Breast Implant 101

Breast implants can beautifully enhance your figure and help you feel sexier and more confident in your appearance. Dr. Timothy Mountcastle offers both saline and silicone implants, which come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Before your breast augmentation procedure, he will help you choose the implants that will work best for your body type and help you achieve your cosmetic goals. To learn more about breast implants at our Northern Virginia practice and schedule your initial consultation, contact Mountcastle Plastic Surgery today.

SALINE AND SILICONE IMPLANTS

Before your breast augmentation procedure, one of the biggest decisions you will make is whether you want to receive saline or silicone implants. Saline implants are made of a silicone shell and filled with a sterile saltwater solution. If they rupture, the implants will deflate, and your body will naturally absorb the saline. However, these implants are heavier, meaning they are more likely to ripple or move around in your breast. Saline implants are generally cheaper than silicone implants.

Silicone implants are made of a similar shell filled with a silicone gel. Many women feel that these implants look and feel more natural. If there is a rupture, the gel will remain in place, although you will eventually require surgery to remove the material and replace the implant. Regular monitoring of silicone implants is the best way to guard against the effects of possible leakage or rupture.

BREAST IMPLANT SHAPES

Both saline and silicone implants come in two shapes: round and teardrop. Round implants are the most popular shape, and they come in both smooth and textured versions. Because they are symmetrical, if they rotate, it will not affect the appearance of your breast. Some patients feel that round implants do not look as natural as teardrop-shaped implants. However, if you are looking for a dramatically fuller and more voluptuous figure, round implants may be the optimal choice.

Teardrop-shaped implants are fuller at the bottom than at the top, so many people feel that they have a more lifelike appearance. However, if the implant rotates, your breast may look lopsided, and you will need revisional surgery to correct it. Teardrop implants are typically textured to prevent rotation.

BREAST IMPLANT SIZES

Regardless of which material or shape you choose for your implants, you will also need to determine the right size to achieve your aesthetic goals. Typically, implants come in different profiles, ranging from low to extra high. Saline implants are also sized based on the amount of fluid they will be filled with. You may select a lower-profile implant for subtle, natural results, or choose to go larger so you can achieve a dramatically enhanced appearance. Dr. Mountcastle will help you choose the right size for your body type and goals.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BREAST IMPLANTS

No matter what type, shape, or size of implants you select, after breast augmentation, you can expect to enjoy a fuller figure and an increased sense of confidence. For more dramatic results, you can combine breast implants with another procedure such as a breast lift. If you are considering breast augmentation and would like to learn more about your implant choices, contact our practice today.