How to Choose the Right Implant Shape and Size for Your Breast Augmentation Surgery

By Dr. Silvia Kurtovic

Breast augmentation with implants is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedure in women. If you have always dreamed of a fuller bustline to achieve a more feminine figure, implant breast augmentation can be a good option for you.

Once you have decided that you are ready for breast augmentation surgery, your plastic surgeon will review in detail the types of implant options. At Tucson Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir, can help you choose the right implants for the results you’re looking for. Below are a few things that can make the process a whole lot easier.

What Type of Implants Should You Get?

There are two main types of breast implants available for breast augmentation. They include silicone and saline and each carries advantages and disadvantages. When deciding on the right one for you, it’s crucial to talk with Dr. Kurtovic or Dr. Mahabir. They can help you make an educated decision and choose the option that’s more appropriate for you.

Generally, silicone gel filled implants are preferred over saline implants as they provide a very natural realistic feel and have less implant wrinkling or “rippling”. They are made of a thick durable silicone shell and filled with cohesive silicone gel, and are known as “gummy bear” implants.

Saline implants are also made of a silicone shell, however, they are filled with saline which is essentially salt water. The disadvantage of saline implants is that they wrinkle more and thus cause more implant visibility and rippling. Also, when they rupture, they tend to deflate and can create a significant sudden change in breast shape and asymmetry.

What Size Breast Implants Should You Choose?

The implant size you choose is largely based on the result you are looking for. Our approach to choosing the best implant size, is to first measure your breast dimensions and then determine the best implant based on that, as this will give a more natural result. In general, for every cup size you want to go up, you can expect an increase in 130 to 150 ccs.

What Shape Implant Should You Choose?

Breast implants generally come in two shapes: round and teardrop or anatomic. A round implant also has a tear drop shape, and maintains that shape when they rotate. Anatomic implants however, are more firm and form stable so when they rotate this causes a distortion of the breast and usually means the implants have to be manually rotated back or even surgically put back in place. In addition, anatomic implants are all textured, which is a concern due to the increased risk of breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). In our practice, we do not recommend textured implants and prefer smooth round shaped silicone gel implants, due to better safety and less issues with implant rotation.

Other Factors to Consider

There are other factors to consider when choosing the right size and shape breast implant for breast augmentation surgery. Knowing why you want the procedure is very important. Enlarging your breasts isn’t a magical solution for low self-esteem or to attract a potential love interest. It’s a decision you want to make for you alone.

Your implants should also fit your lifestyle. For example, if you’re a very active person, they shouldn’t compromise your ability to carry out your regular exercise routine.

Schedule A Consultation

Have you been wanting breast implants for a while? Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir at Tucson Plastic Surgery would love to meet you and will listen to all your concerns, answer any questions you have, and build a customized treatment plan that fits all your needs.

Schedule a consultation by calling our Tucson, AZ office at 520-415-2420 or using our online contact form.