What are the different types of breast implant?

There are many different types of breast implants used in different surgical procedures. In this article, we’ll answer your top questions and educate you on the types of breast implants, their safety and where you can actually get them.

What are the different breast implant types?

What are the different kinds of breast implants? The two most common you’ll encounter are silicone breast implants and saline breast implants.

• Silicone breast implants are filled with a firm, jelly-like silicone designed to keep its shape even if the implant tears inside the body.
• Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile, salt-water solution which can be pre-filled or filled through a valve during implant surgery.

What type of breast implants are safest?

Both silicone and saline breast implants are considered safe. Silicone implants are the most popular and are the only option our surgeons use at Cadogan Clinic. The decision on which to choose comes down to personal preferences with regards to cost, future care and feel of the implants.

Choosing the right option from the huge variety of different kinds of breast implants that are available will come down to the results you are hoping to achieve and the natural build of your body. At Cadogan Clinic all of our breast implants are supplied by approved manufacturers including Sebbin, Mentor and Motiva. 

Which types of breast implants feel the most natural?

There are a number of factors which influence how natural a breast implant will feel, including the material the implant is made from, the texture, and the size and projection of the implant. However the choice of breast implant comes down to personal preference and the results you are looking for. Our specialist surgeons are happy to help you decide which are the best breast implants for you and will be able to show you a number of different kinds of breast implants depending on your individual needs and concerns.

Which breast implants are the best?

The best breast implants are the ones which will achieve your desired results. Each manufacturer produces a range of breast implant shapes and sizes to suit different boob job types. During your consultation your surgeon will discuss a number of different breast implant types with you. This will include:

• The different types of silicone implants
• The shapes of silicone implants that are available and that will produce your desired results
• The sizes of breast implants that will suit you

They will also show you the results of previous surgeries they have carried out as well as alternative options from silicone breast implants such as Fat Transfer to Breast.

What is the best breast implant size for me?

The best breast implant size depends on your desired results from their surgery. Breast implant sizes are measured in cubic centimetres (commonly referred to as cc's) rather than cup sizes, as the size of the breast implants is much more varied than bra sizing.

Different types of silicone implants range from 100cc through to around 800cc. Typically, one cup size increase is around 175cc. This means if you are a B-cup, and are hoping to increase to a D-cup, your surgeon will likely recommend breast implants that are around 350cc. Breast implant sizing is relative to your natural breast size. A 400cc breast implant, will look much more subtle in a natural E-cup breast, than an A or B-cup breast.

Your surgeon will show you a few different sizes of breast implants and may ask you to carry out an at home rice test so you can see how various breast implant sizes may look for you.

What are the different types of breast implant shapes?

There are three types of breast implant shapes - round, teardrop and conical.

• Round breast implants are the most popular type of silicone implant and give a balanced rounded appearance to the breasts, with a similar amount of volume at the top and bottom.
• Teardrop implants, also known as anatomical implants, have more volume at the bottom of the breast, tapering towards the top. This gives a more natural appearance.
• Conical implants have a wide base (which sits at the back of the breast) developing into a pointed shape at the front. They are suited to patients who have loose skin around their breasts, but do not want a large round implant which would be needed to fill the space.

The different Breast Augmentation implant types come in a range of profiles which show the projection the breast implants.

• Low profile breast implants look quite flat and result in minimal projection. They are suited to patients who are looking for a very natural result or who have a wide chest.
• Moderate profile breast implants have a slightly steeper edge and will provide more projection than a low profile breast implant. For many patients they can offer a natural result, whilst still showing a visible change.
• High and Extra High profile implants have the steepest edge and will result in the highest level of projection. Depending on the size, they can create an unnatural result, however they are also very suitable for patients who have a naturally narrow chest.

Cadogan Clinic's specialist consultant surgeons will consider your desired results, your body's proportions and your preferences to discuss your options for Breast Augmentation, and recommend the best kinds of breast implants for you.