Breast Augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States. Many women are looking for a way to enhance their busts. There are a number of options to choose from when it comes to opting for breast implants. Round, textured, teardrop, silicone? What are these variations in implants and how do you select the best combination for you and your goals?

Dr. Daniel Brown. MD, FACS is a Board-Certified plastic surgeon who is committed to assisting patients in making informed decisions about their care. When it comes to learning about Breast Augmentation, the information is vast. Because of this, Dr. Brown wants to make your preliminary research on Breast Implants as concise, yet as informative, as possible.

ABOUT BREAST IMPLANTS

Breast Implants are medical prosthetic devices that are meant to increase your bust size. They are available in saline, silicone, gummy bear, textured, smooth, round, and anatomical compositions, plus a plethora of sizes to choose from. You may also opt for subglandular or submuscular implant placement and you may consider one of three possible incision placement sites. Breast Implants come in many different combinations that can make the initial research seem overwhelming. Dr. Brown is ready to help you make the best decision that works for you.

BREAST AUGMENTATION CONSULTATION IN SAN DIEGO

Working with Dr. Brown will calm your stress, making your breast augmentation decision-making process easier. During a consultation with Dr. Brown, he will listen empathically to your questions and provide you with straightforward answers. He will inform you of advances in the field, as well as his tailored approach to Breast Augmentation. Dr. Brown wants you to be knowledgeable in all aspects of the Breast Augmentation, including your Breast Implant options. You will leave your consultation feeling empowered and having a renewed sense of agency over your body.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo a Breast Augmentation is yours to make. Dr. Brown wants you to have the information necessary to make the optimal decision for you. A thorough discussion with Dr. Brown will shine light on the implant options that will work with your body. Your anatomy and goals will determine the breast implant combination that will complement your physique.

BREAST IMPLANT SIZE

Choosing a size for your Breast Implants goes further than your bra size. Breast Implants are measured in Cubic Centimeters (cc). The associated cc’s refer to the volume of an implant. Some Breast Implant brands can start with as little as 100cc and go up to 800cc. Dr. Brown will take into consideration your current breast size, including any asymmetry. This is to determine the number of cc’s needed for each breast to reach your aesthetic goals.

TYPES OF BREAST IMPLANTS

SALINE

Saline Breast Implants have a silicone outer shell and are filled with a sterile saltwater (saline) solution. The implant may come prefilled or they may be filled during the Breast Augmentation procedure. Saline Implants have been FDA-approved for Breast Augmentation in females aged 18 and older.

In the case of Breast Implant rupture, the saline solution will be readily absorbed by the body with no adverse effects. The affected breast will noticeably deflate, alerting you to a rupture. A replacement augmentation will be necessary to correct the defect.

SILICONE

Silicone Breast Implants are prefilled with a cohesive gel that provides a firmer feel than saline. They also have a silicone outer shell. Silicone Implants are available prefilled to the desired volume. Silicone Implants are approved for use in females aged 22 or older for Breast Augmentation.

With Silicone Breast Implants, there is potential for a “silent rupture.” This is when there is any tear or hole in the outer shell. The silicone gel may leak from the implant during a rupture. Because of the cohesive nature of the gel, the breast may keep its shape, not immediately alerting you to the rupture. A replacement augmentation will be necessary to remove the ruptured implant and any silicone that may have leaked from the implant, along with replacing the Breast Implant, if needed.

GUMMY BEAR

Gummy Bear Breast Implants have a silicone outer shell and are filled with a highly cohesive silicone gel that resembles the inside of a gummy bear candy. They have a firmer feel than traditional silicone Breast Implants. Since they are silicone based implants, they are approved for use in women 22 years and older.

Gummy Bear Implants may rupture, but because of their highly cohesive gel filling, they are able to retain their shape. Patients will need to remove the ruptured implant in a replacement augmentation.

If you are curious to know how each type of implant feels or behaves in the body, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Brown today.

In the case of silicone-based implants, it is advised that women attend MRI screenings 3 years after Breast Augmentation and every 2 years, thereafter. This is to monitor the implants to detect any defects, including silent rupture.

BREAST IMPLANT TEXTURES

SMOOTH

Smooth outer shells are found in round shaped implants as the change in orientation does not distort the appearance of the breast. The smooth texture of the outer shell allows for more natural movement of the implant within the breast pocket.

TEXTURED

Textured Breast Implants can be round or anatomically shaped. The texture on the surface of the implant allows the breast and/or scar tissue to grow into the divots on the implant. This works to secure the Breast Implant in place and reduces the chance of the Breast Implant changing orientation in the breast pocket. This is why the textured surface is preferred for teardrop implants.

BREAST IMPLANT SHAPE

ROUND

Round Implants are exactly as the name implies: the Breast Implants are circular and provide more upper pole fullness than teardrop implants. This can enhance a woman’s cleavage by providing volume above the nipple. Round Implants may be either traditional silicone or saline.

ANATOMICAL/ TEARDROP

Anatomical or “Teardrop” Implants are filled with highly cohesive silicone. Because of this, Teardrop Breast Implants are referred to as Gummy Bear Implants. Anatomical Implants have a tapered slope with more fullness located in the lower pole. Anatomical Implants are commonly sought out by women looking for a modest or inconspicuous increase in breast size or a more natural breast profile.

BREAST IMPLANT PROFILE

MENTOR Breast Implants are available in moderate, moderate plus, high and ultra high profiles depending on the type of implant you opt for. The profile of a breast implant correlates to the amount of projection the breast will have following Breast Augmentation. A moderate profile implant has the widest base, allowing for relatively equal projection across the breast. Ultra high profile implants, on the other hand, have a more narrow base, concentrating the projection towards the center of the breast. If you are looking for more projection, a higher profile may be warranted. If you prefer less projection, a moderate profile may work better for you.

BREAST IMPLANT INCISION SITE

PERIAREOLAR INCISION

The Periareolar Incision is made along the lower border of the areola – where the darker pigment around the nipple meets with your general skin tone. The change in pigment effectively conceals the resulting scar. This incision caters to traditional saline or silicone implants since a short incision is made.

INFRAMAMMARY FOLD INCISION

This incision is made under the breast in the crease where the breast meets the rib cage. The Inframammary Incision is well-hidden by the breast and/or a bra or bikini top. Because they are firmer and harder to manipulate, Gummy Bear Implants must be inserted into the breast pocket through this incision. The incision for Gummy Bear Breast Implants is usually longer, resulting in a longer scar than what is necessary for traditional silicone or saline implants.

TRANSAXILLARY INCISION

Transaxillary Incision is made in the natural skin folds of the armpit, so there is no visible sign of surgery on the breast. Using a tiny camera, called an endoscope, and specialized instruments, Dr. Brown will carefully dissect the tissue from the armpit to the breast until the breast is reached. The chosen Breast Implant is then guided through the tissue from the armpit and placed into the breast pocket.

BREAST IMPLANT PLACEMENT

SUBGLANDULAR (OVER THE MUSCLE)

Subglandular placement of breast implants is right below the breast tissue. This includes fatty tissue and the milk ducts. With this placement, the implant is placed above the pectoral muscle. The benefits to placing the Breast Implant in this position is that recovery from surgery may be more streamlined when compared to Submuscular placement.

SUBMUSCULAR (UNDER THE MUSCLE)

Placing Breast Implants under, or behind, the pectoral muscle can make breast imaging, such as mammography, easier. Also, this position may be indicated in women with less breast tissue, as the implant will be less palpable when placed under the muscle.

FAQ

What are gummy bear implants?

Gummy Bear implants are breast implants that are filled with a highly cohesive silicone gel. The gel is similar in consistency to a gummy bear candy, making them firmer than traditional silicone and saline implants. These breast implants are available in a teardrop, or more anatomically correct shape where they have a tapered slope. Since they have more volume at the bottom, they closely resemble the shape of a natural breast.

How much do breast implants cost in San Diego?

Breast Augmentation is a very customized procedure. Because of this, the price for Breast Augmentation will vary between patients. When it comes to pricing Breast Implants, saline implants are the most affordable. Dr. Brown will discuss the implant options that will best suit you and your needs during your consultation. Our helpful Patient Coordinators will discuss cost for your Breast Augmentation based on your tailored treatment plan. Dr. Brown offers several payment and financing options to help make your Breast Augmentation a reality. To learn more about our financing partners, contact one of Dr. Brown’s San Diego area offices today to schedule a breast augmentation consultation!