Which is the best size and type of breast implant for you?

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery, and has the highest satisfaction rate amongst all plastic surgery procedures actually.

There are many reasons to want to get a boob job – enhancing your femininity, for a better body shape, or mommy makeovers. Whatever the reasons are, breast augmentation should not be frown upon.

And if you are considering breast augmentation by breast implants, choosing the right breast implant is essential. How safe is it? How natural does it look? These, depends on the implant’s type, shape and texture. But not to worry, we are here to help.

Read along to find out how you should choose the right size and type of breast implants for yourself!

Saline VS silicone breast implants

When it comes to breast implants, there are basically two types to choose from – saline and silicone. To be honest, both poses similar health risks but are generally still considered safe, though both have their own pros and cons.

Saline breast implants

Saline-filled breast implants are silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. Saline implants feel firmer and are more easily seen under the skin (often causing rippling).

But should the implants leak, their shape will collapse, the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. Hence, due to its inability to hold its shape when it leaks, saline breast implants are not recommended by breast surgeons in Korea.

Silicone breast implants

Silicone-filled breast implants are silicone shells filled with silicone gel. Silicone implants look and feel more natural, somewhat like natural breast tissues actually.

But should the implants leak, the gel remains within the implant and still holds its shape. In a way, they pose more of a risk if they rupture. Therefore doctors recommend checking for ruptures every few years through MRI.

Due to natural and satisfying results, silicone breast implants are preferred by most plastic surgeons.

Shapes and textures of breast implants

The shape and texture of breast implants will affect the look and feel of your augmented breasts. And depending on the different texture of breast implants used and your body’s reaction to foreign objects, the risk and severity of capsular contracture differs.

Capsular contracture is the formation of scar tissues around your breast implants. Actually, this is part of a normal healing process but for some, the scar tissues can become unusually hard and start to contract around the implants. In exceptional cases, it can make your breasts feel harder and alter the shape and appearance of your breasts.

1. Smooth round type breast implant

Smooth round type implant is extremely soft to touch, thus portraying a natural movement. Most suitable for those who do not have a full upper cup.

Pros

• Extremely soft to touch
• Creates overall breast volume

Cons:

• High risk of capsular contracture
• Might look unnatural and fake
• Post-op breast massages (pain and uncomfortable) are necessary every day for a few months

2. Textured round type breast implant

Textured round type breast implant is suitable for those who lack overall volume in their breast. The implant also becomes softer as time passes.

Pros

• Elastic to touch
• Creates overall breast volume
• Lesser risk of capsular contracture as compared to smooth round type
• Post-op breast massages are not necessary after surgery

Cons:

• Might look unnatural and fake

3. Textured teardrop type breast implant

Teardrop breast implants has a sloped contour and is fuller on the bottom than the top, mimicking the shape of natural breasts. Also known as gummy bear implants due to their elasticity. Not suitable for those who lack upper breast volume.

Pros

• Natural looking breasts due to the shape of implant
• Lesser risk of capsular contracture (because of rough texture)
• High stability and durability
• No leakage complications
• Post-op breast massages are not necessary after surgery

Cons:

• Teardrop shape stays even when lying down
• Feels slightly firmer than round type breast implant

4. Micro-textured anatomical type breast implant

Microtexture anatomical (ergonomix) type breast implants combines the advantages of round shape and rough textures of breast implants. It takes after the shape of a teardrop when upright, yet changes to a round shape when lying down. It is the most advanced and most natural looking type of breast implant.

Pros

• Natural looking breasts, even when lying down
• Full and natural looking breasts, when standing upright
• Very little risk of capsular contracture (because of its detailed and micro texture)
• High stability, flexibility and durability
• No leakage complications
• Post-op breast massages are not necessary after surgery

Cons:

• Most expensive

Which type of implant should I pick?

As mentioned earlier, the type, shape and texture of breast implants chosen will determine the look and feel of your augmented breasts. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right type of breast implants to use. Here are some pointers to help you with your decision making:

• Fillings of implant gel shouldn’t be fluid
• Texture of implants contribute to capsular contracture
• Best for implant to be able to imitate a natural breast shape
• Best to get implants that feel natural to touch
• Implants shouldn’t lose shape while inside the body

That said, it is always best to discuss your preferences with a professional breast surgeon in order to find the right type of breast implants for yourself.

What size of breast implants should I pick?

One size does not fit all! When choosing the size of your breast implants, you should consider carefully the following:

• Which cup size do you prefer?
• Which cup size best suits your body frame?
• Do you want your breasts to look natural or augmented?
• How will the implants look with your natural breast tissues?
• Will the new cup size put me at high risk for breast lift later in life?
• How will the new cup size affect my posture and body shape?
• How do I want my cleavage to look like?
• Which parts of my breasts are lacking in volume?

Generally, very large implants will obviously make your breasts look unnatural. It might even affect your posture and lead to back and shoulder pain. In some cases, large implants might be more visible under your skin as well.

But ultimately, the breast implant size you select is your choice. But we do recommend you to choose an appropriate cup size that fits your body frame!

Which is the best brand for breast implants?

We do not, in any way, promote any of the breast implant brands mentioned below. But rather, list out the pros and cons of the commonly used breast implant brands to help you with your decision making!

1. Motiva breast implants

Motiva’s implants are known to produce the most natural look and feel to augmented breasts. It is one of the most popular but is also the most expensive breast implant.

2. Bellagel breast implants

Bellagel’s implants are known to be similar to motiva’s in terms of look and feel. It is a Korean brand, is more affordable than Motiva, and manufactures sizes specifically for Asians.

3. Mentor breast implants

Mentor’s implants are more affordable than Motiva but on the other hand, they do feel more elastic.

4. Sebbin breast implants

Sebbin’s implants are the most affordable amongst all the brands but they also feel more elastic to touch.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation can definitely boost our inner self-confidence, enhance our sexuality, and help us dress better. But don’t forget that breast implant size is a long term decision. And we must stress, long term decision where proper care and maintenance for breast implants is necessary for long-lasting results.

So before choosing your breast implant size, do consider how it will affect your lifestyle, daily activities, people’s impressions of you and your new breast size, as well as the longevity of breast implants. At the end of the day, implant size is your choice but do think thoroughly instead of just getting large implants. You wouldn’t want to regret your choice of size, would you?

That said, do also take time to discuss and consult with a professional breast surgeon regarding your ideal breast size and preferences. Afterall, the experts should know better!