Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States, with more than 300,000 surgeries performed each year. If you’ve desired larger, fuller breasts, you’ll have a couple of options when it comes to the type of implant: Silicone gel, gummy bear silicone gel implants and saline.
Silicone gel
Silicone gel implants are a popular choice because patients say they feel more like natural breast tissue than saline implants. The implant consists of a silicone outer shell filled with medical-grade silicone gel and comes in various sizes depending on the look you want to achieve. Modern technology has made today’s silicone gel more gelatin-like and cohesive, which means the gel stays together in the shell if the implant is ruptured. There is a disadvantage to silicone gel implants because some of the gel can leak into the breast pocket without the patient knowing. The leak in the implant only shows up on mammograms and the implant will have to be removed and replaced.
Gummy bear implants
Gummy bear implants are popular because they are created in a teardrop shape to simulate the shape of a natural breast. These implants are made of a silicone gel that’s even more cohesive—like a gummy bear, hence the name—and thicker than traditional silicone gel implants. If a gummy bear implant is ruptured, the gel will remain in the shell and not leak into the surrounding breast tissue.
Saline
Saline implants require smaller incisions as the shell is empty upon insertion into the breast pocket and filled in place with sterile saline solution. This gives the surgeon more flexibility with the desired size. If the implant ruptures, the body will naturally absorb and expel the fluid. The technologically advanced Ideal Implant® is increasingly more popular as it provides more protection against leaks from ruptures. This implant is made of nested implant shells and two separate chambers that hold the saline solution.
To learn more about implant types and which one is best for you, schedule a consultation with New Jersey Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, P.A, today by calling call (973) 243-2300.