For an optimal result of a breast augmentation it is important that the right implant is selected for the patient. When choosing an implant, attention must be paid to the shape, size, external material and filling of the implant.
Implant form
In breast implants, a distinction is made between round and anatomical implants. Round implants are used more frequently for breast augmentation, as they cause fewer complications and are more cost-effective. The disadvantage compared to anatomical implants is that the breast gets an even volume and therefore looks rather unnatural.
Since anatomical breast implants are very narrow at the top and wider towards the bottom, a more natural result can be achieved. In addition, anatomical implants make it possible to compensate for differences in the shape of the breast, as the implants can be varied in width, height and thickness. For example, if the breast is very narrow, the implant must also be narrow to avoid lateral contours caused by implants that are too wide.
Even with breasts of different sizes, it is possible to compensate for this by using implants which differ in height but not in their transverse and longitudinal diameter. Thus the correction is not noticeable. The most important advantage of the anatomical implants is therefore that their flexibility allows the compensation of shapes and asymmetries of the breast. The disadvantage compared to the round implants, however, is that their shape can also cause more frequent twisting (rotation) or displacement (dislocation) of the implants, which leads to an unnatural appearance and makes a new operation necessary.
Implant sizes
The size of the implants is an individual question and depends on the patient’s wishes. Nevertheless, as a rule of thumb, the enlargement should not exceed 2 bra sizes in order to achieve a natural result. In addition, factors such as body symmetry, skin volume and skin texture, existing breast volume and width of the patient’s rib cage must also be taken into account when choosing the implant size. To ensure that the edges of the implant are not visible, the implant should be surrounded on all sides by a good soft tissue mantle. In addition, if too large implants are inserted, the breast may sag after some time and skin cracks and stretch marks may also appear.
Implant cover
Breast implants are almost always made of silicone, but may differ in their surface texture. A distinction is made between silicone covers with a rough (textured) surface and covers with a smooth surface. A frequent complication of breast augmentation is capsule fibrosis, which is an extremely painful change in the connective tissue, which in severe cases can even lead to an implant change. According to studies, the risk of capsular fibrosis can be reduced by silicone implants with a rough surface. Another advantage over silicone cushions with a smooth surface is that textured implants do not easily cause undesirable changes in the position of the implant.
