Implants too firm and won't move. What implants do you recommend? (Photo)

Hello,The textured anatomical implants tend to be firmer and grip the breast tissue- they don't shift and move around as naturally as smooth, round implants. There can be good reasons for using either but if you want a soft, natural look and feel, share that with your Plastic Surgeon. The more natural breast tissue you have- the more natural your impalnts are likely to look and feel.Your Surgeon will measure you and discuss your aesthetic goals. They will then be able to provide a small range of implants to choose from. My patients prefer to try on the implant sizers in the office with a form fitting T-shirt in order to get a feel for them.All the best

Hello, if your sister had smaller breasts and got relatively large implants, this could be why the breasts are relatively firm (of course there is no way of knowing without doing a proper exam).  If your breasts are larger and you do want a more natural result, it should be possible to select implants that increase overall size without having a very full upper breast appearance.  An experienced PS should be able to give specific advice about the size.

Thanks for your question and pictures. You are a very well informed patient! I agree that a textured an anatomic implant can be firm and definitely has less mobility.  You wouldn't want mobility in a shaped implant bc the breast shape with distort with rotation. There are a lot of positive features of this implant, but clearly it is not right for you.The look you desire can be obtained with a lift and smooth round submuscular silicone implant. Best of luck! 

The implants that you are describing that your sister has are firmer than other styles of implants.  There are a number of different styles and shapes of implants that can fit the look you are wanting. You mentioned that you are having a lift in addition to your breast augmentation so this will give you the perkiness and with an implant placed under the muscle, you will get the fullness in the upper pole of your breasts. Be sure to speak to your board-certified plastic surgeon about what type of implant will be used so that you get the result you want. He or she will suggest the implant style and size based on your individual measurements and desired result. I wish you a speedy recovery from your upcoming surgery. 

The teardrop implants give a natural look. However, the silicone gel in these implants is firmer to hold the anatomic shape. I would suggest using a round silicone gel implant if you desire more movement. Select a lower profile implant if you do not want a lot of upper pole fullness.

I appreciate your question.

The size of implant best for you is dictated by your
chest wall measurements. Once we determine that we can choose the profile
based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look,
then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller
than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide
your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the
nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width
will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a
more artificial appearance. Other than that, you should choose the
implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should
choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in
this decision.

Silicone will give you a fullness at the
top (upper pole fullness).

Silicone implants come pre-filled with a
silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural,
which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but
they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this
type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual follow-up
visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more liquid silicone
(less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only into the
scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort or implant
distortion.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a
good choice to give you volume.

These highly-sought-after, anatomic
implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a
breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a
natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these
implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative
or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and
reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone
gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked;
therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and
silicone does not leak.

During your breast augmentation
consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and
try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea
of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of
the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when
trying on implant sizers.



The best way to assess and give true
advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic
surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz

I generally use high profile smooth round silicone implants for breast augmentation and have been very happy with the results.  Firmness and lack of mobility is likely due to the type of implant your sister has. The textured surface on the implants allows of "ingrowth" of tissue which is necessary for shaped implants to prevent rotation and malposition of its tear drop shape.

Hi GwyllionThe implant selection will have a huge impact in your result.  A tear drop implant will be textured and will tend to have a lot of upper pole fullness.  They tend to be "stiffer", and patients experience what your sister is reporting.  I prefer a smooth surface round silicone gel implant placed under the muscle to optimize a soft breast that minimizes the risk of contractures.  This will also give a natural appearing and behaving breast that is soft to the touch and to the eye.  Sizing is key.Hope this helps.Se

Implants are just devices.  Post surgical attributes that you have described in your sister are related to technique that was used for the operation.  Implants have little to do with it.Here is one unsolicited advice to you: If it is you in accompanying photo I will suggest foregoing implants and just having a breast lift. Weight of implants will stretch you back real fast.  Thus it will be counterproductive in long term goals.