board. Patients want larger, shapelier breasts that look and feel as natural as possible. With attention to many tiny details, an experienced surgeon can meet this goal.
Breast Implant Options
Most patients already know that there are silicone breast implants and saline breast implants. What they may not know is that all breast implants have a silicone outer shell. The difference is what’s on the inside. Both silicone and saline implants are made in a range of sizes, shapes, and profiles to help us achieve optimal results.
Saline Implants
Saline implants, as implied by the name, are filled with saline, sterile saltwater. This type of implant can be filled to as needed to achieve the ideal size for each patient. In terms of feel, we’d have to say that saline is firmer than natural breast tissue, so the outcome may not be as similar to natural breasts as a patient may like Some saline breast implants are made with multiple chambers to give them a more natural look and feel.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants hold a silicone gel inside the outer shell. This option has, over time, become the more popular choice for breast augmentation. There are several reasons why. First, silicone implants are generally softer, so they feel more natural. Silicone is more likely to hold its form over many years, as well. Recently, options in silicone breast implants have expanded to include form-stable implants that are similar in structure to a gummy bear. This prevents silicone from leaking into surrounding tissue should the implant rupture.
Placement Matters, Too
Implant type is only one of several factors that contribute to the outcome of surgery. The placement of implants also matters. Generally, surgeons prefer to place breast implants under the pectoralis muscles. At first, the breasts may look firm and high after surgery. Over time, though, as the muscle relaxes around the implants, the bosom looks and feels softer and more natural. We have come so far in plastic surgery that many women say no one can tell that they have breast implants; only beautiful breasts.
Explore your breast augmentation options in a friendly, professional environment. Call our Austin office at (512) 450-1077 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Trussler.
