About Saline Breast Implants

Saline implants are the most frequently used implants in the U.S. They vary in shell surface (i.e. smooth or textured), volume, shell thickness, profile, shape (round or anatomical), as well as expandable implants. Most saline implants are single lumen, and are filled at the time of surgery. There are prefilled saline implants, which are filled by the implant manufacturer. 

About Silicone Breast Implants

On November 17, 2006, the FDA approved silicone gel implants. Now that the products have been determined to be safe and effective, the FDA will continue to monitor them by requiring each breast implant manufacturer (Mentor and Inamed) to conduct a large postapproval study following which will follow about 40,000 women for 10 years after receiving breast implants. 

About Smooth Breast Implants

Smooth breast implants have a smooth outer shell. Smooth breast implants are available in round shape.  Smooth implants move freely in the pocket in which they are inserted. Their shells are thinner when compared to textured implants, and they tend to last longer than textured implants.

About Textured Breast Implants

Textured breast implants are firmer than smooth breast implants and have the feel of fine sand paper.  Textured implants were designed to avoid capsular contracture. It was believed that the textured pattern of the breast implant would hinder tissue from growing around and on the implant. However test studies haven’t shown any conclusive results.

About Round Breast Implants

The most natural looking shape, round implants placed under the muscle may have a more natural appearance than shaped/contoured implants which can appear somewhat elongated in appearance in some women. 

About Teardrop Breast Implants

Unlike a round implant, a "shaped" implant by design has a top and a bottom (it is tear-drop shaped). These have a textured surface to avoid the implant flipping, leaving the implant upside down and misshapen in appearance.