What Are The Different Types Of Breast Implants?

Breast augmentation with implants is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the UK. Many patients ask about the many different types of breast implants available and are quite rightly keen to learn about their safety. Here, we answer your most commonly asked questions about the various types of breast implants and their safety profiles.

What are the commonly used types of breast implants?

The most commonly used types of breast implants in the UK are silicone breast implants and saline breast implants. Silicone breast implants comprise a gelatinous and cohesive medical-grade kind of silicone. Modern-generation silicone implants maintain their shape even if the implant ruptures. Saline breast implants are no longer commonly used in the UK. Saline implants contain sterile NaCl solution and require a much smaller incision to insert compared with silicone breast implants. Saline implants have a firmer consistency with a less natural feel, and the implant edges are often more visible than silicone implants.

Are breast implants safe?

Breast implant surgery is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures in London, the UK and worldwide. Many millions of people continue to enjoy the benefits of breast implants without any untoward complications. The risks involved with breast implant surgery are very low and include capsular contracture or implant rupture. Fortunately, any breast implant-associated complications can be easily dealt with by our expert breast surgeons. Breast implant surgery is a very safe procedure in the expert hands of a skilled breast surgeon.

Which are the safest breast implants?

Both silicone breast implants and saline breast implants are considered to be very safe, and one type is not known to be safer than the other. Patient choice, treatment costs and the natural feel of the implants most commonly determine the choice of breast implant. Silicone breast implants, although more expensive, have a much more natural feel compared with saline breast implants. Patients who make the best decision on breast implants will do so based on their goals for treatment and choosing the right size of breast implant for the anatomy. Our expert breast surgeons at Centre for Surgery in London will be able to advise you on the most appropriate type of breast implant for you.

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Which type of breast implant has the most natural feel?

Compared with saline breast implants, silicone breast implants have a much more natural consistency and are also thought to look more natural. Your treatment goals will determine the right breast implant for you, and our expert London breast augmentation surgeons will be able to advise you on the best option after performing a comprehensive clinical assessment.

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Which are the best breast implants?

There are many brands of breast implants nowadays. However, our surgeons would agree that the safest implants make for the best breast implants. The ideal breast implants will have full certification by the U.S.-based FDA and the United Kingdom NHRA. Our surgeons use Mentor and Motiva breast implants at Centre for Surgery. The choice is entirely up to you, and you can sample the feel of the implants at your face-to-face consultation. Both types of implants have an impeccable safety track record and are used by the most reputable cosmetic surgery clinics in the UK. The exact choice of a breast implant may depend on your surgeon’s preference; however, you will always remain an active participant in the decision-making process.

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How do I decide on the best breast implant size for me?

The best breast implant size for you will vary depending on your overall goals for treatment and the particular look you are trying to achieve. There are two main types of breast implant shapes, including both round implants and anatomical or ‘teardrop’ implants. Round implants are the most commonly used type of implant. Breast implants also come in a variety of different projections, and these refer to the distance the implant protrudes from its base. Patients looking for a more natural-looking breast augmentation result may prefer to use a low-profile implant. Many patients looking for a more dramatic increase in breast size may prefer to opt for a high-profile breast implant, which, although appearing less natural-looking, will enhance the appearance of the cleavage area. The choice is entirely yours, and your surgeon will be able to advise you on what is possible after fully assessing you. Our expert breast surgeons will give you the full range of options tailored to your body size and shape and your overall goals for treatment.

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How do you choose the right breast implant size?

The ideal breast implant size depends on several factors, including the particular result you are hoping to achieve. If you are looking for a more natural-looking breast enlargement, you may wish to choose a smaller-sized implant with a lower profile. Determination of the optimum size and shape of breast implant for you will be based on a full physical examination, which in some cases may be followed by 3-D imaging to accurately map your breasts and how they could look with a particular size of breast implant.

What is the most popular breast implant size?

Breast implant size is most commonly measured by weight in grams or millilitre volume. Many women commonly determine the size of breast implants using cup sizes. Using cup sizes to choose the ideal breast implant size is not an accurate method of breast implant sizing. The most useful criteria for selecting the perfect breast implant will involve the amount of soft tissue coverage to disguise the upper edges of the implant as well as the existing size of your breasts. Both factors will have a direct influence on the final size of your breasts with breast implants. It’s important to remember that your surgeon will not be able to guarantee a certain cup size, so it is important to carry out the rice test preoperatively before choosing the ideal size of breast implant for you.

Is the choice of breast implant size affected by your body type?

Breast implant size can be influenced by the anatomy of a woman’s chest. Selecting a breast implant size that is in harmony with the existing anatomy is important to get the most natural-looking results. Breast implants are most commonly placed below the chest wall muscle and this is also known as the ‘dual-plane’ approach. Breast implants can also be placed above the chest wall muscle, and the recovery after subglandular breast augmentation is much quicker compared with dual-plane breast augmentation. Subglandular breast augmentation can also correct mild to moderate degrees of breast sagging. Placement of the breast implant below the chest wall muscle allows concealment of the edges of the implant in the upper part and is the preferred technique for very slim women with very minimal existing breast tissue. Slim women who have implants placed on top of the muscle increase the risk of visible or palpable implant edges. Several factors determine optimum breast implant placement, including the initial size of the breasts, the size and shape of the chest wall and the body mass index. Women who intend to breastfeed in the future may prefer to have a dual-plane breast augmentation.

Where is the best place to get breast implants in the UK?

Centre for Surgery in London is a specialist cosmetic surgery clinic with many years of experience in all types of breast implant surgery. Our expert breast surgeons are renowned for producing natural-looking results. To learn more about breast implant surgery in London, contact our friendly and knowledgeable patient coordinator to book a face-to-face consultation with an expert breast surgeon.

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