WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR BREAST IMPLANTS?
The New Year is often a time for setting goals, and if larger breasts and a shapelier contour is something you have had on your wish list, now is the time to make that dream a reality. Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure, with around 300,000 surgeries performed in the United States each year. So how do you know which implant will be best for your needs?
Here Are The Three Common Types Of Implants:
Silicone Gel
Silicone gel breast implants feel the most like natural breast tissue because they are made of a silicone outer shell filled with medical-grade silicone gel, which is like gelatin. Today’s silicone gel is more advanced and cohesive, which means it stays together within the shell if the implant develops a leak. FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 22 and older, silicone implants do have a disadvantage if the implant ruptures, allowing some of the silicone gel to leak into the breast pocket. The leak will show up on mammograms but you otherwise may not know it’s ruptured because the implant retains its shape.
Gummy Bear Implants
Gummy bear implants are just like the name suggests, made with a highly cohesive silicone gel that has the consistency of a gummy bear. Since this gel is much thicker than traditional silicone gel implants, the gel will remain within the shell and not leak out if the implant ruptures. Gummy bear implants are also designed to be a teardrop shape, which mimics the natural breast shape.
Saline
Unlike pre-filled silicone implants, saline breast implants require smaller incisions as the implant shells are empty when they are placed into the breast pocket and then filled with sterile salt water. Should the implant leak, the saline will be absorbed by your body and naturally expelled. These are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 18 or older.
No matter what implant type you choose, you will need to monitor your implants and follow up with your plastic surgeon with regular checkups. A consultation with Dr. Mehan and Dr. Johnson at Dominion Plastic Surgery will help you determine the best implant for your desired look. Schedule a consultation by calling (703) 544-8971 today.