Breast Augmentation Choices

Breast implants are made of a silicone outer cover and can be filled with saline (salt water) or, more commonly, silicone gel. They come in teardrop or round shapes as well as different sizes. They may also be smooth, or have a slightly textured surface.

The implant choice that is right for you will depend on how much bigger you want your breasts to be, your breast anatomy, skin thickness and elasticity, and your
body type. The size and shape of your breasts before surgery will also influence the type of implants recommended and your final results.

Understanding how these different products perform will help you to choose the right implant for your particular circumstances.

Implant Choices

Silicone vs Saline

Both silicone and saline implants have an outer silicone shell but are filled with either a silicone gel or a saline (saltwater) solution. The main differences are:

Saline Implants:

  • Filled with a saltwater solution similar to the fluid that makes up most of the human body
  • Shorter incisions as the implant is deflated when inserted
  • Flexible fill volume, allowing the surgeon to adjust the volume throughout the procedure
  • Less expensive

Silicone Implants:

  • Filled with a cohesive gel that feels softer, more like natural breast tissue
  • The implant volume is full when inserted giving a predictable result
  • The gel in the implants come in varying degrees of firmness, allowing increased choice
  • Incisions are longer as the implant is full (not deflated) when placed
  • Reduced rupture rate and slightly reduced risk for requiring an early replacement
  • Lower rates of poor cosmetic outcomes such as wrinkling, rippling or visibility.

Both types of implants have a slight risk of rupturing but each type acts differently if this occurs:

  • If a saline implant ruptures, the saline leaks out quickly and the breast appears somewhat deflated, so you know immediately that it's ruptured. The salt water is absorbed by the body.
  • If a silicone implant ruptures, the gel leaks out more slowly because it's thicker. It may take you longer to realize that the implant has ruptured, or you may not realize it at all since the leaked material can remain around the implant. Silicone gel is not absorbed into the body,the gel can sometimes leak into the pocket surrounding the implant and stay there, or it may spread further. Some surgeons may suggest periodic MRI screening to detect any rupture.

In either case, if rupture occurs, surgery would be required to remove and replace the implant.

teardrop
textured

Round vs Teardrop/Anatomical

Implants come in round or teardrop shapes. Depending on the breast shape you hope to achieve, you and your doctor may choose either a round or a contoured implant with a teardrop shape.

A contoured or teardrop implant can provide a more natural-looking result as the implant is tapered at the top, blending into the upper chest and gently slopes to a fuller projection point near the base, mimicking the silhouette of a natural breast. However, a slightly larger incision to place the implant may be required with a teardrop implant.

Round implants, in certain body types, may provide more fullness or “roundness” in the upper breast, giving a more prominent silhouette.

Both round and contoured implants are available in different profiles. The term "profile" refers to the projection of the implant from the breast. There are low, moderate, high, xtra or ultra high (silicone only) profile options.

Smooth vs Textured

Smooth-surfaced implants have a slightly softer shell and are less likely to be felt through your skin. Textured implants have a gentle imprinted surface which is designed to help keep your implants in place and lower the risk of scar tissue tightening around the implant (called capsular contracture) - which may require removal of the implant.

textured

Size

Choosing the implant size that is right for you can be one of the most difficult decisions you will need to make in your breast augmentation journey. The size that is best will depend on a number of factors including; your desired result and your current breast size and body shape. Your surgeon will discuss your goals with you at your initial assessment to understand the look you are seeking and work with you to decide how this can be achieved.

Breast implants do not come in traditional bra cup sizes, but are measured in cubic centimeters, referred to as cc’s. This is because the size of the implant used depends on the size and shape of your chest rather than your cup size.

Your surgeon will evaluate your existing breast and skin tissue to determine if you have enough breast and skin tissue to cover the implant you are considering, or in some cases, such as after pregnancy, whether there is too much extra skin. If you want a breast implant size that is too large for your tissue, your surgeon may warn you that the breast implant edges may become visible following your surgery.

Breast Lift with Augmentation

Although breast augmentation reliably increases breast size and can improve breast shape, breast augmentation alone will not correct drooping or sagging breasts. Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is designed to correct this condition by removing excess skin in and around the breast and tightening the remaining skin to restore the breasts to a more upright position, giving a more firm and youthful appearance.

When combined with breast augmentation, the volume of the breasts can be restored while the contour of the breasts can be more aesthetically reshaped.

If a breast lift is performed in conjunction with breast augmentation, the breast augmentation procedure using an implant takes place before the lift. The implant is usually inserted through an incision in the fold under the breast.

After the implant is in place, the surgeon marks out the areas of skin that will be removed before making an incision around the areola (coloured part of the nipple), and another vertical incision below that. This will leave a “lollipop” shaped scar. The excess skin is then removed and the breast is remoulded around the implant to give the desired shape.

Safety

You need to read the full Instructions For Use (IFU) for the product which includes the necessary safety information and possible complications. Discussions with your doctor/healthcare professional is necessary prior to the procedure. The IFU can be found in the Product Information section accessed at the bottom of the page (in the grey section).

goal

What’s Right For Me?

Exploring Goals

The reasons women consider breast augmentation are highly personal, many and varied.

At your initial consultation with your surgeon you will be asked what it is that you hope to achieve with breast augmentation surgery. Everyone is different,with unique needs and sets of circumstances and it is important that you are open with your surgeon about your treatment goals so that they can work with you to determine a plan that is best for you.

You might want breast augmentation in order to:

  • Feel more feminine and attractive
  • Restore volume to breasts that have been affected by pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss
  • Create younger looking breasts
  • Improve symmetry between different sized or shaped breasts
  • Achieve breasts that are more in proportion with the rest of your body
  • Feel confident wearing particular clothes or swimwear
  • Enhance your breast size.

Further considerations in determining your goals might be to ask:

  • Do you want a natural looking augmentation?
  • Would you prefer a fuller look with more obvious enlargement?

However, as "natural looking" or "fuller" might mean something different to each person, it may be useful to bring into the consultation images of breasts that appeal to you and to identify what it is about those images that are attractive to you. Together, you and your surgeon can then identify a treatment plan that not only reflects your desires, but is realistic.

Price of Breast Augmentation

What is the Price of
Breast Augmentation?

Prices for breast augmentation can vary widely. Factors that contribute to the cost of breast augmentation surgery include:

  • The breast implant cost
  • Where you live
  • Surgery-related expenses (like anaesthesia)
  • Your surgeon’s fees

These estimates do not include additional surgery-related expenses such as:

  • Hospital or surgical facility fees
  • Anaesthesia fees
  • Prescriptions for medication
  • Post-surgery garments
  • Medical tests and other miscellaneous costs
  • If further surgery is required post-implantation

Frequently Asked Questions

The price of augmentation can differ considerably, this is why research is key to a successsful procedure. You should consider:

  • Hospital or surgical facility fees
  • Anaesthesia fees
  • Prescriptions for medication
  • Post-surgery garments
  • Medical tests and other miscellaneous costs

When estimating your cost for breast augmentation surgery, make sure to account for all of these fees. You should ask the surgeon directly if these are all the costs involved in your estimate. Since there are no set costs for any of these expenses, it is important to explore multiple options by meeting with several surgeons and getting estimates for not only their surgeon fees but also the additional surgical-related expenses.

A surgeon’s costs for breast augmentation may vary based on his or her experience. Where you are having your surgery can also influence all of these fees because demand and competition varies by city.

Which MENTOR® Product
is right for you?

EXPLORE BREAST IMPLANTS

Doctor/healthcare professional advice is required. Your doctor/healthcare professional will advise you whether this product is suitable for you/your condition. Always read product label/Instructions For Use before purchase. Follow the Instructions For Use.