How to choose your breast implants: The Pros and Cons of different Breat Implants in Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland

With so many different types of breast implants out there, it’s difficult to sort out which one is made for you.  Here we break down the fundamentals of different implant types, shapes and manufacturers.  Equipped with this knowledge you and your surgeon can have a more thorough and meaningful consultation about choosing the right implant for you. 

“At The Naderi Center we offer a variety of breast implant options for our patients because we feel that breast implants are NOT one size fits all.”

–Dr. Erica Anderson, Breast and Body Specialist, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

What type of implant should you choose?

Silicone (gel) Implants vs. Saline Implants

Silicone Implant	Saline Implant
Gel filled implant with a silicone shell Natural feel and appearance Larger incision One size Prefilled by manufacturer with a silicone gel If implant ruptures: removal of silicone gel necessary Wrinkles & ripples less common FDA approved for women over 22	Saline filled implant with silicone shell Round and firm feel and appearance More discreet incision Adjustable sizing Filled by board certified plastic surgeon inside of the body with a sterile saline solution If implant ruptures: saline removal not necessary Wrinkles & ripples common FDA approved for women over 18

What type of texture should your implant have?

Smooth Surface vs Textured Surface Implants 

Smooth Surface	Textured Surface
Soft texture Helps to create a more natural feel Outer shell is structured to allow the implant to move naturally with breast tissue Available in round shape only	More rough and aggressive texture Helps to adhere to the surrounding tissue Less chance for repositioning Available in round or teardrop shape

What is the shape of your implant?

Anatomical ‘Teardrop’ Shape Breast Implant vs Round Shape Breast Implants

Anatomical ‘Teardrop’ Shape

Round Shape

Also called the “Gummy Bear Implant” Natural teardrop shape Mimics the natural contour and feel of the breast Smaller at the top and more mass at the bottom of the implant Filled with thick silicone gel Form stable & holds shape regardless of if flat on the back or standing up Requires a textured surface implant to prevent rotation of the implant Best for women with petite builds with not that much breast tissue, women who have breastfed, or those with breast asymmetries

‘Classic’ implant Round to provide lift and cleavage Smooth shell filled with saline or silicone gel that flows freely Shape will change as the patient lies down and stands up. There is a more rounded look when flat on the back, but a more natural effect when standing up Available in both smooth and textured surfaces Implant rotation is not a major concern since implant looks the same at any angled view Best for women with firm breast tissue who want a more rounded shape

What are the different types of breast implants?

Sientra (Opus) Brand Implants

All Sientra Opus implants have an exclusive high-strength cohesive gel, flat back design, and the highest level of gel-shell integration. The high-strength cohesive gel helps for shape retention and high resistance and the flat back design creates a smooth conformation against the chest wall to prevent wrinkling of the implant. The gel-shell integration allows the inside of the implant to maintain strength and softness. Sientra Opus implants are available in smooth and microtextured surface options.

• Luxe Round Shape: 250 options available with 5 projection levels. Available in both smooth and microtextured shell surface options.
  • High Strength Cohesive Gel (HCG): Helps to create a soft feel that is similar to breast tissue
  • High Strength Cohesive Gel+ (HCG+): Great for shape retention and is designed to minimize wrinkling and rippling
• Curve Shaped (Anatomical Tear-Drop): 90 options with 2 projection levels. Available only in microtextured shell surface option.
  • High Strength Cohesive Gel+ (HCG+): Great for shape retention and is designed to minimize wrinkling and rippling

Mentor (Johnson & Johnson) Brand Implants

Mentor brand implants come in a variety of sizes and projections as well as offer both smooth and textured surface materials that are great for breast augmentation or breast reconstruction following a mastectomy.

• Mentor MemoryGel & MemoryGel Extra: made with a cohesive silicone gel
  • Rounded shape
  • Available in a smooth or SILTEX textured surface
  • Available in 3 degrees of firmness (Cohesive I, II, III)
  • Available in 6 different projection options: Classic, Moderate Plus, High Profile, Ultra-High Profile, Xtra Moderate, and Xtra High Profile

• Mentor MemoryShape Contour Profile Gel (CPG): made with a cohesive silicone gel
  • Anatomic ‘teardrop’ shape
  • Available in SILTEX textured surface

• Mentor Saline Implants:
  • Round shape
  • Available in 3 projections: Moderate, Moderate Plus, and High Profile

Allergen (Natrelle) Brand Implants

Allergen Natrelle Brand implants are best known for their Natrelle Inspira Breast or ‘Gummy’ Implants which use a gummy silicone gel that sticks together to help maintain the shape of the implant. Allergen Natrelle Brand also offers Natrelle Saline-Filled implants that come in a variety of round sizes, profiles, and fullness degrees from low to moderate to high.

• Natrelle Inspira Breast or ‘Gummy’ Implants
  • Smooth texture and round shape
  • Only collection with 3 different types of gummy gels: Gummy, Gummier, Gummiest
  • The gummier the gel, the more it holds its shape when held

○ Available in 4 degrees of fullness: Maximal, Enhanced, Moderate, and Minimal

○ Available in 5 different profile options: Low, Low Plus, Moderate, Full, and Extra Full

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Still need help deciding what implant is right for you?

Dr. Erica Anderson is known for her artistic skills, allowing her to help women achieve natural and beautiful breasts. Dr. Anderson of one of a handful of women plastic surgeons in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. Dr. Anderson has dedicated her career to exclusively breast and body surgery, with breast augmentation and tummy tuck being her two most commonly performed procedures. Dr. Anderson’s patients are offered a variety of implant options, unlike most center where patients are given only the option of sizing up or down. Dr. Anderson’s breast consultation will include 3D imaging so that you can visualize your potential surgical results.