What Breast Implants feel the most natural?

Question

Silicone or saline? Of each type (saline, silicone, gummy bear....), is there a implant or brand that feels more natural than others on the market? Are there any new and improved implants coming out in 2015 or in the near future?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  Generally speaking,  the type of implant used may  determine the final outcome for some patients undergoing breast augmentation, especially if the patient does not have significant covering breast or adipose tissue. Most surgeons feel that silicone implants have a more natural look and feel than saline implants because silicone gel has a texture that is similar to breast tissue.
 In other words, if a patient has enough breast tissue to cover the implant, the final result will be similar when comparing saline implants versus silicone gel implants.  If a patient has very low body fat and/or very little breast tissue, the silicone gel implants may provide a more "natural" result.
Generally speaking, if I can see/feel a patient's rib cage clearly, I am very concerned about the potential for breast implant rippling/palpability, and will likely recommend the use of silicone gel breast implants.  Also, generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering  breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant type/size/profile selection) is:
1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully.  Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.  2.  Again, have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining which operation and/or breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals.
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
 Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate.   Therefore, I ask that my patients not base their communication preoperatively OR  their satisfaction with the outcome of surgery postoperatively, on achieving a specific cup size. The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during this communication phase.
3.  Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly,  allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals.  Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery.  The use of temporary intraoperative sizers, viewing the patient's breasts in the upright and supine position, are very helpful during the breast implant selection process.
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns), helps.  Best wishes.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

The two different types of implants are silicone and saline.  Saline implants have a lower incidence of hardening and ruptures are immediately detectable.  Saline implants may also have a less natural feel in patients with little to no breast tissue.  Silicone implants have a higher incidence of hardening and ruptures are more difficult to detect which requires monitoring. However, silicone implants feel and look very natural.  Both saline and silicone implants have a silicone outer shell, are safe and are FDA approved for breast augmentation.  Both types also have about a 10-15 year replacement cycle.  You need to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss which implant is best for you.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Gel implants have a better tactile outcome.  Some of the new implants with higher gel viscosity may be of benefit in some patients but that's not been decided yet.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.As far as feel is concerned, smooth round silicone gel implants feel the most natural.The gummy bear anatomical textured breast implants are more firm.Saline implants are heavier and also have more implant rippling and implant palpability, meaning that you can feel and notice the edges of the implant more.

To be sure what is right for you, see two or more experienced,
board-certified Plastic Surgeons for a complete evaluation to make sure you are
a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery.

I hope this helps.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

Silicone implants will feel more natural in most circumstances.  The difference is that silicone implants are filled with silicone gel, which feels more like a breast than a water filled implant.  All implants ripple to some degree.  This rippling can be seen in thinner individuals.  Silicone ripples less as the gel inside the implant is thicker.  Gummy bear or cohesive gel implants ripple less as they have a thicker consistency than a regular silicone implant, but this makes them less soft, in my opinion.  The implants we have to offer will likely be the same in 2015.  The brand of implant does not really matter, in my opinion.  In women with more breast tissue and thicker skin, the difference between silicone and saline becomes less as the implant cannot be felt.  Said another way, the more insulating fat or breast tissue there is between the skin and implant, the less chance any artificial aspects of the implant can be felt or seen.

What Breast Implants feel the most natural?

Answers (10)

Answer: Types of Breast Implants

Answer: Types of Breast Implants

Answer: Silicone vs. Saline

Answer: Silicone vs. Saline

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What Breast Implants feel the most natural?

Answers (10)

Answer: Types of Breast Implants

Answer: Types of Breast Implants

Answer: Silicone vs. Saline

Answer: Silicone vs. Saline

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.