Breast Implant Guide — The Complete Overview

Implant Fill Materials

Silicone gel implants are the most commonly used — filled with a cohesive silicone gel that approximates the feel of natural breast tissue. Modern implants use cross-linked gel that holds its shape even if the outer shell is breached. They require periodic MRI monitoring (every 5–6 years in the US) to check for silent rupture.

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water after placement and are detectable if they rupture — deflation is obvious. They feel firmer than silicone, particularly at lower fill volumes, and rippling can be more visible under thin skin.

Structured saline implants (e.g., IDEAL IMPLANT) use an inner baffle structure to give saline implants a more natural feel while maintaining the rupture-detection advantage of saline.

Implant Shapes

Round implants provide fullness throughout the breast, particularly in the upper pole. They move naturally when the patient moves and present less risk if they rotate. Anatomical (teardrop) implants slope from a narrower top to a fuller lower pole, mimicking a natural breast shape. They require a textured surface to prevent rotation but have been associated with BIA-ALCL when textured.

Surgical Placement

Subglandular placement positions the implant above the pectoralis major muscle. Recovery is typically faster and there is less distortion during chest muscle contraction. Submuscular (subpectoral) placement positions the implant behind the pectoralis. This can provide better coverage of implant edges, lower capsular contracture rates with smooth implants, and superior mammography screening. Dual plane placement partially releases the lower pectoralis to allow natural-looking lower pole fill.

Sizing in CC

Implant volume is measured in cubic centimetres (cc). Standard augmentations typically use 150cc–800cc. Every 150–200cc represents approximately one cup size change, though this varies significantly by body dimensions. At extreme volumes (1,000cc+), multiple staged procedures are generally required, using tissue expanders to prepare the tissue before final implant placement.