Breast implants come in two basic shapes, either perfectly round or teardrop shaped. Some surgeons prefer one type of implant over the other, whilst others will use different types depending on the patient’s own characteristics – overall, both give excellent results.
Cohesive Silicone Gel (Round Implants)
Cohesive silicone gel is by far the most popular type of implant, with both patients and surgeons alike. The silicone is in the form of a very thick cohesive gel and is contained in a textured silicone shell.
These implants have a very long history of reliability, with literally hundreds of thousands of women worldwide having had them in place for many years. In addition, they are generally considered to be the most natural feeling implant. In recent years, more than 85% of ALL breast implants inserted in the UK have been silicone; 97% of which had textured shells.
Solid Cohesive Silicone Gel (Tear Drop Implants)
In this silicone implant, the gel is made to an almost solid consistency. It is only available with a textured silicone shell. This extra firmness allows the implant to be manufactured in a ‘tear-drop’ shape. Some surgeons consider that this results in a more natural shape for some women. However, they can also be associated with a much firmer consistency or feel.
What Implant Should I Choose?
Once you’ve made the decision that you want to proceed with your breast augmentation, the next decision is to decide on what type of implant you would like.
Anyone considering this surgery will be concerned with exactly how their breasts will look afterwards. If this applies to you, you may well be asking one or more the following questions when it comes to deciding what your ideal breasts will look like;
- How big should my breast implants be?
- Will my surgeon place my implant under or over my muscle?
- What shape and profile will my implants be?
- What will my cleavage look like?
- How pert will my breasts be?
- Where will my scar be?
Remember that the definition of ideal is highly subjective – it’s based on each individual’s opinion and every woman will have her own unique goals and expectations. While some women want their enhancement to be subtle in order to give a natural look, others wish for a more noticeable or fake look. Neither goal is more correct than the other; there is no right procedure for everyone. In answer to all the above questions, therefore, your procedure can be tailored to achieve a look that meets your realistic expectations and compliments your existing body shape and size.
Implants are manufactured by different companies in many varieties of content, diameter, volume, shape and surface texture, choosing the right implant and manufacturer is therefore key to a successful breast augmentation surgery. As part of the pre-operative consultation process you’ll discuss
- Body shape and size
- Existing (or natural) breast size and shape (breast anatomy)
- Desired look – natural or fake
- Amount of sagging or drooping (ptosis) of existing breasts
- Amount and integrity of natural breast tissue
- Lifestyle and physical activity
You’ll also be given an opportunity to look at, feel and try on samples of the various implants available to you which is the most effective way to determine which implant is best for you and what you will look like after your augmentation surgery.
Breast implants can be Round or Teardrop shaped. Round implants are symmetric, while Teardrop implants have more volume and projection on the lower half, therefore creating a teardrop shape. A teardrop shape gives a more natural look; while the Round implant gives a fuller appearance
Here at New Birkdale, we offer 2 varieties of implant both of which are Silicone based.
Silicone breast implants feel and look more natural than saline implants and are available in pre-existing sizes (it is not possible to adjust their size during surgery). They have a solid silicone shell and a cohesive silicone gel filling. The density or thickness of the silicone fill, although more similar to that of natural breast tissue than saline, can be varied to give softer (more prone to rippling) to harder (less prone to rippling) implants.
EUROSILICONE
The round collection by Eurosilicone offers round implants that include smooth and microtextured surfaces, two types of gel cohesivity, and four different projections – from low to extra-high, depending on the look you are trying to achieve, they currently feature 12 different configurations with 233 sizes for maximum choice.
The Round Collection uses microtexture silicone shell surface which offers tissue adhesion thus minimizing the threat of rotation and capsular contracture (when the body reacts to a breast implant in a way that can distort the shape of the breast and cause pain).
Eurosilicone offers the GCA Comfort Guarantee, a lifetime guarantee against rupture and capsular contracture.
MOTIVA
Motiva offers a range called round and a range called Ergonomix, both have a round base, the Ergonomix range move more with the body so can give a similar look to teardrop but they are still round-shaped implant. These implants have an advanced smooth shell and two reinforced silicone tabs to minimize the chances of implant rotation. They come in an extensive range of shapes and sizes, all of which have been through a wide array of chemical, biological, and physical testing to ensure their durability, and more importantly, their safety.
Motiva offers two types of Gel which shape the implants differently.
ProgressiveGel® PLUS
- Balanced gel elasticity and firmness
- Upper-pole fullness
- Younger active look
- Full profile
ProgressiveGel ULTIMA®
- Elastic and soft gel
- Adapts to the natural
- breast shape
- More natural look and feel
- Natural profile
Motiva provides a limited warranty covering its Motiva Implants® product range, supplying a replacement product in the event of rupture for the lifetime of the implant.
We have examples of breast implant before and after comparisons, with information on what you can expect if you follow through with surgery so that you can be as informed as possible before enquiring.
As well as types of breast implants, there are also different ways to position breast implants. Find out more by reading out in-depth blog.
