If you want to increase your breast size, breast augmentation may be an ideal choice. However, you might have read online about potential risks with breast implants, such as rupture or implant movement.
Most plastic surgeons field questions about breast implant safety all the time, as people wonder if some implants are safer than others. Below, we address the safety of various types of breast implants.
FDA REQUIREMENTS FOR BREAST IMPLANT SAFETY
All women considering breast implants should know that as of November 2021, FDA requires all breast implant manufacturers to include a Patient Decision Checklist with each breast implant.
The checklist has information on known and reported risks of breast implants. Your surgeon will go over everything on the checklist for your particular implants.
THE SAFEST BREAST IMPLANTS
Before discussing the safest implants, it is important to remember that all breast implants used in the United States by board-certified plastic surgeons are FDA-approved for safety. So, the kind of breast implant you select shouldn’t just be about which one is ‘safest.’
Surgeons recommend selecting a breast implant based on your body type and personal and aesthetic goals. If you do have concerns about breast cancer, breast implant illness, or other issues, it’s important to discuss these topics with your surgeon.
SILICONE BREAST IMPLANTS
When exploring what are the safest breast implants, many patients find themselves comparing silicone gel implants and saline and silicone breast options. Each type has unique advantages, and understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals.
Silicone breast implants are the most popular type. They’re made of a silicone shell that contains a semi-solid silicone gel. These are the softest implants on the market and tend to feel more like natural breast tissue.
Standard silicone gel filled implants are round in shape and are chosen most often by patients for these reasons:
- Excellent safety and performance record
- Feel like natural breast tissue compared to saline implants
- Not as likely as saline implants to be visible under the skin compared to saline implants
In the unlikely event a silicone implant ruptures, the breast may have a different feel, but the implant will not change shape or collapse. However, a ruptured silicone implant should be replaced as soon as possible.
Note that breast implants have a longer incision than saline implants.
GUMMY BEAR BREAST IMPLANTS
Gummy bear implants are made from highly cohesive silicone gel. They’re also called form-stable implants.
Gummy bear breast implants have a firmer and thicker silicone gel compared to standard silicone breast implants. The gel is more cohesive, so the device can take more pressure and return to its regular shape.
This type of implant is available in teardrop and round shapes. Some think the teardrop shape better resembles a natural breast so it’s becoming more popular.
These implants are often chosen by patients for the following reasons:
- May be longer-lasting than silicone and saline breast implants
- Offer a more natural shape than regular saline and silicone breast implants
- Less likely to be visible under the skin compared to the other implants
- Firmer than regular breast implants, but still look and feel natural
If the gummy bear implant ruptures, the breast probably won’t feel different. But it is recommended the ruptured implant be removed and replaced. This is the case even though there’s no scientific evidence that a ruptured implant is dangerous for your health. =
SALINE BREAST IMPLANTS
Silicone gel implants are among the most popular choices for women seeking a more natural look and feel. Filled with a cohesive silicone gel, these implants are designed to mimic the texture of natural breast tissue. Over the years, improvements in technology have made silicone gel options safer and more durable than ever before.
Saline breast implants have a silicone shell that is filled with saltwater during the procedure. This type of implant has a uniform firmness and shape, and it feels a bit firmer than silicone implants.
Saline implants are less common than silicone, but you may want them for a few reasons:
- Lower costs
- Smaller incision
- Some patients think, despite scientific evidence, that saline is safer than silicone
If the saline implant leaks, the breast implant will collapse and the salt water is absorbed by your body. While no harm is done, one breast will be bigger than the other, so the defective implant needs to be replaced
Making the Right Choice for You
Choosing between saline and silicone breast implants comes down to your aesthetic goals, body type, and personal preferences. For many, the natural feel of silicone gel makes it a top choice in their breast augmentation journey.
BREAST IMPLANT ALTERNATIVES
Breast Lift
Another option is a breast lift. After childbirth and breastfeeding, the breasts may deflate and sag. If sagging is your biggest concern, you may want a breast lift instead of implants. But you also can have breast augmentation and a breast lift in the same procedure.
Fat transfer breast augmentation
Another option is fat transfer breast augmentation. This technique uses liposuction to take fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs and inject it into the breasts. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a more natural enhancement without implants. While the increase in size is usually more subtle, it also offers the added benefit of body contouring in the areas where fat is removed.
There are many ways to enhance the size and shape of the breasts today. A board-certified plastic surgeon can help you decide which type of implant or breast augmentation is best for you.
And most importantly, keep in mind that all breast implants used in the US are FDA-approved for safety.
Questions and Answers
What is the safest breast implant brand?
What is the safest breast implant brand?It’s important to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can provide personalized advice based on your individual circumstances, including your medical history, body anatomy, and aesthetic goals. Your plastic surgeon can also discuss the pros and cons of different breast implant brands, materials, and types, and help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and desired outcomes.
Breast implants from reputable and established manufacturers that have been approved by regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are considered safe.
Are breast implants becoming safer?
Advancements in breast implant technology and surgical techniques have contributed to improved safety in breast implant surgery and preventing any breast implant illness. With lower rates of implant leaks and reduced surgical complications, breast implant surgery has become safer than ever before. These improvements are a result of ongoing research and innovation, leading to enhanced implant design and construction, as well as the development of new surgical techniques and strategies.
REQUEST A BREAST AUGMENTATION CONSULTATION
Ready to enhance your look? Contact today Dr. Smita R. Ramanadham in New Jersey today to explore your breast augmentation options and achieve the results you’re looking for.
Breast Implant Safety. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.webmd.com/beauty/breast-implant-safety
Breast Implant Safety Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety/breast-implant-safety
Saline vs. Silicone Implants For Breast Augmentation. (2020). Accessed at https://www.healthline.com/health/saline-vs-silicone-implants