Breast Augmentation: Different Types of Implants

Breast augmentation can be a solution for women who believe their breasts are too small, saggy (from age, childbearing or breastfeeding) or asymmetrical. Breast reconstruction with augmentation is also an option for women who have lost one or both of their breasts due to diseases like cancer. Dr. J. Timothy Katzen offers a variety of materials, shapes, textures, and sizes for breast implants.

Breast Implant Materials: Saline or Silicone The two basic types of breast implants are filled with either saline (a sterile, salt water) or silicone (a gel). Both types of implants are created to simulate the feel of a natural breast. Saline implants for augmentation are for women over 18. Five types of silicone have been approved by the FDA for breast implants for women seeking cosmetic surgery or needing breast reconstruction.

Breast Implant Shapes: Round or Teardrop Regular saline and silicone implants are usually round. This makes the breast project more and gives it fullness. Because of their shape, it doesn't matter if the round implant shifts position, for it doesn't affect the look of the breast. Dr. Katzen also offers teardrop-shaped breast implants that are more anatomical and therefore look more natural than round implants. Dr. Katzen will discuss your desired outcome with you to determine which shape is the best for your needs.

Breast Implant Textures: Smooth or Textured Smooth implants are soft to the touch and can move inside the pocket that Dr. Katzen creates in the patient's chest to hold them. Smooth implants respond to the patient's movements the way a natural breast might. Textured implants don't move around as much as saline. This decrease in implant shift may lower the risk of scar adhesions in the surgical area.

Breast Implant Sizes Dr. Katzen offers 120-960 cc's (cubic centimeters) breast implants. He can discuss the specifics of these implants and which size would look best on you at your breast augmentation consultation. Factors such as how far apart your breasts are, your body shape, as well as where your breasts sit on your ribs can change how the implants will look on you. If your breasts are asymmetrical, you may require two different size implants. Breast augmentation is a fairly straightforward procedure, but there are a lot of factors that go into it that can change how you feel about your new breasts. If you want your breasts to be as natural as possible, that will require different implants than if you're simply focused on size. If you are interested in breast augmentation in either Beverly Hills, contact Dr. Katzen's office today to schedule your consultation!