There are many reasons women like to get have this procedure done including breast replacement after mastectomy, cosmetic reasons, gender change and breast reconstruction due to any number of problems. Over the years there have been several types of breast implants created – here we will talk about a few.

Silicone

The most widely used types of breast implants is the silicone variety. These implants are a silicone shell filled with silicone gel. Over the years, they have gone through several redesigns to provide the most lifelike breast reproduction. During the 90’s they were redesigned to be thinner and feel more natural but this made them more prone to leaking and rupturing. Today’s silicone implants are made with tougher shells and filled with thicker silicone gel to prevent bleed and leakage. These implants cost roughly twice as much as saline.

Saline

Saline breast implants are significantly cheaper, safer and since they are filled after insertion, scarring is minimized. The one complaint with this type of breast implants is the look and feel. These implants are more prone to rippling and tend to be less soft than silicone implants. On the plus size, saline implants are easier to insert and the volume can be adjusted on the fly so to speak. Your surgeon can micro adjust the implants during the procedure to give them a uniform look.

Combination

For a short time, there was a combination saline and silicone option. These were developed to give the look and feel of silicone with the safety feature of saline. This implant was basically an implant within an implant, a silicone filled implant surrounded by a saline implant. Due to the complex construction of these implants, the failure rates were much higher. Today this variety of breast implant is rarely if ever used.

Gummy Bear Implants

Otherwise known as cohesive gel implants, they are the newest type of implant. So new in fact, they are not yet approved for use within the US, though many successful surgeries have been completed outside of the US.

what type of material to use for the implant (saline or silicone implants) and what size and shape breast implants do you want. After speaking with several doctors, I have found there really is not a right or wrong sized breast implant – it all comes down to the patients preference. I also have found out just picking a “B”, “C” or “D” cup is not the proper way to choose a breast implant size. Even though a “C” cup sized implant is a certain size, it won’t necessary be a “C” cup on every woman.

Here are a few ways we recommend to choose your breast implant size: 

Look at pictures of other women’s breast and show your cosmetic surgeon. 

Once you find a picture of women’s chest that you think will fit your body nicely, showing your plastic surgeon will be the best way to communicate what you want. Many surgeon’s will include the picture in the room while completing the breast augmentation so they can match as close as possible.

Try on different sizes in the office of your plastic surgeon. 

If you do not know what size breast implants will fit your body, try them on in your surgeon’s office. You can add the implants to your bra and see how they feel.

Take the rice test. 

Breast implants are measured by the volume of cubic centimeters in the implant – not a bra size. One thing women need to take into account is the weight barring on the body the implant will have. To get a good idea of the weight of an implant is to take the rice test. Use a measuring cup and fill a zip lock bag with rice and wear the bag in your bra. 1/4 cup will equal the weight of a 59 cc implant, 1/3 cup will equal 80 cc implant, 1/2 cup will equal 118 cc, 2/3 cup will equal 180 cc, and 1 cup will equal 235 cc implants. After a day or two wearing the rice bags you will have a great idea what implant size will suit you best.

Remember the size of the implant is not actual size of the breast. The implant is just one component of the actual size of the breast. Everyone women has a different body type and natural breast tissue. Showing a doctor a picture of breasts you would like is one of the best ways to get the results you want.

Choosing your breast shape is a little easier than your implant size. 

You really have two options for breast implant shape; a round-shaped implant and a tear drop implant. A round-shaped implant is circular in shape any way you look at the implant. From all sides it looks like a half circle and is symmetrical. A tear drop implant was created to represent a more natural looking breast and is larger on the bottom of the implant than the top.

One of the easiest way to choose your implant shape deals with the amount of breast tissue your body already has. If you have over 2 cm of natural breast tissue, it is recommended to use the round breast implant because you will be able to have 1 cm of natural breast tissue over the implant which will naturally take the tear drop shape once the procedure is complete. If you have under 2 cm of natural breast tissue, it is recommended to use the tear drop breast implant so the breast will look more natural when the implant surgery is completed.

At the end of the day your plastic surgeon will recommend a size and shape for your breast implants but the decision ultimately is yours. It is important to remember there is no right or wrong implant size or shape, it is all personal preference. It is important to choose the right plastic surgeon so you can be confident the procedure will be successful and you will fell better about yourself for years to come.

Many women are opting for breast enlargement with the use of breast implants. This can help them increase the size of their breasts and give them the figure they desire.

There are basically two types of breast implants: silicone implants and saline implants. Silicone implants were the first to be introduced in the market. But, in the 1990s, there was speculation about the health risks of such implants, due to which they were pulled from the market. When this happened, saline implants became more popular. However, in 2006, silicone implants were again being used because no proof of their risks had been found. Nowadays, both silicone and saline implants are being used by plastic surgeons. The type of implants you choose depends on your choice and on what is suitable for the result you are trying to achieve.

Silicone implants have a silicone rubber shell, which is filled with silicone gel. Silicone gel is a thick fluid substance, which seems a lot like human fat. This makes silicone gel implants have a more natural feel, which is why many women prefer having such implants. Its gel conforms to the shape of the breast, so it is hard to tell if you have had surgery and the end result does not look fictitious.

On the other hand, saline implants are filled with saline at the time of surgery which means that they are deflated before use. They feel harder than silicone implants, so they do not have a natural feel and look like the silicone ones. The main benefit of that implants is that they are places inside the body in a deflated state and are filled later on through a small incision. Therefore, saline implants require a smaller incision which leaves less chance of scarring.

The implants you choose depend on many factors. Saline implants are used for women from 18 years of age, while that kind of implants are used for women of 22 years and above. Silicone implants are suitable for women who are thinner and have a smaller body frame, because they look more natural than saline implants in this case. Both implants have different risk factors as well. If a saline implant ruptures, it is only salt water that leaks into your body and that does not do much damage. But, if it ruptures and silicone leaks into your body, it can cause dangerous infection. Also, silicone implants can sometimes harden over time and need to be replaced. Moreover, silicone implants are more expensive than the saline implants.

It is always important to get a consultation with a good doctor and discuss both types of implants in detail. In this way, you can understand the risks and benefits of both and decide which one you think is better. Also, the doctor can evaluate your condition and requirements and suggest the best option for you.

If you don’t ask these questions you could end up paying too much for your procedure or you could end up getting the wrong breast implant.

If however you do ask these questions you will be able to make a better, more informed decision about your breast implants and ancillary procedures with it. By asking these questions you will save yourself money, time, and possibly repeat procedures as well.

Here are the questions you should ask when comparing breast implant prices

1. What type of implants does your surgeon have and what are the pros and cons of each type of implants?

2. Whether there are any knows risks associated with the implants and what are precautions that have been taken to avoid or mitigate these risks?

3. What is the investment of each of these implants?

4. What are the warranties on the implant and whether these warranties will cover additional procedures if required?

5. Does this price include additional surgery related expenses including the following

– Hospital stay
– Surgical facility fees
– Prescriptions and medications
– Post surgery garments
– Medical tests fees and
– Other miscellaneous costs

6. What are financing options available and whether financing is through a third party or in house by the surgeon?

7. How procedure is performed and who will be involved in the procedure?

8. What are some post operative procedures and how long will the post-op stay have to be?

9. Whether travelling arrangements to and from the facility is going to be a significant cost, this is a question you should ask yourself to gauge between different facilities?

Often time when patients are comparing breast implant prices they just look at the basic cost of the implants and not the costs associated with getting implant. While implants themselves are a major investment, however without considering the costs associated with surgery (including medication, tests, hospital stay, facilities charges, etc.) can be significant.

Asking some of these fundamental questions will ensure that your surgery goes smoothly and that you don’t have any surprise payments after getting your breast implant.

By simply considering all of these costs your experience can be significantly improved after you get your implants. You will not be ambushed by getting a bill that you did not expect. Ask your cosmetic breast surgeon to help you compare breast implant prices and come up with one that works best for you.

So go ahead and write down the top five questions from above, and if you have already scheduled your appointment, call up your cosmetic breast surgeon to ask him / her about them. If you are still sitting on the sidelines considering whether to get an appointment, remember to ask your plastic surgeon the above five questions.

Two of the most common reasons include the need to reconstruct the breasts after a mastectomy, and the other reason is to offer a woman a greater feeling of sexiness and femininity that commonly comes with having larger breasts. Cosmetic surgery centers routinely assist patients achieve these desired goals through breast augmentation surgery.

Once the decision is made to undergo breast augmentation, there are other elements of the surgery which need to be decided between you and the cosmetic surgeon including the size and type of breast implant (saline or silicone) desired, as well as other considerations which will affect the final result.

Silicone or Saline – The first choice is to decide what kind of implant to get, saline or silicone. There are benefits to each option, and your cosmetic surgeon can provide an overview of each to understand which implant type would fit your lifestyle, body, and desired result. When selecting either silicone or saline implants, texture will be a factor as well and depends on your existing body type and thickness of skin.

Implant Size – Choosing the right size is an important factor, and your cosmetic surgeon can be especially helpful in this area, with samples in the office to help you determine the best option. Some surgeons have inserts that can be worn on top of your breasts that allow you to experience life with different sizes before undergoing surgery. Keep in mind that a good cosmetic surgeon will not rely on cup-size, which is a variable measurement by bra manufacturers, but instead will help you achieve your goals for your specific personality and body type. This process is an art, not a science.

Projection or Angle – Another decision you will need to make is the projection angle and overall shape of the implants. The shape can be anatomical or round. These decisions will affect the overall appearance of your final body shape and appearance, so it is crucial to understand the differences and how the options will look on you after surgery.

Before and After Pictures – A successful cosmetic surgeon should have a number of before and after pictures to share of their breast augmentation surgeries to offer a visual of your final outcome. Be sure to point out specific pictures you like to offer the cosmetic surgeon insight into your desired final outcome. The surgeon will discuss the specifics related to your procedure with you and can answer any questions you may have about the procedure, from start to finish. This will include the healing process, scarring and realistic expectations for the final result.

Selecting a Surgeon – Select a board-certified plastic surgeon to help you understand what changes your body will undergo and how best to address those changes. You will also get information regarding how to protect and extend the life of your implants.

When considering a breast augmentation one of the biggest choices a woman will make is the type of breast implant. Since 2006, when the FDA re-approved silicone implants, deeming them safe and not linked to causing cancer, there has been an increase in the number of women choosing silicone over saline. According the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 81 percent of the women who received breast augmentations in 2006 chose saline over silicone. Last year however, 72 percent of women chose silicone.

Today the majority of doctors will offer women the standard silicone and saline breast implants.

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and come pre-filled or may be filled at the time of surgery to allow for minor modifications. Silicone implants, on the other hand, only come pre-filled and made up with a soft elastic gel. Since they are pre-filled, silicone implants may require a longer incision.

Similar to silicone implant, “Gummy bear” implants are the newest in breast implant technology. These implants are made with a highly cohesive gel that delivers a natural feel that closely resembles breast tissue. Gummy bear’s offer women with a more natural looking and feeling breast implant in comparison to saline and more traditional silicone implants. Discuss your implant options with the cosmetic or plastic surgeon doing the breast augmentation surgery.

In addition to choosing the type of implant, women are also faced with the option of incision placement. Many women are apprehensive about the possibility of scaring.

There are three traditional incision types. An inframammary incision is made between the fold of the breast. For the most part breast tissue is minimally disturbed and the scar is hidden in the breast fold. A periareolar incision is done along the edge of the colored area of the nipple which allows the scar to be concealed. Conversely, a transauxillary incision is not made on the breast at all, and instead is made under the armpit, leaving virtually no scars on the breast.

Lastly, women have a choice of placement, whether that behind or in front of the chest muscle. Subgladular, or in front of the muscle, is great for women who want larger implants to be placed. This type of placement also typically yields a shorter recovery time, however, ripples are sometimes more easily seen or felt, especially with women with little breast tissue. Furthermore, with this type of placement there is a higher likelihood of capsular contracture, which can ultimately lead to deformities and asymmetry.

Submuscular placement, on the other hand, is when the implant is placed behind the chest muscle. Although women usually see a longer recovery time and the inability to put very large implants in, with this placement there is a lower risk of capsular contracture, better mammogram readings, and is more camouflaged, preventing the appearance of ripples.