Whether you’ve recently made the choice to undergo breast augmentation in Nashville, or you’re beginning to look into it for the first time, it’s not uncommon to be overwhelmed by all of the implant options out there. The decisions you’ll need to make fall under 4 major categories. Here’s some insight and understanding into each.
Implant Material
You’ll have 2 implant material options: saline or silicone. The saline implants are made from a silicone shell that is filled with a liquid saline solution. When you hold it in your hand, it feels a lot like a thick plastic bag filled with water. Because they’re primarily liquid, saline implants are also amorphous and will not hold a definite shape.
Your other option is silicone, named for the silicone gel material inside. This material is thicker and holds its shape. Many patients say that silicone implants feel more like natural breast tissue once they’re placed under the skin.
Implant Shape
Saline breast implants are available in only a round shape, as they will not hold a predetermined form. Silicone implants come in a variety of shapes and forms, from a classic round shape to more anatomical configurations shaped like a teardrop.
The shape and contour of implants look different on each patient. I am always happy to help patients determine which implants will create the results they want to achieve.
Implant Texture
The external surface of the implant can have a bumpy texture to it or be completely smooth. Textured implants allow the body’s tissue to adhere to the surface of the implant and secure it in place, which may reduce the risk of capsular contracture. That said, smooth implants are a perfectly safe choice. Texture choices depend on the patient’s preferences and body type.
Implant Size
Size may be the most difficult choice to make, primarily because implants are measured by volume in cubic centimeters (cc), not by bra cup size. Explaining that you’d like to be a “full D-cup,” for example, is helpful to me, but there are likely to be different volume options that can achieve that size.
Ultimately, the volume that’s right for you will depend on how much existing breast tissue you have, your body structure, and the type of implant you choose. A 350-cc sized implant will look completely different on you than on your best friend, so it’s important to come into your breast augmentation consultation with an open mind about sizing options.
You can see the patient on the left in Case 13 has chosen a 339-cc silicone implant, where the patient on the right in Case 32 has chosen a 265-cc silicone implant. Both patients’ results look natural and appropriate to their bodies. At first glance, they may even look similar in size.
Implant sizers and 3D imaging systems also help by offering a preview of the results you can expect with each of the different implant options. When choosing a plastic surgeon, ask about the tools available to you, along with the surgeon’s credentials and experience.
As for our practice, you can learn more about the breast augmentation options available to you through the breast augmentation section of my blog, where I’ve written a number of posts discussing the augmentation process and your experience.