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.