You are here: Home > Breast Implants Info > Types of Breast Implants > Breast Implants

Top 10 considerations in Breast Implants

1) What is a breast implant
  • The breast implant shell is generally made of a silicone elastomer shell
  • The shell is filled with silicone or saline
  • Saline implants are filled once they are in the body, whereas the silicone implants come prefilled
2) Types of breast implants
  • Saline breast implants are still the most common type of breast implant.  Over the past fifteen years silicone implants had only been used on a trial basis, but are now FDA approved.  One of the distinct benefits to the saline breast implant is that there is no limitation to the type of incision method.  For example, the TUBA incision method (transumbilical incision) through the belly button is able to be performed only because the shell of the saline breast implant can be sent up through the body in a tube known as an endoscope.
  • Silicone breast implants burst onto the market in 2007 after a decade long hiatus in which they were only used in clinical trials.  After the FDA approval, silicone breast implants have become a very popular option.  Due to their thick consisency, especially in the cohesive gel silicone implant, also known as a gummy bear breast implant, this type of breast implant is more natural to the touch.  Many women also feel that the results look more like a natural breast. 
3) Breast Implant sizes

  • Breast implant sizes do not come in "C" cup or "D" cup size.  They are measured in cc's, for example 225cc, 375cc, 525cc breast implants. 
  • The entire range of breast implant sizes is 150cc to 1200cc
  • One breast implant size on one body type may have a different result on a different body type
  • To estimate a breast implant size using tester implants, use the Purlz Breast Sizing System.
  • Try the Purlz Cup Size calculator to determine how different tester breast implant sizes will change your bra cupsize
4) Choosing the right size for your body type

  • Using the Purlz Breast Sizing System, you can try various breast implant sizes over a period of time to determine which size is best for you
  • While a 475cc breast implant on your friend's body may be perfect for her, it may not be ideal for you.
  • Try wearing the Purlz Breast Sizing System in public.  Many of the fears women have in relationship to breast augmentation has to do with public perception.  Try various sizes in various situations, in all of your favorite clothing.  Do you feel comfortable with the larger breast implant size or smaller?  You will only know by going through the experience prior to choosing your favorite breast implant size.
 
5) Incision area
  • There are four breast augmentation incision options
  • Through the armpit
  • Through the nipple (periaereolar)
  • Through the belly button (transumbilical)
  • Under the breast (inframmamary)
  • Your choice will depend upon the size and type of the breast implant as well as your body type
 
6) Breast implant profile and projection
  • The breast implant profile refers to the width of the implant.  A 375cc implant, for example, might come in three differing profiles.  A low profile implant will be wider, generally a better option for a wider chest.  A medium profile is a common option.  A high profile is generally a good option for a woman with a smaller chest width, but who wants a larger breast implant.
  • The projection of the breast implant refers to the height of the implant.  The projection results from the volume of the breast implant (cc's) in relationship to the profile of the implant. 
 
7) Cost of breast implants
  • Breast augmentation costs vary depending upon a number of factors.
  • The experience of the plastic surgeon can have a large impact in terms of cost.
  • The location of your doctor may also have an impact on breast augmetation costs.
  • Typical breast implant procedures run approximately $4,000 to $5,000, but may be as high as $10,000 or more depending upon the factors noted above.
 
8) Questions for your doctor
 
9) Breast implant recovery garments
  • There are a variety of bras available for women after breast augmentation.  Depending upon the size of the implant and its impact on your body, your doctor will recommend an appropriate recovery bra.
  • After a week or two your doctor may recommend transitioning to a sports bra, such as is available in the Purlz Breast Sizing System.
 
10) Breast implant bras
  • While the ideal breast augmentation has natural appearing results, the shape and weight of the breasts after augmentation can impact your bra choices.
    Le Mystere No. 9 (click image for more detail)
  • The Le Mystere bra series is a patented bra that fits augmented breasts better than traditional bras


The content of this website is for informational purposes only. This website does not contain medical advice and does not subsititute for a consultation with a qualified board certified plastic surgeon. No guarantees are expressed or implied. The articles from various authors included herein do not necessarily represent the opinions of L.W. Gatz.

Find your doctor in our Plastic Surgeon Directory

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington DC West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Cities San Diego San Francisco Fort Wayne Gary Chevy Chase Minneapolis Manhattan Pittsburgh Richmond

L.W. Gatz has an excellent collection of breast augmentation - breast implant articles.

Breast Implant Size Articles

Breast Augmentation Sizes: Which Size is Best for Me?

Breast Implant Size

Breast Implant Size: What Breast Implant Size Should I Choose?

Breast Implant Sizers

Breast Implant Sizing - Gives You the Desired Bust Size

Choosing the Best Size Breast Implants For Your Body

Big Implants in Breast Augmentatioin

Breast Implants for Natural Looking Results

Choosing the Best Size for Your Body Type

How to Decide Breast Augmentation Sizes

Breast Augmentation Basics

Breast Augmentation

Learn about the process of breast augmentation surgery

Are Breast Implants Right for You?

Breast Implant History

Optimize Your Appearance With Breast Surgery

Determine if You're Too Old for Breast Augmentation

There are Many Reasons Why Women Consider Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation and Motherhood

Breast Implants and How Your Children Will React

Does Breast Augmentation Prevent Breastfeeding?

Breast Implants - Regain Your Shape After Motherhood

Breast Implants - Concerns Before and After Pregnancy

Breast Implants Can Give You Firmer Breast Post Motherhood

Breast Augmentation Preparation

Breast Augmentation Consultation

Things To Think About Before Getting Breast Implants How to Prepare for the Day of your Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast Augmentation Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

What to Expect After Breast Augmentation

Mental Preparation for Breast Augmentation

Types of Breast Implants

Breast Implants

A Look at the Different Types of Breast Implants

Exactly What is a Breast Implant?

Breast Implant Profile and Projection

Breast Implants - Saline vs. Silicone

The Basics of Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Breast Implants - Gummy Bear Breast Implants

What are the different Types of Breast Implants to Choose From?

Breast Implant Replacement

Choosing the Right Implant Breast Profile: High, Low, or Moderate?

Breast Implant Rupture - What Do I Do If My Breast Implants Break?

Saline vs. Silicone Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer

Understand the Various Types of Implants

Breast Augmentation Techniques

Incision Decisions: Pros and Cons of Breast Augmenation Incision Placements

Which Breast Augmentation Technique Should You Choose?

Over the Muscle Breast Implant vs. Under the Muscle Implant

Breast Augmenation: 4 Incision Options

TUBA Surgery Procedure - Transumbilical Breast Augmentation

What is Laser Bra Breast Surgery?

Breast Augmentation Recovery

What Kind of Bra Should I Buy After My Breast Augmentation?

After Breast Augmentation What Healing Products Might I Need?

Breast Augmentation Recovery Period

Rapid Recovery After Breast Augmentation

What is the Recovery Time After Breast Augmentation

Life After Your Breast Augmentation

ActiPatch Recovery for Breast Augmentation

Tps for Faster Breast Augmentation Recovery

Breast Augmentation Costs and Financing

Breast Augmentation Cost - What is the Price of Breast Implants?

Breast Augmentation Financing is Plentiful


LwGatz.com is solely a provider of information. If the information provided is used by the Internet user, said use is at that person's sole risk and discretion. The advertisements from Google on this page may or may not be from board certified plastic surgeons. Please read the full Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. By entering this web site, you agree to be bound by said policy and terms and conditions. The owner of this website, lwgatz.com, is not affiliated with and does not advocate any of the procedures or practices of any of the practitioners advertising on this page. Any information contained on the pages you enter by hyperlink from this site are proprietary to the owner of each respective page and no responsibility is assumed by lwgatz.com therefor.