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3 Types of Breast Implants and Which One is Right for You?

There are various ways for women to surgically enhance the appearance of their breasts through different kinds of boob jobs. Boob jobs usually consist of either breast augmentation or breast enlargement procedures. Most of the procedures used to make the breasts larger use some form of breast implant to do this. Breast implants are also used… Continue reading 3 Types of Breast Implants and Which One is Right for You?

Mrs Carla M Babicki  |  RGN

Last Updated On: March 8, 2024 | Published On: April 25, 2023

There are various ways for women to surgically enhance the appearance of their breasts through different kinds of boob jobs. Boob jobs usually consist of either breast augmentation or breast enlargement procedures. Most of the procedures used to make the breasts larger use some form of breast implant to do this. Breast implants are also used for reconstructive purposes for women who have had mastectomies following breast cancer.

In this article, we will discuss the different kinds of breast implants you can choose for breast enlargement in UK. We will go over the general differences between the types of breast implants and the benefits the different types offer. Then, we will also discuss the circumstances in which each of the different breast implants is best suited, helping you decide which breast implants you should choose.

The 3 Most Common Types of Breast Implants

Before you get a boob job, it is important that you do your research and look into everything that goes into a boob job. For example, you want to find the best surgeons and clinics that perform boob jobs in the UK, seriously consider all of the health risks associated with boob jobs, the kind of boob job you would want to get, and lastly, the kind of breast implants you should choose.

If you are considering getting a breast augmentation, here is a list of the 3 most common types of breast implants available:

1. Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are some of the most common breast implants used in breast augmentations around the world. The implants are made using silicone shells that are then filled with sterile saline. The implants can either be filled first and then inserted into the body, or they may be inserted first and then filled afterward.

In case of a saline breast implant bursting or leaking in the body, the saline can be safely absorbed by the body and expelled naturally. This means that saline implants usually have very few risks associated with them. They also offer a smooth and uniform shape and feel that most patients are very happy with. There is a common problem that patients with saline implants face, however. The implants can wrinkle or rip, which means further correctional surgeries.

Saline breast implants have a lifetime of between ten to twenty years, but if they do not burst or cause any other problems, they do not need to be removed or replaced. There is a greater risk of rupture the longer the implants remain in the body.

Saline breast implants are FDA-approved for people over the age of 18.

2. Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are silicone shell implants that are entirely filled with silicone gel. The gel gives these implants a more natural feel and offers a realistic-looking and feeling breast augmentation.

One of the risks associated with silicone breast implants is that they can rupture, and the patient may not notice this right away. In case of a rupture, the silicone gel can either stay within the silicone shell, or it may start to leak into the breast implant pocket in the body. In order to ensure that the implants have not ruptured and there are no other complications, patients with these implants are recommended to have MRIs or ultrasounds regularly.

Similarly to saline breast implants, silicone breast implants also have a lifetime of between ten to twenty years. However, they can last much longer than that, too, and do not need to be removed or replaced if there are no complications.

Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for people over the age of 22.

3. Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Gummy bear breast implants are a variation of silicone implants where the silicone in these implants is thicker than the gel used in traditional silicone implants. Because the silicone gel is thicker, it is better at holding its shape and maintaining its shape even if the implant’s shell breaks or gets damaged. This is why gummy bear breast implants are named as such – since they always hold their shape. This type of implant is also a great choice for breast reconstructions or for patients with less natural breast tissue.

Gummy bear breast implants are usually shaped in such a way that they are wider at the base and extend into a tapered top. Although the implants do not change shape once inserted into the body, they can rotate or move around. In such a case, the implants give a very unnatural appearance, and a patient would need to have further surgeries to correct the placement of the implants. Gummy bear implants also require a longer incision to insert into the body, which can lead to a more visible scar.

These breast implants have a long lifetime of over twenty years, depending on a patient’s body and how well they take care of their implants.

Other Kinds of Breast Implants to Consider

While the three most common types of breast implants used in breast augmentations or breast enlargement procedures are saline implants, silicone implants, and gummy bear implants, there are a few other kinds of implants to consider as well. These implants are less commonly used but can be good options for some patients.

1. Round Breast Implants

Round breast implants have a more pronounced round shape. These implants are preferred for patients with tighter skin envelopes. If these implants change position when inside the body, there is less concern about the shape looking unnatural. These implants are usually made from a silicone shell and can be filled with either saline or silicone gel.

2. Smooth Breast Implants

Smooth breast implants are made of a silicone shell filled with soft and less solid silicone gel. These implants offer the softest feeling breasts and can move around in the breast implant pocket, giving them a natural appearance. It is important to note, however, that these implants can appear to ripple underneath the skin when observed closely.

3. Textured Breast Implants

Textured breast implants are silicone implants that have a rough or textured surface. The purpose of this texture is to help the implants adhere to the tissue of the implant pocket, keeping them in place and preventing them from moving around.

It is important to note that textured breast implants are banned in certain countries and have been linked to a higher likelihood of the development of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA ALCL), which is a cancer of the immune system.

Which Type of Breast Implant You Should Choose

While opting for breast enlargement in Manchester, it would be a good idea to get a professional consultation from a trained surgeon. A surgeon that specializes in boob jobs can likely give you an informed opinion on which type of breast implant would suit you best depending on your body type, the breast size you want to end up with, and the kind of lifestyle you lead.

The breast implant you choose will also impact the appearance of your breasts, with some implants offering a more natural appearance than others.

You will also need to consider that some types of implants result in the need for regular imaging and follow-up surgeries, while others have a lower likelihood of needing future procedures for upkeep.

To help you in deciding which type of breast implant would be the right choice for you, we have outlined the cases in which you might want to go for the 3 most common types of breast implants.

When You Should Choose Saline Breast Implants

Did you know that saline breast implants make up about 44% of all breast implants used by patients worldwide? This shows us just how popular the saline option is. Saline breast implants are also amongst the cheapest breast implants and can cost about $1,000 less than silicone implants. You also save money by not needing additional imaging and tests. If you are looking for a more cost-effective option, then saline is the way to go.

Saline breast implants are also recommended for patients that want a more prominent boob job. These implants offer a fuller, rounder look to the breasts. They would not be the best choice for patients who are after a more natural look.

If you are interested in a very small incision for the breast augmentation surgery, then saline implants can be a good choice, too. Along with a smaller incision comes a smaller and usually unnoticeable scar. These implants also reduce the need for further correctional surgeries or any imaging/testing in the future.

When You Should Choose Silicone Breast Implants

You should choose silicone breast implants if you are after the most natural possible look and feel to your breasts post-augmentation. Silicone implants are usually soft and offer a natural feel that is very similar to regular breast tissue. They also come in a teardrop shape – as opposed to rounder saline implants or round implants – which replicates the natural shape of breasts. Additionally, silicone breast implants are very lightweight and flexible, meaning that if you live a particularly active lifestyle, these implants might suit you well.

Silicone breast implants do, however, require a longer incision and regular imaging post-augmentation and can sometimes require correctional surgeries in the future. So, if you are someone that is willing to trade off these cons for the perfect natural appearance of your breasts, then you should choose silicone implants.

When You Should Choose Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Gummy bear breast implants are the best choice for patients that are interested in a natural look to the breasts post-augmentation and have a really good feel as well. They essentially bring together all the positives of silicone and saline implants.

However, gummy bear implants do require regular imaging and can sometimes need correctional surgeries. They can also be significantly more expensive than regular silicone implants. But, if you are willing to trade off the extra money and testing for a natural look, implants that won’t lose their shape, and a great feel, then gummy bear breast implants would be the best choice for you.

The Bottom Line

Most boob jobs use 3 common types of breast implants: saline implants, silicone implants, and gummy bear implants. When making medical decisions, it is best to consult medical professionals and certified surgeons. However, as far as your own research into the process goes, there are certain considerations for which type of breast implant you might choose for yourself.

  • Choose saline implants if you want to go for the safest option with the lowest medical risk
  • Choose silicone implants if you want a completely natural appearance
  • Choose gummy bear implants if you want added volume and a natural appearance

Of course, your surgeon might recommend some other types of breast implants other than these 3 most common types. At the end of the day, your surgeon would be the best person to advise you!

Manchester Private Hospital – Breast Augmentation and Breast Enlargement Near Me

Are you looking for breast enlargement Manchester? If you are, then Manchester Private Hospital offers breast augmentation, enlargement, reconstruction, and more. All cosmetic procedures at the Hospital start with a private and detailed consultation with a specialist surgeon. Our expert surgeons talk you through which kind of breast augmentation would be the best option for you, along with what type and size of implant you should consider.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact us to book a free consultation with our cosmetic surgeon today. Manchester Private Hospital is one of the top Manchester breast enlargement and augmentation centers.

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