Advanced Plastic Surgery Institute
1981 E. Bonanza Ct. Suite 102
Gilbert, AZ 85297
Phone: (480) 466-7355
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Allow our plastic surgeons to assist you in choosing the size, shape, and material of your breast implants. Women from throughout the East Valley and beyond may request a consultation online with our plastic surgeons or call our cosmetic surgery office in Gilbert at (480) 466-7355.
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Women considering breast augmentation have a variety of choices when it comes to breast implants. Many of our patients have carefully considered the size of breast implants they want before meeting with our plastic surgeons. That is an important decision, but it is only one of several choices patients need to make. Other factors include filler material, shape, and texture. Implants also come in different profiles, which is essentially a measure of how far they project from the body.
Dr. Olson and Dr. Marks can talk you through each one of these options, which should be influenced by physical characteristics, including your body’s frame, your skin elasticity, and the amount of breast tissue you have. Review the sections below for more information about each of your options.
Because each patient’s physical characteristics are unique, the results of your breast augmentation may look different than those of another patient with the same-sized implants. The ideal breast implant size for you depends on a number of factors, including:
Dr. Olson and Dr. Marks can use their trained aesthetic eye to help you choose the size that will best meet your cosmetic goals, but the ultimate decision is yours. Our plastic surgeons encourage patients to review their photo gallery to get an idea of the results they can expect from different sizes of implants.
There is no standard measurement for the volume of a bra cup size. The actual size of a C cup, for example, varies from one brand of bra to another. Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc), not cup size. So, Dr. Olson and Dr. Marks will take into account your existing breast tissue and desired size when choosing the implant size for each breast.
While this decision comes down to personal preference, patients generally prefer silicone gel breast implants. Here are the varieties our plastic surgeons offer:
Highly cohesive silicone gel: Gummy bear, or form-stable implants, are a subcategory of silicone implants. They are firm but pliable, and they hold their shape even when cut. These implants often require a slightly larger incision to fit the implant but can create a pleasant natural shape to the breast.
Saline: These implants contain a sterile saltwater solution that is biocompatible and biodegradable. Saline implants are a suitable option for women with enough existing breast tissue to camouflage the edges of the implants. Saline implants generally require smaller incisions because they are filled after being inserted, unlike silicone implants. That also allows Dr. Olson and Dr. Marks to fine-tune the amount of the saline solution in each implant during surgery, letting them address issues such as breast asymmetry.
Silicone gel: Patients overall tend to think silicone gel implants look and feel more natural than saline implants. There are numerous size and shape options available in silicone implants, which are the most popular implants in the U.S. Silicone implants require a slightly larger incision than needed for saline implants, but our surgeons are able to make the incisions very inconspicuous.
Breast implants can be either round or anatomically shaped, resembling a teardrop. Most patients choose round implants. Both saline and silicone implants come in either shape.
Teardrop implants (also called anatomical and shaped) have a sloping, teardrop shape with more volume at the bottom. This shape mimics the appearance of a natural breast which may provide a more subtle enhancement than a round implant.
Round implants are usually preferable for those who want more “upper pole fullness.” This means there is more volume at the top of the breast, leading to more cleavage.
The exterior shell of breast implants is either smooth or textured. Some of the differences include:
Textured: Textured implants attach to the natural breast tissue and remain in place within the breast. That’s why most anatomically shaped implants come with a textured exterior. There is also research that suggests textured implants reduce the hardening of scar tissue that occasionally follows breast augmentation, known as capsular contracture.
Smooth: Breast implants with smooth shells move easily and naturally within the breast. Smooth, round implants that rotate inside the breast don’t pose an aesthetic problem. A shaped implant that shifts, however, may appear unnatural and need to be corrected with implant revision surgery.
While this decision comes down to personal preference, patients generally prefer silicone gel breast implants. Here are the varieties our plastic surgeons offer:
Enhancing a single aspect of your appearance can inspire you to address other areas you wish to improve. Ask us about combining your treatment for a more complete and stunning transformation.
Chest width is a key factor in determining the right breast implant profile. An implant’s profile refers to its height (how much it sticks out from its base) versus the width of its base. There are a few variations, but most implants are available in profiles that are generally low, moderate, moderate plus, and high. Dr. Olson and Dr. Marks will examine your chest and help you choose the profile that best suits your frame and your cosmetic goals.
Please visit our Breast Augmentation page for answers to other common questions about breast enhancement surgery.
Call us today at (480) 466-7355 or request a consultation.
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