Are Breast Implants Safe?

Are you thinking about getting breast implants? Perhaps you simply want to make your breasts larger, or maybe there’s another reason you want to change the looks of your breasts. Regardless of why you want implants, you should know that even though all types of implants are considered safe, some are actually safer than the others.

Keep reading to learn about the different types of implants, including their materials, why they are used, and which ones are the safest.

What Are the Different Types of Breast Implants?

When you go to the doctor to talk about getting breast implants, one of the first things the doc will ask is whether you want implants made out of silicone, saline, or “gummy bear.” Your personal preferences are the determining factor as to which type is best for you, but here are a couple of things to keep in mind.

Saline implants are made out of sterile saltwater. They are either prefilled (meaning the saline is already in the implants when each implant is inserted during surgery), or they are filled at the time of surgery.
You can get silicone implants in a number of sizes and shapes. You can also pick between different degrees of firmness with silicone implants.
Gummy bear implants are like silicone implants in that they are filled with silicone; however, the gel in gummy bear implants tends to be more cohesive, making it easier to give you implants that are thicker and firmer than other types.
A scarless breast lift is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes radiofrequency technology. The scarless breast lift technique triggers the tissues just beneath the skin’s surface to contract and lift without the need for incisions or the scarring associated with a surgical breast lift.

How Are Breasts Implants Inserted?

All surgeries that involve breast implants are done with the patient being “put under” (the patient is given anesthesia and is unconscious during the surgery. The implants are inserted through a incision, but this incision can be in one of two places as to allow the implants to be placed in different spots:

Underneath the pectoral muscle
Top of the pectoral muscle

Which Type of Implants Are the Safest?

You can get silicone implants if you are 22-years-old or older. A lot of people with breast implants prefer silicone because it feels the most natural. Before you decide that silicone implants are the best option, though, it’s important to consider the drawbacks of these implants first. Take for example the fact that getting silicone implants usually means you’ll be returning to the doctor every few years to make sure there are no leaks or tears. You may even have to have MRIs done to check the condition of the implants. On the bright side, though, if silicone implants start to leak, they typically don’t collapse.

With saline implants, you will likely notice rather quickly if one or both of the implants start to leak or tear. The implants themselves tend to deflate like a balloon when leaking. In fact, the saline usually leaks out over the period of one to three days and it reabsorbs back into the body. Within those one to three days, you’ll notice that the leaking implant causes the breast to look deflated in its appearance and much unlike the other breast.

Gummy bear implants are the least likely to rupture. The cohesive gel substance used in gummy bear implants is much thicker than saline and silicone, but much like silicone implants, detecting a leak in gummy bear versions can be difficult because the gel leaks out very slowly. Also noteworthy about gummy bear implants is that they are created to have a ‘tear-drop’ design. While this ‘tear-drop’ design goes a long way in helping achieve a natural-looking breast, the implant can rotate after insertion, meaning the breast will take on a very unnatural appearance with the breast looking “sideways.”

What Type of Implant Is Best for You?

To choose the best type of breast implants for you, it’s first important for you to understand the different types. Speaking with your doctor and doing online research is one of the best ways to learn about the different types. Going online and doing research is also helpful because you can read through thousands of reviews from people just like you who have already undergone breast augmentation surgery.

Your reasons for getting breast surgery will also impact which type is best for you. If you don’t desire to change the shape of your breasts but rather just the size, then silicone or saline implants will probably work well. But if you want to make the breasts larger while also enhancing their size, then gummy bear implants are probably going to work best.

As far as being a good candidate for breast surgery, here’s what plastic surgeon Stafford Broumand, M.D. has to say:

“Each implant has pros and cons depending on the patient’s goals. During the evaluation, I review the patient’s goals, breast shape, and anatomy to determine the best implant and incision … Any patient who would like to change the size and shape of her breasts, wants to create a more proportionate shape, or wants [to change the fit of her clothing] is a good candidate for breast augmentation. Who’s not a good candidate? A patient with body-dysmorphic issues or who’s being pressured by family or friends.”

Book Your Breast Implant Consultation Today

There’s never been a better time to consider enhancing your body with breast implants. With three different types to choose from, there’s no doubt you want to learn more each of them. The easiest way to see which ones will work best for you is to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon.

Once you’re ready to take the next step and book your consultation, there’s no turning back. The results you’ve dreamed of are within your grasp. Stop delaying, and schedule a Philadelphia breast augmentation implant consultation appointment with double board-certified Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. Stark today.

You won’t regret your decision!

Are Breast Implants Safe?