How are the types of Breast implants selected?

Breast implants come in various types depending on the shape, size, material and surface characteristics, however all implants share the same basic components of having an outer shell and inner filler material enclosed in it. The outer shell is typically either smooth or textured and is made from tough silicone material. The textured implants are supposed to have less incidence of capsule formation and have become more popular these days.

The two common types of implant filler material used are either a Saline solution or a Silicone gel. Silicone cohesive gel implants are most preferred implants as they are almost leak proof and give a very natural appearance and feel. The saline implants are prone to leakage and due to lower density of saline; the feel is also less natural. The saline implants also tend to change shape with body position while this is not the case with thicker gel implants.

As far as the shape is concerned, breast implants come in two shapes, round or anatomical or teardrop shape. The advantage of a round implant is that if it rotates in the pocket created fro implant, it is not noticed as a round implant just rotates on its axis. Anatomical implants give somewhat more natural look but can rotate if the surgical pocket created for implant does not hold them in place. This results in unnatural shape of breasts.

Implants come in various sizes starting from 150cc to 800 cc or even more. The best way to select the size of an implant is to try some different size breast sizers in a bra to give you an idea as to the look you achieve after surgery. This method helps patients to choose the size of implants. Another way to estimate the required size is that approx. 300 cc volume implant can enhance breast by two cup size i.e. from Cup B to Cup D size and accordingly implant size is selected. Currently commonly used implants are Silicone Cohesive gel implants, Round shaped with Textured surface available in various sizes.