Breast Implant Options
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Miami, FL
A breast implant is a medical device used by surgeons during breast augmentation or reconstruction procedures. They are designed to add volume to the breasts in a way that is natural-looking and long-lasting. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures. (1) The type of breast implant, the material, the profile, and other factors can all impact the results of your procedure. For your convenience, we have created this article as a resource while you are researching what kind of breast implant might be best for you.
At Aeris, we understand that every patient is unique, so the best breast implant for one patient may not be the best option for another. Our surgeons are ready to meet you and help you determine which breast implant will be the most effective for you! Explore your options with a specialist today by scheduling a consultation online or calling (305) 446-7700.
Contents
- 1 About Breast Augmentation
- 2 Understanding Your Implant Options
- 3 Implant Placement Options
- 4 Implant Profiles and Projection
- 5 Personal Consultation
- 6 Cost of Breast Implants in Miami, FL
- 7 FAQ
- 7.1 What is the most natural-feeling breast implant?
- 7.2 How long do breast implants last?
- 7.3 Can I only get my implants replaced if they’re damaged?
- 7.4 Can I choose my breast implant size?
- 7.5 Will breast implants affect breast sensation?
- 7.6 Where will incisions be for breast augmentation?
- 7.7 What is the difference between silicone implants and gummy bear implants?
- 7.8 What breast implant do you recommend?
- 7.9 How long is the recovery after getting breast implants?
- 8 References
About Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances breast volume, improves shape, and restores fullness using implants or, in select cases, fat transfer. Patients who are seeking a reliable form of enhancement often turn to breast implants. Implants can also allow for a substantial cup size increase, while fat transfer alone only allows patients to increase their cup size by 1 to 2 sizes, usually. Implants can address naturally small breasts, volume loss after pregnancy or weight changes, asymmetry that affects balance and proportion, and more.
While size is often a large part of the conversation, modern breast augmentation focuses just as much on shape, feel, and overall proportions. One of the great things about breast augmentation is that it is such a customizable procedure. Your surgeon will consider several factors when selecting implants, including things like chest width, tissue thickness, skin elasticity, posture, and overall frame, in addition to your preferences. The goal is not simply to give you larger breasts, but to create a look that feels completely natural.
Understanding Your Implant Options
Aeris offers several implant options, which we are happy to help you explore during your consultation. Available options include:
Silicone Gel Breast Implants
Silicone gel implants are the most commonly chosen option for breast augmentation, providing patients with an overall natural look and feel. (2) They have a cohesive silicone gel that mimics the texture of natural breast tissue, making them highly appealing for patients with breasts of all sizes. This type tends to create a smoother look and reduces the risk of visible rippling, especially in thinner patients. The gel holds its shape very well.
Gummy bear implants are a form of highly cohesive silicone implant. These implants are firmer than traditional implants and are great for stable results and upper breast fullness.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution and offer a slightly firmer feel compared to silicone. Our surgeons insert these implants empty, then fill once positioned, which allows for smaller incisions. (3) Some patients prefer saline because they can immediately notice a rupture as the implant deflates.
Although saline implants are safe and effective, they may be more prone to visible rippling, especially in patients with thinner breast tissue.
Implant Placement Options
Another key consideration is implant placement. Our surgeons can place implants either above or below the chest muscle, and this decision has a significant impact on appearance and recovery. Submuscular placement, or beneath the chest muscle, provides additional tissue coverage and reduces visible implant edges. This benefits patients with limited natural breast tissue. Subglandular placement, on the other hand, positions the implant above the muscle and beneath the tissue, allowing for a shorter recovery and more pronounced projection. However, subglandular placement requires adequate tissue coverage to avoid visible rippling. Some patients undergo a dual-plane approach, during which the implant is placed partially beneath the pectoralis muscle and partially above.
Implant Profiles and Projection
The final consideration in breast augmentation is implant profile and projection. The implant profile refers to how far the implant projects from the chest wall. (4) Low-profile implants offer a wider base with less projection, while high-profile implants provide more forward projection and a narrower base.
Patients with narrow chests may benefit from higher profile implants to achieve fullness without excessive width. On the converse side, wider chests often accommodate lower or moderate profiles more naturally.
Personal Consultation
Because there are so many factors to consider when planning your breast augmentation, a personal consultation is a vital step in your journey toward choosing the right implants for you. During this meeting, one of the Aeris surgeons will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and guide you through the various implant options available. This meeting will allow you to review implant samples, sizing options, and ask any questions you have. With the information they collect in this collaborative discussion, the Aeris team will create a personalized treatment plan that includes specific surgical techniques and implant recommendations.
To get started on your journey to your ideal breasts, contact Aeris online or call the office directly at (305) 446-7700 to schedule a consultation. Aeris serves patients from all across the United States and beyond, so if you are from out of town, we encourage you to explore our resources for traveling patients.
Cost of Breast Implants in Miami, FL
When weighing your breast implant options, cost is an important factor. The cost of breast augmentation depends on several factors, and the Aeris team will walk you through the estimated total price for your treatment during your personal consultation.
If you are ready to explore the cost of your treatment, schedule a personal consultation at Aeris online or call (305) 446-7700.
FAQ
What is the most natural-feeling breast implant?
Silicone gel implants generally have a more natural look and feel. Patients especially love gummy bear implants for their ability to maintain their shape and increase breast size in a way that looks very natural.
How long do breast implants last?
While implants are considered to be durable medical devices, they do not last forever. In some cases, implants can last between ten and twenty years before replacement may be necessary. Patients who receive silicone implants may need to get their implants checked every once in a while because ruptures or leaks will not be visible externally. Patients who received saline implants, on the other hand, will notice if their implant’s integrity has been compromised.
Can I only get my implants replaced if they’re damaged?
No, you can get your implants replaced for almost any reason you’d like! Many patients who received saline implants a long time ago choose to undergo a breast implant replacement procedure to receive the newest type of silicone implants available.
Can I choose my breast implant size?
Yes, your implant size is mostly up to you! It is important to keep your goals, lifestyle, and anatomy in mind as you think about what implant size you want. Your surgeon will also provide you with helpful recommendations and can also review before and after photos with you to make sure you understand what results are possible with certain implant sizes.
Will breast implants affect breast sensation?
Temporary changes in sensation are possible, but most patients recover normal feeling over the course of the healing process.
Where will incisions be for breast augmentation?
Incision placement will vary depending on the implants and goals, but they are usually around the areola or in the breast crease. These incision locations allow for utmost discretion so that patients can feel comfortable and confident even while wearing swimsuits or revealing clothing.
What is the difference between silicone implants and gummy bear implants?
Gummy bear implants are actually a type of silicone implant. However, they contain a more cohesive type of silicone gel that is slightly firmer and more natural-feeling. It is often thought to have a similar consistency to gummy candy, hence the name!
What breast implant do you recommend?
Our surgeons often recommend the gummy bear implants; they are a patient favorite and are great for a natural look and long-lasting support in the breast.
How long is the recovery after getting breast implants?
This depends on the patient, but most patients experience a recovery time of about 2 weeks. During this time, patients tend to take time off from work, but they may be able to resume desk work or light activities sooner.
References
- Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
- Shin BH, Kim BH, Kim S, Lee K, Choy YB, Heo CY. Silicone breast implant modification review: overcoming capsular contracture. Biomaterials Research. 2018;22(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40824-018-0147-5
- Patel BC, Wong CS, Wright T, Schaffner AD. Breast Implants. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441998/
- Wan D, Rohrich RJ. Making Sense of Implant “Profile” in Breast Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2017;5(5):e1343. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000001343
