Why are there multiple types of implants? I've heard that saline is safer, so what is the purpose of having more than one type?

There are different types because there is no "one size fit's all" scenario when it comes to breast implants.

Round Breast Implants

Round breast implants are just that...round. If a round implant "turns" in the pocket, it is still round and symmetrical, and will not cause any distortion in the shape of the breast. Round implants are measured while lying on a flat surface. They come in smooth surfaces and textured surfaces. Round implants are less expensive than anatomical implants.

Smooth Breast Implants / Textured Breast Implants

Smooth implants move freely in the pocket, whereas textured implants do not. Textured implants have a thicker shell, and have a slightly higher rupture rate due to the imperfections in the shell. Smooth implants have thinner shells, and tend to last longer.

Textured implants were designed to help prevent capsular contracture. Studies vary on whether or not it the textured surface really prevents contracture. Some have shown that when the implants are placed under the muscle, there is no difference in capsular contracture rates, while others show lower rate of capsular contracture. This subject is still being debated.

Anatomical Breast Implants / Contoured Breast Implants

Anatomical implants were designed primarily for reconstruction purposes, but have since made their way in to general breast augmentation. They were designed to produce a more natural looking breast. When looking at an anatomical implant from the front, it appears oval in shape. If viewed from the side, it appears to have more volume at the bottom, thus making it project in a more conical fashion. The majority of the volume in anatomical implants is in the lower portion of the implant. This causes the implant to be "bottom-heavy", as there is more volume at the bottom of the implant versus the volume at the top of the implant.

ORIGINAL: brittney

Why are there multiple types of implants? I've heard that saline is safer, so what is the purpose of having more than one type?

Safer as defined by the US goverment. Saline are not as natural as the silicone implants. Even when the silicone implants were outlawed patients could still get silicone under special circumstances.

One could say the same about transportation: "I've heard that Volvos are safer than other cars, so why are there..." KnowhatImean? I wouldn't ever trade my '65 Bug for a Volvo of any kind because I prefer the style, handling, and ease of maintenance of my little punch-buggy, even if the Volvo is safer.

As has been stated, there are a lot of different things people look for in breast surgery. In addition to shape and shell texture, there's also the consistency of the filler. A lot of people will tell you that silicon gel, especially "cohesive gel" (gummi-bear), implants provide a more natural feeling result than saline. Of course, they also require a larger incision (and so leave a larger scar) than saline because they're pre-filled. Then again, pre-filled means correctly filled, and "incorrectly filled" has its own set of troubles.

Implant Types

Hi ....
I think breast implants are two types
1.saline
2.silicone.
Saline-filled implants are silicone shells filled with sterile salt water (saline). Silicone-filled implants are silicone shells filled with a plastic gel (silicone). Although many women say that silicone implants feel more like real breasts than saline, they pose more of a risk if they leak.
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hailey083

Implant Types

Hi ....
I think breast implants are two types
1.saline
2.silicone.
Saline-filled implants are silicone shells filled with sterile salt water (saline). Silicone-filled implants are silicone shells filled with a plastic gel (silicone). Although many women say that silicone implants feel more like real breasts than saline, they pose more of a risk if they leak.
______________________

Well, see, that's where the different kinds of silicone come into play. The form-stable (aka cohesive gel, aka gummi bear) implants have a consistency to the filler that is about like a gummi bear. They're designed not to leak at all. Really, though, there's no one solution that's going to work for everybody.

I also believe that it depends on the cosmetic surgeon who will do the process. If you can get the best doctor in town, so much the better. I know it would cost a lot of bucks, but definitely it would be worth it.

There are two fillers (Saline and silicone). There are also different profiles and shapes(Moderate, Moderate plus, and High profile ; Round and Teardrop). I chose saline because I did not feel 100% comfortable with silicone because the studies on these implants are not yet completed. I also like that with saline implants the insicions are smaller and I don't need to get MRIs done every 3 years.
 
 

100% HAPPY with my results!
Height: 5'10
Weight: 135lbs
Pre BA: Small B
Post BA: Full C 
BA date: 12/02/3009
Implant: Mentor Mod + 425cc Right 400cc Left Saline
Placement: Transaxillary Under the muscle
Surgeon: Bernard Shuster

You can read the article on breast implants and you will be able to learn, what a professional plastic surgeon Dr. Roy Kim from San Francisco thinks about it.
You can also find information on Wikipedia.

FDA has approved only two types of breast implants. silicon implant and saline implants. Both are good and safe. One may choose either of the two depending on the requirement and personal preference. However, do consult your plastic surgeon on this.

Yes, there are two choices, saline or silicon, however there are many different shapes as well.

When I got my first breast aug procedure, my doctor said it like this....they are both completely safe, it is a matter of preference.  He said how active are you, if you fall, are you a paranoid person, will you be worried about a leak...?

He said that you could have a slow leak for awhile with the silicon implants and not know it, although the leak is not harmful, just inconvenient.  With saline, if the implant ruptures, you will know right away. 

I chose saline under the muscle, a full C.  However, 3 yrs after the procedure, I also was noticing how unnatural mine appeared to those who had the silicon.

I went back to a plastic surgeon in San Francisco and had them redone using silicon, huge difference!!!!!!!  They use the Natrelle Collection which allows you to customize your implants.  If you live in my area, you have to check them out, you want to use your money wisely and get it right the first time.  I regret not doing more research, I paid for it, literally.  :)

SB

Check this out for some good info about which material is the best choice for you:

There are several types and shapes for a number of reasons.  Your doctor should be able to help you decide what is right for you. 

Silicone was the preferred implant type for many years until the lupus scare.  Then saline became the preferred implant until the FDA approved silicone once again after numerous studies were done.  Silicone tends to be the preferred implant type from both an aesthetic standpoint and feel.

Now there are "gummy" implants that I'm not sure if they have been approved by the FDA yet.  I know there were being tested in a select group of individuals.  My understanding of these implants is that they are quite "stiff".

From a shape standpoint, some have less projection and are narrower at the base, and some are wider at the base but less projection.  It really comes down to your preference of breast shape, your body type, size, etc.

Learn how to choose the right breast size for augmentation.

There are several breast implants that are available now.  The new ones (high profile versus moderate profile breast implants) will affect the projection of your breast.  One has to be careful with your selection of breast implants.  I recommend asking your plastic surgeon to discuss with you the pros- and cons- of these various breast implants.  Good luck.

Emmanuel De La Cruz M.D.
www.delacruzplasticsurgery.com

For articles on breast augmentation: http://woodlandsplasticsurgery.blogspot.com/p/houston-breast-implants-breast-implant.html

Yes you are right
good post

My girlfriend is 23, and she is been havin sore nipples 4 maybe...2 or 3 days now. she has tried moisturizing them and that doesnt work. she is not sure wats causing this...maybe her period is coming on soon, but she dont like this. she was wondering if this means they're growing?