Choosing an implant for breast augmentation involves much more than selecting a cup size or a particular number of cubic centimeters. Implant fill, volume, width, projection and gel cohesion all affect the result.
Dr. Bogue uses Mentor breast implants, which are available in dozens of combinations. The goal is to select the implant whose dimensions and characteristics best fit the patient’s anatomy and desired appearance.
What Is the Difference Between Saline and Silicone Implants?
Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants have a silicone outer shell that is filled with sterile saline during surgery.
Potential advantages include:
- A smaller insertion incision in some patients
- Immediate recognition when an implant deflates
- The ability to make limited adjustments to the fill volume during surgery
- FDA approval for cosmetic breast augmentation beginning at age 18
Saline implants may feel firmer and are generally more likely to produce visible or palpable rippling, particularly in patients with thin breast tissue.
If a saline implant ruptures, the saline is absorbed by the body. The implant becomes noticeably smaller, and the empty shell must be surgically removed.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone implants are prefilled with a cohesive silicone gel and generally feel more similar to natural breast tissue. They also tend to produce less rippling than saline implants.
Potential advantages include:
- A softer, more natural feel
- Less visible rippling
- Numerous combinations of volume, width, projection and gel cohesion
- Predictable implant dimensions
Silicone implant rupture may be difficult to detect without ultrasound or MRI because the implant can retain much of its shape. FDA labeling approves silicone implants for cosmetic breast augmentation beginning at age 22.
Are “Gummy Bear” Implants a Separate Type?
Not exactly. The term “gummy bear” is commonly used to describe silicone implants made with a more cohesive gel. It does not represent a completely separate implant material.
Silicone gels are available in different degrees of cohesion. A more cohesive gel tends to maintain its shape and projection more strongly, while a less cohesive gel may behave more softly within the breast.
Cohesion is only one component of implant selection. A highly cohesive implant is not automatically better or more natural for every patient.
Does Implant Volume Determine Cup Size?
No. Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters, or cc, but a specific volume does not reliably produce a particular cup size.
The same 350 cc implant can look very different on two patients because of differences in:
- Chest width
- Existing breast volume
- Breast shape
- Skin elasticity
- Tissue thickness
- Implant placement
- Implant width and projection
Cup sizing also varies considerably among bra manufacturers. Dr. Bogue therefore focuses on proportion, dimensions and the patient’s desired look, rather than promising a particular cup size from a specific implant volume.
What Do Implant Width and Projection Mean?
Implant width refers to the diameter of the implant across the chest. The width should complement the patient’s breast and chest dimensions.
Projection describes how far the implant extends forward from the chest. Implants of similar volume may have very different widths and projections.
Many implant volumes are available in several projection profiles. This opens the door to a wide range of results—from subtle and natural to fuller and more dramatic—without relying on volume alone.
A higher-profile implant is not automatically the correct choice for someone seeking more fullness. It must still fit the breast properly and be supported by the surrounding tissue.
How Does Existing Breast Tissue Affect Implant Selection?
An implant adds volume, but the patient’s natural breast tissue and skin cover the implant and strongly influence the final shape.
Patients with thinner tissue may be more susceptible to visible edges or rippling. Patients with loose skin or significant sagging may need a breast lift in addition to an implant. An implant alone cannot reliably correct substantial breast drooping.
Dr. Bogue also considers breast asymmetry, nipple position, chest-wall differences and how much volume the tissues can safely support.
How Will Dr. Bogue Help Me Choose?
During the consultation, Dr. Bogue listens to the look the patient wants and evaluates her breast shape, tissue quality and proportions. Some patients prefer a subtle enhancement, while others want greater upper-breast fullness and projection.
Rather than selecting an implant from a generic volume chart, he considers:
- Saline versus silicone fill
- Implant volume
- Implant width
- Projection profile
- Gel cohesion
- Existing breast tissue
- Skin elasticity
- Breast asymmetry
- Lifestyle and long-term goals
The best implant is not simply the largest, softest or most cohesive option. It is the implant whose characteristics work together to create the result that fits the individual patient.
To discuss Mentor breast implant options with Dr. Bogue in Boca Raton, call 561-886-1000 or request a consultation online.