What Type of Breast Implants Should I Choose? In Toronto, canada

Posted on March 24, 2022 in Breast Augmentation

When planning your breast augmentation, you may be surprised at the number of options regarding your breast implants. During a consultation, Dr. Power can help you decide which option is best for you. However, it can be helpful to understand and consider your breast implant options prior to your appointment. This allows you to make an educated and prepared decision.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are composed of an outer silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater. These implants have several benefits. First, they are typically the most affordable implant option when compared to silicone breast implants. They can also be placed using short incisions, making subsequent scarring less noticeable overall. In cases of implant leaks or ruptures, saline will be naturally and safely absorbed by the body. This makes it easy for patients to monitor for any changes and make appointments with their plastic surgeon for a revision accordingly. Saline breast implants are approved for patients 18-years-old and older, making them an acceptable choice for young breast augmentation patients.

With these factors in mind, saline implants have some downsides. Rippling can occasionally be an issue, especially for thinner patients. Saline implants also tend to have a less natural feel, and may have a less natural look as well.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are patients’ other option. These implants are filled with a silicone gel rather than saltwater. “Gummy bear” implants have also been introduced, which use advanced technology for gel that feels firmer and is form stable. This means that the implant will not lose its shape if the outer shell breaks. All silicone breast implants tend to look and feel more like natural breast tissue compared to saline implants.

The primary concern in today’s silicone implants is the higher cost compared to saline. Other cons may include larger incisions, however, Dr. Power uses the Keller funnel to place breast implants. This technique allows Dr. Power to place silicone implants with shorter incisions and reduces risk of capsular contracture.

Leaks and ruptures may also pose a concern. In older generation silicone implants, silicone can leak within the capsule or even migrate. However, cohesive gel implants remain intact. While this means that the appearance of your breast augmentation will be preserved, it will make it more difficult to screen for complications. Some patients will require routine ultrasound or MRI screenings to assess their silicone implants.

Choosing Your Implant Shape, Size, and Texture

In addition to the materials of your breast implants, several options are or were available regarding the shape, size, and texture of the implants. Some of these options are no longer in use, so patients undergoing their first breast augmentation will have fewer decisions to make.

In the past, patients could choose between textured or smooth implants. Textured implants were intended to lower the risk of implant rotation or capsular contracture. However, they also increased risk of ALCL, a rare form of cancer. For this reason, textured implants were recalled. Smooth implants offer a softer feel overall.

The two primary shapes of breast implants are round or teardrop. Round implants add greater fullness to the upper pole. Teardrop implants were designed to mimic the natural slope of the breast. However, these implants were designed with a textured shell to lower risk of rotation or malposition. Textured implant shells have been voluntarily recalled by manufacturers, meaning that teardrop implants are no longer available.

Finally, patients and plastic surgeons can choose the size of their implants. Implants range in size, allowing patients to select a more natural or more augmented look according to their aesthetic preferences. Dr. Power will also help you consider how to best achieve a flattering or proportionate appearance. As needed, two different implant sizes can be used to address natural asymmetry.

Schedule a Consultation

To discuss your breast implant options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Power. Call Power Plastic Surgery in Toronto, ON at (416) 962-1010 or contact us online.