Breast Implant Options
Decisions, decisions, decisions. Once you have decided to undergo breast augmentation with implants, you will have a host of other important decisions to make. This section is designed to provide you with the facts on the available breast implant options as well as those in the pipeline, and to help you make the most informed decision possible about all of the variables involved in your surgery.
Choosing the right size for your new breast implants is important. The No. 1 reason that women go back for revision breast augmentation is because they wish they went bigger, but bigger isn't always better — especially if you have a tiny frame. Our article on choosing the right implant size will introduce you to the world of cubic centimeters, and offer some creative tips on how to experiment with different sizes before your breast augmentation surgery, so you won't have any regrets afterward. It's a "must-read" for anyone considering breast augmentation.
Today there are a growing number of implant options from which to choose once you have decided on your size. This wasn't always the case. Learn why by reading our article on the history of breast augmentation and breast implants, which includes an updated timeline of the rise, fall and subsequent rise again of silicone breast implants in the United States. There was a time when there was much ado about the safety of silicone breast implants. The good news is that we now know that these implants do not increase the risk of breast cancer and autoimmune/connective tissue diseases such as lupus and arthritis.
Unlike silicone implants, saline breast implants have remained on the market throughout the past several decades and are still an important option for many women. Learn about the pros and cons of saline breast implants, and how they compare to silicone implants, in our article focusing on this topic.
Speaking of silicone, you have probably heard a thing or two about the latest — and possibly the greatest — new silicone-filled breast implant. The "gummy bear" is a form-stable, highly cohesive silicone-gel-filled breast implant. There are three such implants available in the U.S. Our article on gummy bear breast implants discusses whether or not they are the next breast thing.
Implant fill — silicone or saline — is only one piece of the pie. Other choices include the implant surface (textured or smooth?), implant shape (round or contoured?) and implant profile or projection. Don't feel overwhelmed. You can learn more about the different implant types for the scoop on these other important breast implant variables. Implant manufacturers offer warranties free of charge (and a chance to pay for upgrades) on your new breast friends. Protect your investment.
Another choice involves the incision pattern for your breast augmentation. There are basically four types of incisions that can be used. Which is right for your surgery? Read our article to get a better idea. Should your surgeon place your breast implants over or under the chest muscles? Get informed on the advantages and disadvantages of your implant placement options here.
If you'd rather avoid implants all together, and the invasive surgery and lengthy recovery period that go with them, breast augmentation fat transfer may interest you. This technique involves removing fat from areas of the body where you have too much and injecting it into your breasts to enhance their shape and size. Learn the pros and cons of this procedure in our indepth article.
While breast augmentation is not a one-size-fits-all surgery, the basic steps are pretty similar across the board. Put all you have learned in this section together by reading our step-by-step guide to breast augmentation. Your surgeon will be amazed by all you have learned, and the intelligent questions you have formed as a result.
Good luck!
