If you have been considering breast augmentation, you might already know that several types of implants are available. Choosing the right implant in Nashville involves finding a surgical team you trust who can teach you about the various implant materials and shapes. There are many different implant options to choose from, allowing you to achieve the look and feel of which you have always dreamed.
At BEYOND Collective, breast augmentation is one of the most common procedures performed by our qualified plastic surgeon, Dr. Olivia MaDan. Our knowledgeable team can explain the details of the procedure in-depth and support you on your journey towards attaining your body goals. Read on to learn more about your options and what to consider when selecting an implant in Nashville.
Breast Implant Material Options
Breast implants can be filled with two different materials: saline or silicone. While each type is available in different sizes, there are numerous differences. This post discusses each material in detail to help you decide which is right for you.
Saline Implants
This type of implant has an outer, silicone shell that can be either smooth or textured. The implant is filled with a sterile saline solution during the surgery. A structured, saline implant has multiple inner shells that provide structure for the saline. This type of implant can offer a softer feel with less rippling and wrinkling.
The FDA has approved saline implants for any woman aged 18 or over. As these implants are filled with sterile salt water, in the event of a rupture, your body simply absorbs the water, and your breast returns to its original size.
A few key facts to remember about saline implants is that they are:
- Popular for patients younger than 22 years of age
- Easy to monitor for implant rupture
- More prone to rippling or more visible than their alternatives
Silicone Implants
Composed entirely of silicone, this type of implant features a textured or smooth outer shell filled with silicone gel. Women aged 22 or older can select silicone implants for breast augmentation according to FDA regulations.
Rupture detection is more difficult with silicone implants compared to saline. For this reason, the FDA recommends undergoing an MRI within three years of your surgery and every other year after that. Silicone is highly cohesive, and you may not notice if your implant ruptures because the silicone gel remains in place and is not absorbed into the body like saline.
Some additional factors to consider regarding silicone implants:
- Offer a soft, natural feel
- Improved height retention compared to saline
- Available in many profiles and projections
- Pose challenges in identifying a rupture
BEYOND Collective is able to offer saline, structured saline and silicone breast implant options to patients undergoing breast augmentation in Nashville. Contact our team anytime to learn more about these materials and which type may be right for you.
Selecting an Implant Shape
In addition to material type, implants come in various shapes. This allows you to achieve your desired look with results that match your body shape and personal preferences. Implants are available in round or teardrop shapes. Round implants are usually smooth and circular, creating a full appearance in the breast’s upper portion. Round implants come in several profile options that differ in the projection of the breast from the body, providing you with various silhouette options.
As the name implies, teardrop implants are fuller at the bottom and smaller at the top. They create a natural-looking shape with less lift than round implants. Also referred to as anatomical implants, this shape typically features a textured shell to avoid rotation. Due to their shape, teardrop implants can require a lengthier and more complex surgery and can also be more costly. After discussing your breast goals with Dr. MaDan, she will examine your breasts to determine what implant shape may be ideal for your body type.
Other Considerations
It is important to note that no implant lasts a lifetime. While some surgeries are quick, taking less than a few hours, implants will require future surgeries. As the size and shape of breasts change over time, implants eventually need readjusting or replacing. However, choosing the right implant in Nashville that suits your particular body shape and goals could help reduce the amount of future procedures necessary.
Get in Touch for Help with Choosing the Right Implant for You in Nashville
If you are considering breast augmentation, many options are available. Different shapes and materials allow you to create a unique look and feel that matches your aesthetic goals. Each type of implant has benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Our team would love to discuss your options with you. If you need help choosing the right implant in Nashville, contact us today for a free consultation.