The Plastic Surgeon’s Guide to Breast Implant Shapes and Sizes

Breast augmentation surgery includes many different choices to meet your specific needs. Along with breast implant type, brand, incision location, and muscle placement, the patient also has a choice of implant size and shape.

There are many types of implants provided by several different manufacturers. The process may feel overwhelming for a patient unfamiliar with all the nuances that go into matching up the patient with a specific implant. We walk each patient through the decision-making process to ensure you have the best information to make an informed decision about your implants.

Silicone Gel vs. Saline

Implants come in two main types: silicone gel and saline-filled. Both types have pros and cons. The main difference between the two is the viscosity of the fill substance. The design of silicone gel implants mimics the consistency of a soft breast. Silicone gel implants come already filled. Saline implants have the consistency of water and require filling after insertion during the procedure.

Silicone is aesthetically a superior choice when the woman has very little breast tissue to begin with and little subcutaneous fat beyond the breast. We provide examples with photos of previous patients of the difference in appearance between the two types when the patient comes to their consultation.

Our goal is patient satisfaction based on the patient’s preferences and aesthetics goals. 

Breast Implant Shapes

Breast implant shapes come in two main types: round and teardrop. Round implants are the most popular choice. They provide more fullness at the top of the breast. However, teardrop-shaped implants offer a more natural appearance in the occasional patient with unusual breast anatomy. Teardrop-shaped implants also usually have a higher cost than round implants.

The volume and diameter of the implants impact projection. The same volume with a different diameter will project differently. The wider the diameter the less projection for the same volume. The patient selects the desired volume and the surgeon matches the volume with the anatomy of the patient’s chest. Because each patient is different, you want to work with a surgeon experienced enough to make a correct match to meet your desired outcome.

Breast implants also come texturized. However, we seldom use texturized implants anymore. They are more likely to lead to contour issues and have no advantage over smooth implants when considering capsular contracture. A rare type of cancer of the lymphatic system has been associated with texturized implants from predominantly one manufacturer. There have been no reports of ALCL (atypical large cell lymphoma) with smooth wall implants.

Breast Implant Sizing

Breast implant sizing is quite precise. We have two sizing systems available. The sizing process works to give the patients the best size based on what they say they prefer. However, most women undergoing breast augmentation, when asked a year later if they would have done anything differently, say that they wish they had gone a little bigger. We arm each patient with this information before the sizing process begins.

We want the patient to feel comfortable with the implant size they choose, but we also want them to be happy with the outcome for the long term. Typically, we ask patients to consider their implant size carefully.

Comparing Breast Implants Manufacturers

All the implants available in the U.S. market are of excellent quality, including Mentor and Sientra. We preferentially use Mentor implants but have also used implants by all the manufacturers over the years. There is no particular reason why he settled on Mentor implants.

Mentor offers both saline and silicone gel implants in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet your specific needs. We use Mentor’s sizing methodology and tools to find the best implant for your body.

Mentor uses the Vectra 3D sizing system. This is one of the sizing systems we offer. Vectra 3D uses photography for sizing. 

The other system we use is the Mentor sizing system that uses actual implants. When used together, which is unnecessary, they agree on the size remarkably well. However, either option as standalone works for accurate sizing.

Are Breast Implants Right for You?

Do you want fuller or larger breasts? Do you want increased confidence in your body? These are two good reasons to choose breast augmentation with breast implants. However, the decision to undergo breast implant surgery includes more decisions. 

You must also determine the size and shape of the implants. Thankfully, we walk you through the process to determine the right choices for you. We always aim to offer a quality experience with excellent results. We do this by providing you with all the information you need to understand the process and your options. 

Breast augmentation continues to be a popular procedure at our office for women in the Atlanta area and throughout the Southeast. Breast implants empower women to achieve the body they desire.