Breast augmentation surgery is designed to help improve the appearance of your breasts and boost your body image and satisfaction.  An important part of this process is deciding the size and shape of breasts you want as well as what type of implants will best meet your expectations. There are 3 basic types of implants available for cosmetic breast augmentation. Two of these, saline and silicone breast augmentation have been around for a number of years. New cohesive gel silicone implants, also popularly known as gummy bear implants, have only recently been approved by the FDA in 2012. Each type of implant has its advantages, and it will be up to your doctor and you to decide which implant best suits your needs.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline implants were developed as a response to safety issues surrounding silicone implants. If the implants rupture, saline is simply absorbed into the body. These implants are the least expensive and are FDA approved for women over 18 years of age. They come in a number of different sizes and shapes, and are available in both a high and low profile. Saline implants are put in place by the doctor and then are filled with a saline solution.

Silicone Breast Augmentation

Silicone implants were the first to make it into the mainstream and were first used in the early 1960’s. Silicone breast augmentation has changed over the years due to concerns over its safety, and now these implants are made with a thicker shell that protects against leakage. These days, the risk of rupture is quite low, however it does increase slightly as the implants age. Silicone does offers a much more natural appearance than saline which accounts for their popularity. Silicone implants are approved for patients age 22 and over.

Cohesive Gel Silicone Implants

Also called gummy bear implants because of the thickness of the gel inside the shell, these are the newest implants available to those seeking silicone breast augmentation. These implants are still silicone, but they have a thicker gel that has a number of different benefits. The gel is less likely to leak, it tends to hold its shape longer, and offers a natural appearance. The cohesive gel silicone is also less likely to cause problems if it does leak, by lowering the changes of capsular contracture, or immune response. These new gel silicone implants are also available for patients 22 years and older.