Almost every woman who is diligently preparing for breast enlargement, or augmentation, contemplates this question on her journey to achieving her desired décolletage. There are many discussion forums where women and girls discuss and recommend “the right implant” to each other. What may be suitable for one woman, however, may not be appropriate for another. Let us, therefore, discuss what factors need to be considered when choosing an implant.
On one hand, there is the implant, which has a certain surface, filling, shape, size, and profile. On the other hand, there is the woman or girl, who has an idea of how much she wants to enlarge her breasts, what bra cup size she wishes to wear, whether her breasts should appear more natural, or whether she wants them to be noticeably “enhanced” at first glance.
So, which implant should be chosen to ensure the augmentation meets the expectations of the person wearing it?
Silicone or Saline Solution?
Although originally, primarily in the United States, implants filled with saline solution were used, today, the vast majority of European, and increasingly American, surgeons use silicone implants. The range of silicone implants on the market is much wider, and so is the possibility of tailoring the implant to the needs of each individual woman.
Round or Anatomical?
Some surgeons claim that anatomical implants, with their teardrop shape, shape the breast into a natural form, with a larger profile at the bottom and a flatter projection toward the décolletage. This is not always the case, and even with round implants, we can create a natural breast shape. The placement of the implant and the properties of the implant, such as the cohesivity of the filling, are important factors. One potential disadvantage of anatomical implants is the possibility of rotation – if the implant rotates inside the body, it can cause an unnatural deformation of the breast.
Round implants have a hemispherical shape when placed horizontally (lying down). It is generally believed that they are particularly suitable for patients who desire a fuller décolletage. However, in the vertical position, even with a round implant, the gel usually moves to the lower part, creating a more natural shape. This property is particularly evident in implants with lower cohesivity, referred to as soft implants. These implants are usually placed under the gland, and their shape then changes to an anatomical one due to the influence of surrounding tissues. Additionally, round implants do not pose a risk of rotation because the round implant remains the same in all positions.
The decision as to whether a round or anatomical implant is suitable for a woman depends primarily on her anatomical position of the inframammary fold and areola.
290 or 325 ml?
It’s not that simple. In geometry, we learned that a three-dimensional body has width, height, and depth – for an implant, this refers to projection or profile. However, the volume of the implant depends on each individual dimension. Therefore, comparing implants solely by volume is difficult – there are many implants of varying sizes with the same volume.
Fig.: Implants of the same size and different projection
From the woman’s perspective – every woman has a certain height, body constitution, shoulder, chest, and hip width, and her breast tissue is developed in a certain way. Ideally, the size of the breasts should correspond to the overall proportions – overly large breasts on a narrow chest or, conversely, small breasts on a woman with wide hips would not create the desired harmony.
Because the size of the implant is typically the main concern for most women, and it is crucial for the surgeon to understand her expectations, we at ABClinic Art & Beauty have a device available for 3D visualization. This allows us and the client to model her breasts on a computer screen by inputting specific data. We can try different variants, and the client can thoroughly consider them at home.
What Role Does the Surface of Breast Implants Play?
The choice of implant surface is generally more of a decision for the surgeon than the client. So-called textured implants have a rougher surface, allowing for better integration with surrounding tissue. This significantly reduces the risk of implant rotation. Texturing is also a feature that reduces the risk of capsular contracture – one of the potential complications in breast surgery.
Smooth implants also have their advantages – they are associated with a lower occurrence of BIA-ALCL, a rare disease with a very low incidence in women with silicone implants. Nevertheless, it is an issue that women should be aware of before undergoing breast augmentation surgery.
After reviewing all the factors that play a role in choosing an implant, you may realize that it’s not an easy decision. A woman who decides on augmentation typically does so only once in her life. Our surgeons have performed over 1,000 breast plastic surgeries, and therefore have extensive practical experience in understanding how a particular implant looks in reality on a specific woman’s physiology. Additionally, they regularly educate themselves at professional congresses and stay updated on the latest trends in modern medicine. This allows them to truly recommend the right implant tailored to each woman’s needs, ensuring she will be proud of her new look.
Are you interested in a 3D visualization of your breasts? Schedule an appointment at our clinic.