Breast Implant Options

Name: Breast Implant Options
Brand: The Piazza Center
Rating: 4.8 (222 reviews)

Dr. Piazza can help you make the right decision for your body

Breast Implant Options Overview

Select the Right Implants For You

Women considering breast augmentation with implants in Austin, New Braunfels, Laredo, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Kyle, and elsewhere throughout Texas have many options when it comes to choosing the right breast implants for them. At The Piazza Center in Austin, Texas, we believe that knowledge is key when deciding between implants, and our aim is to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your aesthetic goals.

What Type of Implants Should I Choose for My Breast Augmentation?

Choosing Breast Implants: Silicone/Saline, Size, & Shape

Silicone Breast Implants

In 2012 the FDA began approving shaped silicone gel implants. At The Piazza Center, Dr. Piazza uses Natrelle® 410 shaped gel implants, made by Allergan, as well as a selection of other gummy bear implants such as the Mentor MemoryShape® Breast Implants. Mentor MemoryShape™ Breast Implants followed gained FDA approval in July 2013.

These implants have a new type of silicone filling that will hold its shape even if cut or torn. The consistency is similar to gummy bear candies, which is why the cohesive gel options are commonly called “gummy bear” implants. This innovative implant greatly reduces the risk of silicone migration from a damaged implant through the body.

The FDA continues to monitor silicone implants as part of a post-approval study in order to ensure their ongoing safety and reliability. If you'd like to learn more about this new fifth-generation silicone implant and other options, contact us to schedule a consultation today.

Why Silicone?

Silicone gummy bear breast implants come with a variety of options, and, as with many elements of cosmetic enhancement, there’s no “best choice” for every person. Some of these options include:

Shape

Cohesive silicone implants come in both round and shaped varieties. Shaped implants, sometimes called “anatomic,” have a tapered shape with increased volume at the bottom, which more closely resembles natural breast tissue. Round implants add more volume throughout the entire circumference of the breast, resulting in more cleavage.

Texture

Implants can have smooth or textured exteriors. A textured exterior helps keep implants in place and gives scar tissue something to “grip,” which may reduce the incidence of capsular contracture.

Profile

Available in high, low, and moderate (as well as some variations, such as “moderate plus,” depending on the manufacturer), an implant’s profile refers to how far it projects from the body. Different options suit different women.

For example, high-profile implants have smaller bases, which means they fit better for those with narrow, petite frames. Low-profile implants, with wider bases, take up more room on the chest and often look better on women with wider torsos.

As Dr. Piazza wrote in this blog post, silicone implants have come a long way since being re-approved by the FDA in 2006. Today’s implants come with many advantages over saline, including:

Reduced risk of rippling
Reduced risk of breakage
If breaks or tears occur, silicone filling does not leak

Choosing Gummy Bear Implants

Many prefer the new silicone gel implants because they have a more natural look and feel than saline implants. Dr. Piazza sees a number of women who decide to replace their saline implants with the newer cohesive gel silicone options.

Dr. Piazza believes that selecting the ideal size and shape of a gummy bear implant is critical because, unlike a standard silicone implant, it will not distort according to the shape of the breast; rather, it will shape the breast. This is revolutionary, and has allowed Dr. Piazza to create a more natural shape to the breast while increasing the projection of the nipple-areola complex and creating long-term fullness to the upper portion of the breast.

Sweet Results With Gummy Bear Implants

Sure, they have a cute name, but what makes them so great? Gummy bear implants use a special kind of silicone filling that holds its shape even when damaged, similar to the way gummy candy remains stable after being bitten or cut. In this blog post, Dr. Piazza offers his explanation for the meteoric rise in the popularity of gummy bear implants.

Technically, these implants are called “form stable” or “highly cohesive,” and our Austin breast augmentation patients love the way their results look and feel. Check out our before-and-after gallery of gummy bear implants to get a better idea of the type of results you can expect.

Although gummy bear implants are a popular and proven option for many, they’re not the best choice for everyone. When you visit Dr. Piazza for a consultation, he listens to your goals and develops an effective plan to give you the results you want.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants have been an option for breast augmentation patients for more than 30 years in the United States. According to FDA regulations, patients who are 18 or older may choose saline implants for breast augmentation. In Austin, this has been a very common choice for young women who are between the ages of 18 and 22.

For women who are 22 or older, either saline implants or silicone gel implants may be used for breast enhancement. The newest generation of silicone gel implants represents a significant step forward in terms of achieving a natural look and feel with breast enhancement surgery.

Implant Profile Options

Breast implants are available in a range of profiles that describe the degree of projection they provide (the specific names vary between manufacturers). While an implant’s volume increases breast size, its projection affects breast shape. High-profile implants make the breasts stick out farther from the chest more than moderate or low-profile implants do.

In addition, the width (base) of an implant decreases as its profile increases. So, high-profile implants are narrow at the base, making them well-suited to women with slim, petite frames. Low-profile implants are broader at the base for women with wider frames.

Implant Educational Videos

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FAQ

Does insurance cover breast implants?

How long do breast implants typically last?

Are there risks associated with breast implants?

Does insurance cover breast implants?

Cosmetic breast augmentation is typically not covered, but reconstructive procedures after mastectomy may be.

How long do breast implants typically last?

Implants can last 10 to 20 years but may require replacement depending on wear or personal preference.

Are there risks associated with breast implants?

Like any surgery, there are risks such as capsular contracture, rupture, or infection, which your surgeon will discuss.