Types of Breast Implants

Breast augmentation with implants is an effective way to improve the appearance of your breasts by increasing their volume. Whether your breasts have deflated from weight loss, aging, or pregnancy, or if your breasts are naturally smaller than you would like them to be, breast implants can help you achieve chest volume and symmetry that brings you confidence.

As one of the most popular procedures performed worldwide, patients have many different options when undergoing breast augmentation. Understanding the differences among breast implants is important for achieving your goals, and the team at Associates in Plastic Surgery can help guide you through your options!

Our practice has helped many patients improve their quality of life and self-esteem with personalized treatments designed for their aesthetic goals. Breast procedures at Associates in Plastic Surgery are performed by Dr. Harry T. Haramis, a board-certified plastic surgeon and a breast specialist who has helped thousands of patients achieve results.

To schedule a personal consultation and explore your implant options, contact our office online or call (732) 548-3200. Alternatively, you can directly call any of our four locations:

Before and After Photos

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About Breast Implants

Breast augmentation with implants is one of the most popular procedures performed worldwide, with more than 304,000 breast augmentation treatments performed in the US alone in 2023. ⁽¹⁾ Breast implants come in different sizes, shapes, and textures to suit different body types and aesthetic goals. In addition to cosmetic enhancements, breast implants can also help address genetic conditions that have impacted the appearance of the breasts. ⁽²⁾

Implant Type

There are two primary types of implants: silicone and saline. Silicone implants are filled with a soft silicone gel that mimics the natural appearance, feel, and movement of natural breast tissue. There are also Gummy Bear implants, which are a type of silicone implant that is filled with a highly cohesive silicone gel that holds its shape effectively. Saline implants have a silicone shell and are filled with a sterile saline solution. These can be placed with smaller incisions and then inflated beneath the breast, but they are often more likely to cause rippling—especially for thinner patients or those with less breast tissue.

Implant Volume

Breast implant volume is measured in cubic centimeters. Implants come in a wide range of sizes, with the most common being between 300cc and 450cc. Dr. Haramis will consider your goals, current breast size, and proportions to help you select the best implant size for you.

Implant Projection

Breast projection is another important factor in breast augmentation. Higher profile projections will create more fullness and a rounder shape, and lower projections typically contribute to a subtler and more natural appearance. Implants of the same volume can create different projections, so considering this is important for achieving your desired look.

Implant Texture

Implants can have a smooth or textured surface. Smooth implants are used most frequently since they are softer and do not ripple as easily. However, a textured surface can keep teardrop-shaped implants in place. Textured implants have also been shown to reduce the risk of capsular contracture.

Implant Shape

Implants come in different shapes. Teardrop-shaped implants follow the natural contours of the breasts to increase the fullness of the lower breast pole. Meanwhile, round implants can provide a fuller, rounder look with increased projection.

Implant Placement

Finally, implants can be placed either below the mammary glands and above the pectoral muscle (subglandular placement) or below the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement). Submuscular placement can offer a more natural look, especially for women with less breast tissue. Subglandular implant placement can offer more pronounced cleavage and breast fullness. Subglandular placement is usually best-suited for women seeking a larger volume increase and who have more natural breast tissue.

Introducing: Motiva Implants

Motiva® implants are now available at Associates in Plastic Surgery! These are a brand of silicone implants that feature innovative, safety-enhancing technology. They are known for their SmoothSilk® feature, a carefully designed shell surface that reduces the risk of capsular contracture, making the implants more biocompatible overall. These implants help patients achieve an exceptionally natural look. Patients can choose the round shape for more projection, or the Ergonomix version for an even more natural, subtle enhancement.

Breast Implant vs. Fat Transfer

Some patients choose to augment their breasts with a fat transfer rather than implants. A fat transfer to the breasts involves removing fat from one area of the body and placing it into the breasts. A breast fat transfer can only provide a size increase of about one cup size. It is also important to note that the body can absorb a percentage of the transferred fat before final results are visible. ⁽³⁾

Candidates & Consultation

Patients seeking breast implants typically want to increase their breast volume or address breast asymmetry to achieve a fuller look, accentuate their curves, and improve their confidence. Prospective patients should be in good general health, keep realistic expectations, and be willing to openly discuss their goals and plan their treatment with Dr. Haramis.

During your consultation, Dr. Haramis will perform a physical examination, evaluate your breast anatomy, and listen to your goals to determine which implants and techniques are best for you. With this information collected, he will create a treatment plan for you.

Schedule your consultation today to begin exploring your breast implant options. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call (732) 548-3200 or call your closest office directly.

Treatment Process

During a breast augmentation procedure, Dr. Haramis will make an incision along the natural curves of the breasts. Inframammary incisions (below the breast fold) are the most common incisions for breast augmentation, but Dr. Haramis may use other techniques depending on your anatomy. Once he has access to the breasts, he will take the chosen implants and secure them in a carefully made pocket. Once in place, your incisions are closed, and you will be left to recover.

Breast Augmentation Results

Breast augmentation procedures are associated with high patient satisfaction rates. ⁽⁴⁾ It is important to note that the breast implants will appear to be placed higher immediately after the procedure, but they will settle into a more natural position throughout the recovery process. Once recovered, patients greatly enjoy their fuller, shapelier breasts, and this contributes to enhanced confidence, improved body image, and greater self-esteem. Many patients also find that their clothing options improve, and they feel more comfortable in their figures. Since implants can last for up to 10-15 years, you can enjoy lasting results.

Breast Implant Revision

Breast implant revision is a surgical procedure that can address concerns related to previous breast augmentation procedures. If you are dissatisfied with previous breast augmentation results or your aesthetic preferences have changed, Dr. Haramis can address your concerns to help you achieve the breasts you desire.

Capsular Contracture

Approximately 10.6% of women with breast implants experience capsular contracture ⁽⁵⁾, a condition that occurs when the scar tissue surrounding the implant hardens and constricts the implant. This condition normally requires a revision procedure. Dr. Haramis will remove your current implants, remove the contracted tissue, and place new implants so you can maintain your results.

Cost of Breast Implants in New Jersey

The cost of your breast implants will depend on your personalized treatment plan. Multiple factors, including the techniques used in your treatment, the price of the implants themselves, and more, will all influence the cost of your procedure. After you meet with Dr. Haramis, you will receive a comprehensive price quote. Associates in Plastic Surgery also offers financing options to qualifying patients.

Schedule a consultation today to explore your implant options. If you have any further questions, please call (732) 548-3200 or directly call any of our locations throughout New Jersey:

FAQ

References

1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
2. Seth I, Hunter-Smith DJ, Rozen WM. Hybrid breast augmentation: a surgical approach and formula for preoperative assessment of fat graft volume. Gland surgery. 2023;12(1):5-10. doi:https://doi.org/10.21037/gs-22-686
3. Ramachandran K. Breast augmentation. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery: Official Publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. 2008;41(Suppl):S41-S47. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2825138/
4. Knoedler S, Knoedler L, Kauke-Navarro M, et al. Quality of life and satisfaction after breast augmentation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Breast-Q patient-reported outcomes. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2024;95:300-318. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2024.06.016
5. Headon H, Kasem A, Mokbel K. Capsular Contracture after Breast Augmentation: An Update for Clinical Practice. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2015;42(5):532. doi:https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2015.42.5.532