Choosing a Breast Implant

Choosing a Breast Implant
You should consider the following when you and your surgeon are discussing implant options.

Implant Status – Whether or not an implant is PMA-approved or investigational (not PMA-approved) should be something you consider (see the Status/Availability section for details). An implant that is investigational means you will need to be part of a clinical study to get these implants. In addition, the surgeon of your choice may work with only specific breast implants.

Shape and Size - Depending on the desired shape and size you wish to achieve, you and your surgeon may choose a round or contoured implant shape of appropriate size (volume). You should be aware that contoured implants that are placed submuscular (under the pectoralis major muscle) may assume a round shape after implantation. Your surgeon will also evaluate your existing tissue to determine if you have enough to cover the breast implant.

Implant Surface - Textured surface implants were designed to reduce the chance of capsular contracture. Some studies with small numbers of women suggest that surface texturing reduces the chance of severe capsular contracture. However, other studies of a large number of women with saline-filled implants show no difference in the likelihood of developing capsular contracture with textured implants when compared to smooth-surfaced implants.

Implant Palpability/Visibility - The following may cause implants to be more palpable (more easily felt) or more visible: textured implants; larger implants; subglandular placement; and smaller amount of skin/tissue available to cover the implant.

You should discuss the pros and cons for each incision site you are considering with your surgeon. Your surgeon may recommend an incision site for you depending on whether you will be having augmentation or reconstruction.

Augmentation Incision Sites – The three common incision sites are under the arm (transaxillary), around the nipple (periareolar), or within the breast fold (inframammary). The sketch below shows each of these incisions sites.65

Transaxillary – This incision is less concealed than periareolar but associated with less difficulty than the periareolar incision site when breast feeding.
Periareolar – This incision is most concealed but is associated with a higher likelihood of inability to successfully breast feed, as compared to the other incision sites.
Inframammary – This incision is less concealed than periareolar but associated with less difficulty with breast feeding than the periareolar incision site.

Additional Liposuction Research:

Saline Breast Implants | Silicone Breast Implants | Breast Augmentation Risks | Breast Augmentation Costs | Breast Augmentation Before & After | Choosing a Breast Augmentation Surgeon | Choosing a Breast Implant | Breast Reconstruction with Breast Implants | Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Flaps | Questions for Your Breast Augmentation Surgeon | Questions for Your Breast Reconstruction Surgeon | Breast Augmentation Glossary