Type of breast implants and their benefits

Getting a breast augmentation or "boob job" is a life-changing decision. This is also only the first step in a list of other decisions you will need to make to ensure you have the best for both your health and lifestyle.

The next thing you will have to take into consideration is what kind of breast implants you want. There are several types of implants, each of which has its own advantages.

Here we have listed several different types and shapes of breast implants and also reviewed the benefits of each. We hope this information will help you come to a decision.

Breast Implant Types

In terms of their structure, implants can be classified into two large groups, namely saline breast implants and silicone gel-filled implants.

Saline breast implants

Saline breast implants are devices (prostheses) that are filled with sterile saltwater. Their outer part is normally covered with silicone, while the inner part is manufactured empty. The saltwater solution is infused once the implant is put into the body.

Saline implants are placed in the breast through a small incision. The saltwater solution is introduced through a small port. Once the implant is filled, the surgeon secures the closure.

Are saline implants safe?

Saline implants are not harmful as far as safety is concerned. However, it is worth noting that cosmetic augmentation surgery does incur some risks, just as any surgical procedure does.

If you are planning to get breast augmentation, one of the most crucial things you need to do to ensure your safety is to be in the hands of a board-certified plastic surgeon. You should also pay close attention to the pre-and post-operative guidance provided by your doctor. Adhering to them will help minimise the chances of complications after your breast implant procedure.

What is the life expectancy of saline breast implants?

An average lifespan for a saline implant is estimated to be between 10 and 20 years. It is a topic that your surgeon will discuss with you and explain in detail during your initial consultation.

Patients often assume that they have to replace their implants within 10 years. The truth is that this remains true as long as you are experiencing problems. As an example, if your implant ruptures, you will need to undergo surgery to get a new implant. But if there are no issues, then your implants may last longer. Just make sure that you have an MRI every three years (this is the recommended interval) to ensure you have no problems.

Benefits of saline implants

• Less visible scarring after surgery. Due to the fact that saline devices are inserted empty and require a smaller incision, they usually leave a less visible scar than their silicone counterparts.
• More affordable. Saline breast implants are cheaper than silicone ones because they are manufactured in a simpler way.
• Implants rupture can be easily recognised. Saline-filled implants do not have silent ruptures like silicone ones. The crack can be easily detected since it usually causes breast pain or changes in breast size. Moreover, if the implant shell rupture, the filler material will be absorbed and expelled naturally by the body without posing any health risks.

Silicone breast implants

Silicone gel breast implants are the most used implants on the market. As their name suggests, they are completely manufactured from silicone material. They have a silicone shell, just like saline implants. The difference is that silicone implants are not empty, but they are pre-filled with silicone gel. The material has a similar feel and texture to human fat, which is why it appears more natural when placed in the body.

Breast augmentation with silicone implants entails an incision, muscle separation, and implant placement. Lastly, the surgeon secures the incision with stitches. The implant can be placed either over or below the chest muscle. The technique can vary depending on your anatomy and goals.

Are silicone implants safe?

Silicone implants, like saline ones, are safe if they are placed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon. Furthermore, you must closely follow post-surgical and pre-surgical recommendations given by your doctor to minimise any risks of breast implant complications.

One major concern associated with the use of this type of implant is the so-called breast implant illness (BII). This is a patient-reported condition where women complain of multiple symptoms such as headaches, tiredness, chronic pain, neurological disturbances and others. In most cases, it is treated through an additional surgery where the implants are removed or replaced.

BII is believed to occur as a result of silicone content in implants. Nonetheless, there has been no definitive evidence to prove that this condition exists. There is also no evidence from existing studies to support the idea that silicone gel implants may cause health problems.

How long do silicone implants last?

It is possible for your silicone implants to require replacement after just 10 years, but it is also possible to have them last for 20 years. The good thing about these implants is that they are less likely to rupture than saline implants. On the other hand, if the shell cracks, it is more difficult to detect it. This is called silent rupture.

The silicone gel inside the implant might leak out of the open crack and cause lumps in the surrounding tissue. An MRI scan is highly recommended every couple of years for silicone breast implants to ensure that there is no silent rupture.

Benefits of silicone implants

• More natural feel. Although silicone breast implants are more expensive than those filled with saline, they usually provide a more natural feeling. It is because the silicone gel inside the implant is thicker and similar to the natural breast tissue.
• Better aesthetic appeal. They are less likely to wrinkle, and they tend to look better from an aesthetic standpoint.
• Less chance of rippling. The risk of implant rupture is lower with silicone gel implants than with saline ones. Although it is still possible, the chances are slightly lower than with saline-filled implants.

Motiva Breast Implants

Motiva is a new type of implant on the market today that offers many benefits. Since breast augmentation became a popular enhancement surgery, implant manufacturers have invested a lot to improve and develop devices that are safer, more durable, and long-lasting. The Motiva breast implant is the result of their research.

It is made from medical-grade silicone and has a special form and texture. It also has an enhanced shell design, making it stronger and much more durable than saline or silicone implants. Its design is also very elastic, making it easy to insert with a small incision for fewer chances of visible scars after the operation.

Benefits of Motiva implants

Motiva breast implant takes the pros of both saline and silicone while reducing their cons, making it a better choice compared to the other two.

• Natural-looking results. The consistency of the implant is very similar to the breast mound. Consequently, they change their position with the body. Motiva breast implants also have a specialised choice of surface texturing so that it does not feel under the skin.
• Longer lasting. Motiva uses a unique Monoblock technology that maintains the same elasticity across the entire implant, including the seal. In this manner, the shell acts as a whole structure, enabling easier insertion and improved mechanical properties.
• Reduced complications. Motiva implants feature a unique biocompatible surface that minimises inflammation and irritation, decreasing the chances of BIA-ALCL and capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue). These implants have an overall complication rate of less than 1%.
• Q-Inside technology. With Motiva implants, you can optionally get a microchip called Q Inside technology, which allows your surgeon to view your implant's serial number outside of your body. This chip allows you and your provider to view information about your implant for verification and peace of mind.

Breast implant Shapes

The other way breast implants can be classified is by their shape. Accordingly, they can be divided into two groups: round implants and teardrop implants.

Round-shaped Breast Implants

As their name implies, round breast implants are completely round regardless of how they are placed. They will maintain the same shape regardless of how they rotate.

For many women, the round-shaped implant is still their first choice when it comes to breast augmentation, as it creates round and nicely proportioned breasts. Additionally, these kinds of implants are available in many different sizes.

Benefits of round breast implants

• Most women who have small breasts but little to no sagging can benefit from round implants.
• Round-shaped breast implants can be made with a smooth, soft shell that is less prone to ripples.
• Smooth implant shells are less likely to be felt when touched under the skin than those with textured surfaces.
• Round implants tend to be cheaper compared to teardrop implants.
• No rotational risk exists with them.

Teardrop-shaped Breast Implants

Unlike the round-shaped breast implant, the teardrop-shaped breast implant has a sloped contour that fills up more on the bottom part of the implant, mimicking the shape of natural breasts.

The teardrop shape slopes to a full projection point in the lower portion, giving it a natural but practically more augmented breast appearance. Though the upper half of the implant isn't as filled as the round-shaped implants, the teardrop-shaped implant project better and more naturally. And like its round-shaped counterpart, it also comes in various shapes and sizes.

Benefits of teardrop breast implants

• Teardrop-shaped implants could give a more natural look to women who have no breast shape of their own. It is also useful for patients with mild sagging breasts.
• Those are great options if you are looking for a more natural result.
• They are less prone to complications like ruptures and capsular contractures.

Ergonomix Implants (NEW)

Motiva Ergonomix breast implants are a new option on the market designed to provide the most natural-looking breast implant. Ergonomix implants will adjust themselves naturally to your position, resulting in a very natural appearance. When you are lying down, it will flow to take the shape of a round (which is the natural shape of the breast when lying down) and become close to a Teardrop-shaped while standing up for the natural look.

The intention of this product was to address a major concern that patients have with traditional implants, namely, why their breasts look like a teardrop when they are lying flat on their beds. Ergonomix is an exclusive breast implant under Motiva Implants Ergonomix.

Benefits of Ergonomix breast implants

• With Motiva Ergonomix Implant, you can achieve natural-looking, natural-feeling and natural-moving breasts. The implant adjusts naturally according to your posture.
• These types of breast implants maintain their softness over time and are proven to be effective after years on the market.
• Motiva Ergonomix implants contain ProgressiveGel Ultima Elastic and soft gel, which help the implant to adapt to the shape of the natural breast.

Each implant has its pros and cons. In the end, picking the right implant highly depends on the final result you want to have. So knowing the difference between each kind of breast implant will help you know what fits better to your wants and needs.

Frequently asked questions