TYPES OF BREAST IMPLANTS AVAILABLE IN MARKET
The purpose of breast implants is cosmetic augmentation (enhancing breast size and shape) or reconstructing the breast after a mastectomy or injury. Sometimes they are also used to address congenital deformities, correct asymmetry or restore breast volume lost due to pregnancy, significant weight loss or aging.
CLASSIFICATION OF BREAST IMPLANTS
Choosing the right type of breast implant is crucial to get realistic results. They can be classified on the basis of shell texture, fill material or even shape. While people may have heard about different filling materials, few know that every breast implant has a protective outer shell. This shell plays a key role in determining safety, movement and durability.
SMOOTH VS TEXTURED SHELLS
Breast implant shells are made of medical-grade silicone elastomer, a flexible yet durable material designed to safely contain the implant’s contents and maintain its shape. They can be smooth or textured, depending on the desired outcome and surgical plan.
Smooth shells have a thin, sleek, polished surface that allows the implant to move freely within the breast pocket. This free movement creates a softer, more natural look and feel. They are made of silicone elastomers which is a high-performance, flexible, and durable rubber-like material. In cosmetic breast augmentation, smooth shells are used more commonly.
Advantages
- Can move and settle in a way that is closer to natural breast tissue.
- Smoother appearance and require fewer adjustments.
- Lower rate of rupture over time.
- Lower risk of complications such as BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma).
Disadvantages
- Capsular contracture (formation of a tight, fibrous scar tissue capsule around the implant, causing hardening and deformation of the breast).
- Lack of adhesion often results in lateral or inferior shifting of the implants
- The shifting can result in a loss of cleavage, bottoming out, or an overall asymmetric result.
- Higher need for corrective surgeries.
Textured shells are coverings that have a slightly rough, uneven surface. The texture can vary in degree, from fine to more pronounced. They are made from the same medical-grade silicone elastomer since the material is known for its stability, chemical resistance, and flexibility.
Advantages
- Lesser possibility of capsular contracture (scar tissue capsule around the implant tightens and hardens)
- Rough surface prevents malposition (making it better suited for shaped implants).
- Provides options in texture to suit individual anatomy and implant type.
- Over time, surrounding tissue adheres to the textured shell, promoting long-term stability.
Disadvantages
- Macro-textured implants are linked to a rare type of lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) .
- Higher infection rate which can lead to biofilm formation.
- May cause more inflammation, increasing the risk of capsular contracture.
- Can lead to the formation of a double capsule (two layers of scar tissue around the implant).
TYPES OF BREAST IMPLANT FILLINGS
While the shell forms the outer structure of a breast implant, the material inside (the filling) determines its feel, weight, and overall look.
Silicone gel implants
They consist of silicone gel contained within a silicone shell. They generally feel and look more natural than saline implants. The silicone gel is soft and more flexible, so it closely mimics the natural movement of breast tissue.
Advantages
- More natural feel that is closer to human tissue
- Shows less wrinkling or rippling than saline implants.
- Tends to hold its shape even if the implant shell breaks.
- Less likely to be felt or seen through the skin, especially for those with less natural breast tissue.
Disadvantages
- Larger incision is needed for inserting the pre-filled silicone implants.
- Implant’s size or volume cannot be adjusted during surgery since they are pre-filled.
- Silent rupture (a rupture that may not be noticeable immediately) as the implant can maintain its shape.
- Generally more expensive than saline implants.
- Typically not available for breast augmentation in women under 22 years of age.
Saline implants
They are made of a silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. They can be positioned below the breast or beneath the chest muscle depending on the patient’s existing breast tissue and desired outcome.
Advantages
- Smaller incision since the empty shell is inserted and then filled with saline.
- Less expensive than silicone implants usually.
- The amount of saline can be adjusted during surgery to achieve the desired size and symmetry.
- A rupture is immediately noticeable.
Disadvantages
- They tend to look rounder and less natural than silicone implants.
- Visible rippling in women with less breast tissue.
- Sometimes the liquid inside the implant is felt or heard moving.
- The obvious, immediate deflation can be an embarrassing situation.
Gummy bear implants
They are a type of silicone implant made of a highly cohesive, firm silicone gel that’s more structured. They are also called “gummy bear” implants because their thick silicone gel allows them to hold their shape and not leak, just like a gummy bear candy does even when cut in half. Since they don’t shift or flow much within the shell, they’re described as “form-stable”.
Advantages
- A consistent, teardrop shape is retained.
- Reduced risk of leakage in case of shell damage.
- Lower rate of rupture and wear over time.
Disadvantages
- A longer incision to insert the pre-filled implant.
- Some may find the feel to be firmer than a natural breast.
- Often more expensive than traditional silicone implants.
- Due to the teardrop shape, they can appear uneven if they rotate.
AVAILABILITY OF SHAPES
Breast implants are available in round or anatomical forms. Round implants create uniform fullness, often providing a fuller appearance in the breast’s top half. Anatomical (teardrop in shape) implants have a more natural, sloped shape that gives the appearance of a fuller lower half. The choice depends on aesthetic goals of the patient – round for a more dramatic, fuller look, and anatomical for a subtle, natural appearance.
WHY CHOOSE MORPH AESTHETIC?
Personalized Recommendations – Expert guidance to select the implant type that best matches your body and lifestyle.
Trusted Quality – Only premium, medically approved implants are used.
Experienced Team – Surgeons with in-depth knowledge of all implant types and their suitability.
Patient Education – We ensure you understand the differences between shells, fillings, and shapes before making a choice.
CONCLUSION
Choosing the right breast implant is a personal decision that goes beyond aesthetics. With so many options available in the market, it’s important to select an implant that complements your body, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Consulting with an experienced surgeon ensures you understand each type, its suitability, and how it aligns with your expectations. By making an informed choice, patients can achieve results that not only enhance appearance but also boost confidence and satisfaction.
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