A helpful guide to understanding silicone breast implants.
Once you’ve decided to have a breast augmentation, it’s time to map out what your dream breasts will look and feel like. There are several decisions to make on your journey to a new breast shape, and choosing an implant type is just one of them. It’s important to make a well-educated decision in order to create a shape and feel that you will feel confident about. Remember that the type of implant that’s right for you is entirely personal; the best choice for you may be different from someone else’s, even if you’re both considering a similar breast shape.
Here is a helpful guide to assist you to understand the different types of silicone gel implants.
How are silicone implants the same?
All silicone implants are surgically inserted and all modern implants will maintain their shape to varying degrees if they are cut in half. During surgery, placement and incision site options are similar for the various types of silicone implants. All breast implants require follow-up visits to screen for any abnormalities and potential periodic MRI screenings. Each implant consists of a silicone rubber shell, but the contents that fill the shell differ.
In what ways are silicone breast implants different?
The difference in the fill material is related to its “thickness” or “stiffness”. Practically, this affects the way the implant maintains its shape in different positions and how it feels beneath the skin.
What are they made of?
Although they are all silicone implants, we often refer to the least thick gels as “silicone” and the most thick gels as “gummy”. Silicone implants are lighter and softer than their more cohesive “gummy” implants. Professionals will sometimes compare the consistency of silicone implants to that of Jello, and the consistency of more cohesive, gummy implants to a jelly bean or a gummy bear. The key difference is in the consistency. Today, we have implants with a range of cohesivity or thickness.
What can I expect during surgery?
Both silicone and gummy implants require a longer incision than the third option, saline implants, which are filled with the thinnest – salt water. Between silicone and gummy implants, a silicone implant incision will be shorter. The incision is generally along the breast crease, but sometimes incisions are made at the armpit or around the areola.
How do they feel?
Silicone implants are softer and more bouncy feeling than gummy implants. Women who have silicone implants generally report feeling that their breasts feel softer and more natural than those with gummy implants. Gummy implants generally have a firmer texture than silicone breast implants. They are also made of silicone, but the gel used is more cohesive – meaning it’s thicker and stays in place more so than silicone implants.
How do they look?
Before surgery, you will discuss placement with your surgeon. Both silicone and gummy implants can be placed above, below, or partially beneath the pectoral muscle. The thinner or less cohesive the gel is, the softer it will likely feel. Additionally, less cohesive gel implants change shape with position and movement like natural breasts. The least cohesive implants usually looks best when placed beneath thick breast tissue or the pectoralis muscle.
What can I expect after surgery?
All types of silicone implants are expected to last intact for many years. The gel in a silicone implant generally stays in place, but in very rare circumstances may leak; all silicone implants thus require regular visits to a physician and potential screenings to ensure the implant is behaving properly.
Regardless of what you choose, find a skilled surgeon who understands your needs.
For both gummy implants and silicone implants, it’s extremely important to choose a surgeon who understands how to help sculpt a breast shape that balances your natural shape and complements your body. Dr. Somogyi and Dr. Jalil have extensive experience with breast augmentations and understand the unique needs of every patient.
