Individual Results May Vary
With so many implant choices that are on the market today, it is important to be informed about your options and understand the difference between each type, hence picking the implant most appropriate for you.
Breast implants come in various types, shapes, sizes and profiles. All implants available in Canada have a silicone outer shell. Those shells are filled with saline (saltwater) or silicone gel. The silicone gel inside of implants varies in thickness. Implants with thick and highly cohesive gel are also called “gummy bear” implants. This gel retains its shape more and due to its high cohesiveness, it is more likely to stay together in the case of implant rupture.
Saline implant advantages include a lower cost and the ability to adjust the volume in the operating room, thus, Dr. Andrade is able to customize the size and improve any asymmetry in the breasts if needed. Nonetheless, the rupture rate for saline implants is higher and due to lack of viscosity. Also, with these implants, feeling or seeing rippling is more common.
A newer type of saline implant is available called the “Ideal Implant”. These implants have many layers on the inside of the implant, some of which are filled separately. This design helps with structure, support, and has a lower rate of rupture. However, this implant only comes in one profile (high/full), which may not be suitable for all patients depending on their dimensions and goals. Lastly, with saline or Ideal implants, if there is a rupture, they will partly or completely deflate.
This avoids the issue of “silent rupture” that can occur with silicone implants, but it can be inconvenient if a saline implant suddenly deflates. Another implant type is teardrop shaped implants. These implants provide a more “natural” look with less upper breast fullness. However, due to their shape, they must all have a textured surface to prevent from rotating or misplacement. This textured surface is associated with a rare disease called Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). For this reason, some brands of textured shaped implants are no longer sold in Canada.
At the end of the day, the type of implant you choose, should be decided based on your specific body type, desired goals and surgeon’s recommendations. Your final surgical outcome will strongly depend on the breast implant you choose. Consequently, it is important to do your research and have a thorough in-person consultation with the surgeon to help you in the decision-making process. To find out whether a breast implant is the right option for your specific case, please contact our office to schedule a consultation that will help you learn more about your options at (905) 898- 2519
