choosing your breast implants

Once you have chosen to undergo breast augmentation, the next step in your journey is to decide on the type and size of implants that are best for you. Because every woman’s aesthetic concerns and goals are different, there is no one-size-fits-all implant. Before making your decision, take the time to familiarize yourself with your breast implant choices.

CHOOSING THE TYPE OF BREAST IMPLANTS

There are three main types of breast implants, each with their own set of benefits and limitations.

Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. In case of a leak or rupture, your body naturally and safely absorbs the solution. Ruptures and leaks in saline implants are easy to detect, as the affected breast will appear deflated. This allows for Dr. Bulan to replace the implant promptly. Perhaps the biggest limitation to saline implants is that they are more likely to fold or ripple within the implant pocket than their silicone counterparts. This may create an unsightly rippled appearance.

Traditional silicone implants are preferred by many women because they closely resemble the look and feel of natural breast tissue, more so than saline implants. Silicone implants are also less likely to ripple within the implant pocket. However, if the implant ruptures, the body cannot absorb the silicone-gel filling material. Because the filling material stays intact within the implant pocket, it may be difficult to detect ruptures and leaks. For this reason, it is recommended that women with silicone implants undergo an MRI or mammogram every three years.

“Gummy bear” implants are highly cohesive, form-stable silicone implants. Like traditional silicone implants, they look and feel more like natural breasts than saline implants. The form-stable filling material also makes the gummy bear implant less prone to rippling or folding within the implant pocket. However, ruptures are hard to detect, as they are with traditional silicone implants. The biggest drawback with gummy bear implants is the fact that the implant can potentially rotate inside the pocket, which may result in an unnatural breast shape.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Bulan will discuss with you the benefits and limitations of each implant type in further detail. He will also make recommendations based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE

When choosing a breast implant size, it is important to take your body type and frame into consideration. If you are petite and have a small frame, overly large breast implants may be disproportionate to the rest of your body and leave you looking “top heavy.” If you are naturally curvy with a small bust, a substantial boost in breast size may help enhance your overall figure.

When it comes to choosing an implant size, Dr. Bulan believes visualizing the outcome is key. Dr. Bulan has an implant sizer that you can slip into your bra to get a better idea of how different implant sizes will look on your frame.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH DR. BULAN

To learn more about your breast implant choices, schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Erwin Bulan. He will gladly answer all of your questions and listen to your aesthetic needs and goals to recommend the breast implants that are appropriate for you. Please call (973) 467-9744 today.