Types of Breast Implants

Breast Surgery in Oakland, El Cerrito, Berkeley and Emeryville, California

The choice of breast implant you choose is very important. Not only does the choice of breast implant determine which kind of incision type you receive, but it also will determine how your breasts look post surgery.

Saline and silicone are the two types of breast implants that have been approved by the FDA. Both of these breast implants have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Working with Dr. Patino, you can determine what type is most suited to your individual needs and desires.

Saline Breast Implants

At the Cosmetic Surgical Center of El Cerrito, most of our breast augmentation procedures are performed using saline implants. Saline is a sterile salt water solution used to fill implants once they are placed. Saline implants can be round or tear shaped and work for a variety of body types.

The primary benefits of saline breast implants are that they are nontoxic, and ruptures are easily spotted due to the absorption of saline into your body. The drawbacks to saline filled implants include they do not feel as natural as silicone implants, they are more likely to show rippling, especially on women with little breast tissue.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone gel implants feel more natural than saline implants and are less likely to ripple or wrinkle. There are a variety of silicone fillings to choose from. Most recently a solution known as "gummy bear silicone" has taken these implants into new territory, making them look and feel more natural than ever before.

One of the main drawbacks to silicone implants is when there is a leak. When saline implants rupture the implant drains fairly quickly and is noticeable. With silicone implants, a rupture may show no obvious signs of a problem. It is because of this that an MRI is required every year starting two years after the surgery to detect potential ruptures. You will be responsible for the MRI costs unless it is covered by your health insurance.

Breast Implant Surface, Shape, and Profile

No matter what type of filling you choose for your breast implant, Dr. Patino will be able to help you customize the implant itself to your unique frame. Breast implants come in two textures:

  • Smooth implants which have a thinner outer shell and are less likely to ripple
  • Textured implants which are thicker and lower the risk of capsular contracture, but may ripple or wrinkle over time.

Breast implants also come in two different shapes:

  • Tear shaped implants that look more natural and work with your body’s contours
  • Round implants that offer a fuller, more model-like look

Breast implant profiles can be low, moderate, or high. The profile is how far your implant will protrude from your chest. Dr. Patino will work with you to help you determine the size, shape, and surface most ideally suited to your body.

Please see Questions about Breast Augmentation Surgery for more information.

If you live in or around Oakland, El Cerrito, Berkeley or Emeryville, California and are interested in learning more about your options for breast enhancement, please contact Dr. Patino at The Cosmetic Surgical Center of El Cerrito to schedule an initial consultation.