One of the joys of being a plastic surgeon is being able to give women the size and shape breasts they desire. For some women, that means smaller breasts (breast reduction). For others, it means larger ones (breast augmentation). For those who want bigger, fuller breasts, breast implants are a safe, highly successful way to get the breast size they’ve always wanted. For more information on breast augmentation, download our free fact sheet!
I offer three types of breast implants, all of them safe
- Silicone breast implants—filled with silicone gel.
- Saline breast implants—filled with saline (sterile saltwater).
- Natrelle® gummy breast implants—filled with silicone gel. Choose from five profiles (low to extra full), four degrees of fullness (minimal to maximum) and three levels of cohesivity (gumminess).
Most women—and most plastic surgeons, myself included—prefer the look and feel of silicone implants rather than saline. Silicone implants are generally considered to look and feel more like real breast tissue, while saline implants are more prone to cause rippling of the skin. Women are also reporting high satisfaction rates with the new gummy versions because they can choose the size and shape of their implants for a more customized, unique look.
Which type of implant is best: silicone, saline or gummy?
In my opinion, the answer is unique to each patient. It highly depends on how a woman feels about a host of issues, such as look, feel, cost, monitoring for silicone gel implant rupture, size of incisions, the potential need to replace the implants, pre-operative breast size and the desired post-operative size and shape.
Your plastic surgeon may have a preference for one type of breast implant over another. For my patients, before deciding on which type, I always take into consideration:
- a woman’s body type
- her age
- the current size of her breasts
Silicone implants
Most women and plastic surgeons prefer the look and feel of silicone breast implants, which are generally considered to be more like real breast tissue. Silicone implants are pre-filled and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Generally, I prefer the feel of silicone over saline. However, silicone implants are more expensive, require a slightly longer incision, and are a little more difficult to know if they have ruptured. Although they were taken off the market by the FDA for several years due to safety concerns, all of the valid scientific studies have shown this type of implant to be safe. Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women aged 22 and older.Saline implants
Saline breast implants are silicone shells filled with sterile salt water (saline). Since they are filled after they are implanted in the breast, they require a slightly smaller incision than silicone ones. Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel, are less expensive than silicone implants and are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 18 and older.
Natrelle gummy implants
With Natrelle gummy gel breast implants, your breast implants are unique to you. Choose from three different amounts of cohesivities (“gumminess”), four degrees of breast fullness, and five silhouette profiles for a look that's yours alone.
It's important to choose the implant you'll be most comfortable with
The bottom line: all three implants are good choices. After consulting with your plastic surgeon, choose the one that seems right for you.
If you are interested in breast implants
If you are thinking about having breast implant surgery and would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact me. I will send you additional information prior to your appointment. During our meeting, I will answer any questions you may have, assess your breasts, your reasons for wanting surgery and your expectations. Then together, we will decide which option would be the best one for you.
Want to know more about breast implant surgery?
You might also find these pages helpful on my website:
- Breast Procedures
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Lift
- Breast Reconstruction
- Breast Reduction
- Breast Revision
Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Samuel J. Beran, MD is a highly accomplished plastic surgeon with offices in Manhattan, Harrison and Mount Kisco, NY. With more than 20 years’ experience and a thorough command of the most advanced techniques and technologies, Dr. Beran consistently provides his patients with the highest level of plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, face, skin and body. Recently, Dr. Beran was named a “Top Doctor” by RealSelf for his dedication to responding to consumer questions and patient feedback. The “Top Doctor” designation is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf physician community.
