Gone are the days of obvious, firmly placed, round breast implants, reminiscent of Pamela Anderson on Baywatch. Gone are the days of required implant replacement every 10 years, or limited options for natural-looking results.
The advancements in breast augmentation and implant technology over the last several years has made a significant impact on my practice here in Chandler, Arizona, and on the industry as a whole. Implants are safer and more varied than ever, and I’ve become even more excited to offer my patients a spectrum of implant options that’s better able to meet their goals and desires, down to even the smallest aesthetic details.
These innovations and customizations owe a lot to the development of silicone gel breast implants, which I often prefer to offer my patients over saline. Here’s why.
1. More Options for Shape and Size
Silicone gel implants are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, from perfectly rounded implants to those with a wider base. Some have a teardrop shape and a slimmer profile, while others provide added volume at a higher point on the breast. This variety offers me a wide range of options for patients – some are better for women with dense existing tissue, others favor a wide-framed body structure, and still others provide a subdued, minimal enhancement. When working with these implants, I can provide patients with the best implants for their body type and desired results. They’re often happier with their results, as am I!
The patient featured below sought a subdued result that filled out volume lost after having children. The results met her aesthetic goals without creating the obvious appearance of implants.
2. More Natural, Less Dramatic Appearance
As I’ve mentioned, the silicone gel implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including teardrop-shaped implants, which are slimmer on the top and heavier on the bottom. This shape mimics a natural breast shape, allowing me to create a smooth, natural looking result from every angle.
Patients who choose subglandular implant placement, where implants are placed under the breast tissue but above the pectoral muscle, are often concerned with the visibility of edges of the breast implant protruding or becoming obvious under their skin. These shaped implants help diminish the visibility of a bump under the breast tissue where the implant starts.
The patient in the images below increased the volume of her breasts but did not compromise the existing teardrop shape. You cannot see the implant beneath her skin, and the results look quite natural. You can read her story here.
3. Less Opportunity for Rippling
One concern for patients who choose saline breast implants is rippling. This may be most visible on the sides and bottom of the breast tissue, where the implant sits heaviest and pulls slightly on the surrounding tissue.
Silicone gel implants, on the other hand, hold their shape well, diminishing the chance of rippling, especially with a higher filled silicone implant.
That said, saline implants may still be a better solution for some patients. During the patient’s consultation, we’ll discuss their lifestyle, plans for family, and desired goals, and work together to determine which implant is going to be the best for them. If we deem a saline implant to fit those needs, I’ll work to ensure their results are complementary to their body type, look natural, and will last long into their future.
If you feel this may be the right time for you to make this enhancement to your figure and your confidence, please reach out to us for an in-person consultation, and we’ll discuss your options and candidacy together! You can contact us online here, so you don’t even have to pick up the phone.
Or, if you’re not quite ready to make the leap, read through the other blog posts I’ve written about breast augmentation and the implant options available. This post, entitled “Considering Breast Augmentation? Here’s What to Expect,” is a great place to start.
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