What Are the Pros and Cons to Textured Vs. Smooth Implants?

You have already received many accurate answers about smooth v. textured. But at 5'2" and 100lbs, those sizes are far in excess of what will fit within your tissue. Of course, I haven't measured you, but I've never examined a patient yet with your height and weight whose breast tissues are wide and lax enough to fit implants that large. That is said, of course, presuming that you don't want to look overly fake and cause some permanent damage to your tissues. When implants are... more

Hi! In New York, we have seen a lot of problems with textured implants, and no advantages. Textured implants can produce rippling. We use round, smooth walled breast implants. I think 440 cc's is ridiculously big for your frame, and even 322 cc's may be too big. You have no idea how many questions we answer at RealSelf from women who are miserable with their too large implants. We use disposable implant SIZERS during surgery to see which implant looks best, before opening the permanent... more

Syndi, We knew they like 'em big in Texas, but not Kansas. A 420cc implant in someone 5'3" and 100 will give a DD breast, if it can even be inserted. Is that your goal? Also, if the implants are being placed under the muscle, there is not much benefit, if any, to using a textured implant. Either way, there is a wide variety of sizes and volumes available. In my practice I order a small range of implant sizes for each patient, then determine the best size in the operating room with... more

In my practice, textured silicone implants are most useful for women who have full but droopy breasts and will need a lift to reshape the breast. The textured silicone implants serve as "Velcro" fixing the overlying breast flaps, as long as the volume is not excessive, because eventually gravity will win and the breast implant will "drop". The optimal selection of an implant requires a dialogue between the patient and physician. Please be an active participant in your... more

Two types of textured implants are available in the USA, Mentor Siltex and Allergan Biocell. I have had almost 30 year's experience with textured implants. There are two reasons to consider using textured rather than smooth implants. The first is reduced capsular contracture and the second is the prevention of anatomic implants "flipping over". The negatives for textured implants is a higher rupture rate and a stiffer shell. Today, most surgeons place almost all implants... more

As already stated, textured implants were designed to decrease the rate of capsular contracture (hardening of the capsule your body makes when you put in an implant). The decrease is marginal and I personally prefer smooth implants. If the implants are placed under the muscle, then the capsular contracture rates are very close so I wouldn't even bother with textured implants in that case. Above the muscle, and the rates for contracture are lower with textured implants. However, given the... more

Textured implants were created to minimize the risk of capsular contracture. The literature is equivocal; some studies report it does and some studies report it does not. The textured tend to stay where you put them. They also may scallop or ridge more. Smooth tend to "jiggle" better and will ride high early post-op but will fall into the pocket over the first few weeks to months. I personally like the smooth implants more myself.

The only available, FDA approved silicone implants in the US right now are a smooth round implant. Textured implants are available in Canada and the EU. The problem with textured saline implants in the past is that they have had a much higher rupture rate. Also the anatomic (form stable) implants, which are a textured implant, have a small risk for slipping sideways or upside down if not placed in a perfect pocket. When considering size, most implants go up in size by 25cc imncrements,... more

There are differences between textured and smooth surfaced implants. However, the concern I would have is the significant differen between your implant choices. Your body measurements typically would not have such a wide range. When you consulted with your board certified plastic surgeon did you have measurements taken of your chest and tissue thickness? Also did you discuss where the implant was to be placed - below or above the muscle? As for the difference b/w textured and smooth... more

There is actually a lot to this question. Texturing was first developed to lower the risk of capsular contracture with earlier generations of silicone implants. As techniques and implant technology improved, it became less of an issue so most surgeons shifted to smooth implants because they are softer. However, the newer "gummy bear" implants, bacause theya re shaped rather than round, are textured so the scar capsule can stick them in place and prevent rotation. However, these... more

Textured implants were designed to lessen the risk of capsular contraction or hardening of the breast implant. I only use them if a patient has had a previous breast implant which has hardened with capsular contracture. There are many size options. If you are stressed cancel your surgery and seek another opinion. See before and after photos of breast augmentation.

Frankly, a majority of my practice is women of your size. I'm sure you have a slight frame with narrow shoulders and hips. Buttocks is probably small to moderate if you''re Caucasian. The average size silicone implants I use in a patient of your size are the Mentor 285cc-325cc. Remember IT'S ALL ABOUT PROPORTION! You should have tried on sizers with a sports bra and decided what you like. Very frankly unless you want to have every man talking to your breasts, the 440cc implants are... more