Leading plastic surgery practices offer a choice of FDA-approved breast implants for breast augmentation candidates to choose from. Options currently available include saline, silicone gel and gummy bear implants which come with varying features. It is important that women considering breast implant surgery know about these differences to be able to make an informed decision.
- Both saline and silicone implants have a silicone outer shell. Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution after they are placed in the breast pocket. Silicone gel implants come pre-filled with silicone gel and so need a slightly larger incision to place. The gummy bear option is filled with thick silicone (cohesive-gel) high-strength silicone gel and comes with a textured silicone shell.
- Saline offers a firmer feel compared to silicone implants whereas silicone offers a more natural breast tissue feel. The cohesive gel implants also yield a more natural looking outcome, and are firm but supple.
- Cohesive gel silicone implants are available with different projection options to suit most breast shapes whereas saline and silicone suit most breast dimensions/shape.
- Saline implants are FDA-approved for women over 18 years of age while choosing silicone gel or gummy bear implants are FDA-approved for women whereas 22 years or older.
Breast implant shells can have either a smooth or textured surface. Textured breast implants are meant to reduce the chance of capsular contracture and avoid the chance of shaped implants shifting in position.
Saline implants are rounder filled to the predetermined size and offer a fuller look. Silicone gel implants come in a variety of sizes to fit the body and resemble real breast tissue. Gummy bear implants are teardrop-shaped for a more natural breast contour, will stay in place without any shifts, and look really natural.