Currently on the market there are many breast implants that differ from each other in shape, fill type, profile and other factors. This wide range results from the fact that breast augmentation procedures are the most commonly performed plastic surgery treatments in the world.
All implants have an outer cover made of a polymerized silicone rubber which ensures its elasticity and strength. For best protection these covers have an additional inner layer that prevents form tearing and penetrating the implant interior into the patient’s body. That would be all in terms of structure similarities, while there is plenty of differences.
Distinction in the type of surface: The surface of the implant can be smooth or textured, or even covered with a titanium coating.
- implants with a smooth surface are not popular anymore and are considered outdated and obsolescent type of implant.
- textured surface implants give the impression of 'velvet touch’. Due to the fact that the surface is not perfectly smooth, the implant grows into the breast and does not change its location. The usage of these implants is often associated with a reduced risk of capsular contracture which is the most common complication of augmentation.
- titanium cover – turned out to be so well tolerated by the human body that is likely to replace previously used polyurethane, but it’s still rather a novelty on the market.
Distinction in the type of filling: Since the implants filled with liquid silicone passed into the history of plastic surgery, we distinguish three types of breast implant fillings:
- cohesive silicone – the most popular type of filling, considered to be the best imitation of the human body structure. Molecular cohesiveness of the silicone gel maintains the shape of the implant, reduces the risk of passing the silicon microparticles by the bag, and prevents leakage of silicone in the event of a rupture.
- saline solution. The main advantage of this type of filling is that its implantation requires a minimal incision. The implant cover is inserted first, and next its interior is being filled with the saline.
- Baker expanders – implants with combined filling . Implant is introduced partially filled with silicone gel, and once it is placed at the patient’s chest, it is then fulfilled with the saline.
Distinction in Profile: Profile (projection) of the implant is a measurement of how far (in centimeters) breast is being pushed forward. This allows to fit the implant to the individual patient in the most precise way. In the early development of the plastic surgery, implants were dimensioned only due to their size, using a measurement in cubic centimeters. This way of matching the implant checked only for a small percentage of patients, for others – left much to be improved. The most common problems were:
- implants located too close or too far away from each other;
- implants leaving unnatural fold around the armpit
- implants too wide or too narrow in relation to the natural breast;
- implants well-matched to the width of the chest, but not giving the expected 'push-up’ effect.
Currently we distinguish 4 profiles of implants:
- Low profile – perfect for women with broad chest, who opt for a discreet magnification.
- Medium profile (Moderate)
- High and very high profile (Ultra or Extra High) – designed for women with a relatively narrow chests,expecting significant enlargement.
Some manufacturers also offer various shapes of the implant base. It can be perfectly round or elliptical (vertical or horizontal). That allows choosing the most suitable implant for the chest anathomy and patient expectations.
