Breast Implants used in Surgery in the UK

Types of Breast Implants

There are various types of breast implants to choose from. The surface of an implant is either smooth or textured. A smooth implant is as smooth as the surface of a balloon and a textured implant feels a little like sandpaper. Textured breast implants were made because it was said that they would reduce the risk of capsular contracture. (Capsular contracture occurs when the scar or capsule around the implant tightens, squeezing the implant, and causing the breast to harden.) However, there has been no hard evidence to support this theory.

Round Breast Implants

Round breast implants are, as the name implies, round. These implants come in both smooth and textured surfaces. Round implants are less expensive than anatomical or teardrop implants. It is a common myth that round implants produce a more "fake" look. This is not always the case; round implants can look just as natural as anatomical/teardrop and vice versa. The result you get with the type of implant you choose will depend on your anatomy, the amount of tissue you start with, as well as your surgeon, and how he performs the breast implants surgery and placement.

McGhan smooth round saline implant

Anatomical/Teardrop Breast Implants

These were designed to produce a more natural looking shape to the breast. When looking at an anatomical implant from the front, it appears oval in shape, when viewed from the side, it appears to have more volume at the bottom, thus making it project in a more conical fashion. The majority of the volume in anatomical implants is in the lower portion of the implant. Anatomical implants can "flip", or turn, in the pocket. Because of this, all anatomical implants come with a textured surface. The textured surface allows for tissue adherence, which helps to keep the implant in the proper position after breast implant surgery.

McGhan textured anatomical saline.

Smooth Breast Implants/Textured Breast Implants

Smooth implants move freely in the pocket, whereas textured implants do not. Textured implants have a thicker shell, and are said to have a slightly higher rupture rate. Smooth implants have thinner shells, and tend to last longer. Textured implants were designed to help prevent capsular contracture. Textured implants are generally firmer than smooth implants. This is due to the thicker shell.

The following types of Breast implants are available in the UK

• Round Breast Implants
• Anatomical/Teardrop Breast Implants
• Smooth/Textured Breast Implants
• Silicone Gel Implants
• Cohesive Silicone Gel implants
• Saline implants
• Hydrogel implants

Silicone Gel Implants

Silicone implants have been successfully used since 1962. Silicone gel has an excellent texture as a filling material because it is soft and pliable and allows for natural movement. The latest type has a textured surface, which is less likely to cause hardening or capsule formation. Silicone leakage has never conclusively been linked to serious health problems. As a result of many studies conducted to date, at present there is no evidence to suggest that silicone breast implants are associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer or other diseases such as connective tissue disease.

Cohesive Silicone Gel implants

Cohesive gel implants have a strong and durable silicone shell that is composed of several layers - to prevent the “leakage” that can occur with standard implants. The gel filler has a thick, cohesive consistency. If the shell were to rupture, the silicone would not spill out, and would retain its integrity and shape. These breast implants also have a shape “memory,” meaning that they return to their original form, which lessens the chance that the shell will ripple or fold. Cohesive silicone gel implants have also got a soft and natural feeling.

Saline implants

Saline implants are constructed of a tough, semi-permeable silicone elastomer shell with a single valve on the front surface of the implant. These implants come in both smooth and textured surfaces. Saline solution is used to fill the implant, because it is similar to the fluids in your body, and will be absorbed by your body should the implant leak or break. If a saline implants rupture, it will deflate and the results are seen almost immediately.

Hydrogel implants

The Hydrogel implant has the safety of a saline implant but has all the benefits of a gel that will simulate the suppleness & firmness and of natural breast tissue. Hydrogel is known to be safe and completely biocompatible. If the implant should rupture or leak the contents of the implant would be safely and naturally absorbed by the body.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery you should be as well informed as possible. To request further information or arrange your consultation complete our online enquiry form.