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The Different Types of Implants Explained

If you want to correct the appearance of uneven, asymmetrical, or sagging breasts, breast augmentation surgery in Sarasota, Florida, can resolve all your challenges. From ensuring fullness to enhancing a youthful appearance, the right kind of breast implants can help you attain your ideal figure. But before you get your breast augmentation procedure, it is critical to consider what type of breast implants you should get. To help you learn more about your breast implant options, here is a lowdown on different types of implants that allow you to achieve your ideal appearance and enjoy long-term results.

Breast Implants Come in Two Categories

Breast implants are available in two materials – saline and silicone. While both have a silicone outer shell, saline implants have a saltwater filling, while silicone implants consist of medical-grade silicone.

Saline Implants

With their saltwater filling and silicone shell, saline implants have a firm feel. After you select your desired size, your surgeon will insert these implants into your breast tissue before filling them with the saline solution.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants consist entirely of silicone and boast a natural look and feel, like natural breast tissue. Once you select your implant size, your surgeon will insert the entire implant into your breast tissue. For this reason, silicone implants require relatively larger incisions than saline ones.

What Type of Breast Implants Should You Get?

While deciding between different breast implant options, you must learn about each type’s advantages and disadvantages to make an informed decision and open the doors to long-term comfort.

Compatibility

Both types of implants are biocompatible and medical-grade devices. However, silicone implants work well for women with little natural breast tissue, while saline implants are better for those with abundant breast tissue.

Size Availability

Both implants have various sizes that could help you attain your ideal look. If you desire a dramatic size increase, remember that your skin will need to stretch more to accommodate larger implants. For this reason, an experienced surgeon may recommend a gradual approach if your goal is to go up several cup sizes.

Look and Feel

Silicone implants have a highly natural appearance and feel. In comparison, saline implants are firmer to the touch and have a tough outer shell.

Age Restrictions

For cosmetic enhancements, saline implants are FDA-approved for use in women 18 years of age or older, while silicone implants are FDA-approved for use in women 22 or older.

Recommendations

When deciding what type of breast implants you should get, remember that silicone implants are ideal for patients with little breast tissue or severe aesthetic concerns such as breast asymmetry. Meanwhile, saline implants are better for younger women with plenty of natural breast tissue.

Possible Risks

Saline implants may cause rippling or wrinkling over time. Silicone implants may rupture or leak over the years. In this case, they need a careful removal procedure to avoid health complications.

When choosing between these breast implant options, you should keep in mind that neither choice lasts a lifetime. While modern implants can last more than a decade, you might need to have them removed or replaced eventually.

Are You Ready to Learn More?

To maximize your results from breast enhancement surgery, it’s essential to hold a personalized consultation with a qualified, talented surgeon. Schedule a consultation with the Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center today. We will be glad to understand your concerns, guide you through all your options, and help you attain your dream figure safely and effectively.

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Dr. Scott Engel smiling
Scott J. Engel, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon at  | Website |  + posts

Dr. Scott J. Engel, a board-certified Sarasota plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, is renowned for his natural-looking results, compassionate care, and dedication to patient education. Specializing in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body, he offers procedures such as breast augmentation with advanced implants, lifts, reductions, fat grafting, abdominoplasty, liposuction, body lifts, mommy makeovers, Brazilian butt lifts, and labiaplasty, as well as facial surgeries including facelifts, brow lifts, neck lifts, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and laser resurfacing. Dr. Engel completed his education at Rutgers College and Jefferson Medical College, followed by residency at Saint Louis University and an aesthetic fellowship at The Cleveland Clinic, where he trained extensively in all aspects of cosmetic surgery. A recipient of multiple research awards, he is an active member of leading surgical societies, serves on the staff at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center, and holds an adjunct faculty role at The Cleveland Clinic.

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