Depending on the client’s specific concern and goal, surgeons may recommend a breast enhancement or enlargement. These procedures provide results for women that may have been born with small breasts, women that have lost volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding, or women that have concerns about loose skin.
The procedure involves adding a silicone or saline implant that has a shape specific to the client’s goals to bring fullness and to shape the breast.
Understanding Implants Shapes
Historically speaking, round breast implants were the only choice available for cosmetic procedures, but there have been many updates to the options available. Clients, working alongside their surgeon, can now choose among a variety of implant shapes that work to meet their goals in relation to their anatomical structure.
Round breast implants typically have a smooth exterior and can be filled with either saline or silicone. On the other hand, teardrop implants are normally filled with silicone that create a more stable appearance. There are also teardrop saline implants that may be an appropriate option for your treatment plan.
One of the more noticeable differences between the two implant shapes is while reclined or lying down. Round implants, especially those filled with saline, will allow the liquid to settle throughout the shell, showing the round shape. Teardrop silicone implants, on the other hand, are less likely to change shape, retaining the natural teardrop shape of the breast.
The Procedure with Silicone vs. Saline Implants
Regardless of whether you are using silicone or saline implants, the procedure works similarly. Your surgeon will make a small incision in a discreet location, such as the armpit, the skin under the breast, or even near the nipple if there is darker coloring.
Once the incision is made, the breast tissue is lifted to make a small pocket for the breast implant.
The implant options:
Silicone implants:
Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel that is more viscous than saline, this means that it flows and moves within the implant capsule and provides natural-looking and feeling results. The silicone filling is less likely to ripple or shift over time, but they do require slightly larger incisions for insertion as they are pre-filled.
Saline implants:
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and are inserted into the pocket and then filled to the desired volume. Generally, they are less expensive than their saline counterparts. These are slightly more likely to rippling over time which may alter the desired results.
With both implant options, clients may feel sore after the procedure, but that shouldn’t last for more than a few days. Results will be immediately visible and will improve as swelling and initial bruising subsides.
Choosing Your Treatment Plan
Breast enhancement fat transfer is not a one size fits all procedure; your surgeon will work with you to determine what goals are possible for your specific body. Since saline implants move like water, the more viscous silicone implants are often more natural feeling and looking.
Teardrop silicone implants are often used for breast enlargement in more petite women that don’t have much natural breast tissue to work with. The implants can adjust size and shape without needing an excessive amount of volume and tend to provide a more natural look for smaller women.
Round implants will help women achieve more fullness to the top part of the breast and can give a curvier appearance to your silhouette.
Different implant shapes and fills will impact your final results and you should consider what your goals are for your appearance.
Round implants give more lift and cleavage than teardrop implants. Teardrop implants, with their oval shape, add more mass and volume to the bottom of the breast that enhances the natural shape and slope of the breast without providing direct cleavage.
As with all treatments, it’s important to work with your surgeon directly to develop a customized plan. If you’re interested in breast implants in Richmond, VA, make a consultation appointment with Dr. Kitto today by calling 804.294.1777.