What Are My Breast Implant Options for Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Choosing breast implants is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning breast augmentation surgery, commonly referred to as a “boob job.” Today, patients have more options than ever, including various implant materials, shapes, and profiles, as well as alternatives like fat transfer. Each option offers unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your anatomy, goals, and desired outcome.

Many people choose to get breast augmentation surgery to increase breast size, improve shape, and boost body image and confidence.

Dr. Edgar Bedolla customizes breast augmentation surgery to match each patient’s body proportions and aesthetic goals. Understanding your implant options helps you make an informed decision and achieve natural-looking results.

Table of Contents

• What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?
• Choosing a Qualified Surgeon
• What Types of Breast Implant Options Are Available?
• Breast Implant Materials and Textures
• What Breast Implant Brand Is Right for Me?
• Round vs. Teardrop Breast Implants
• High Profile vs. Moderate Profile Implants
• Breast Augmentation Procedure
• Potential Complications and Risks
• How Do I Choose the Best Implant Option?
• Final Thoughts

What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast augmentation surgery, also known as breast enlargement or augmentation mammoplasty, is a widely performed cosmetic procedure designed to enhance breast shape and increase breast size. Many women choose breast augmentation to achieve a fuller, more balanced appearance, restore volume lost after weight fluctuations or pregnancy, or simply to boost self-confidence.

With advancements in cosmetic surgery, patients now have access to a variety of types of breast implants, including saline and silicone breast implants, each offering unique benefits to help achieve the desired outcome.

It’s important to understand that breast augmentation is not a treatment for breast cancer, but rather a procedure focused on enhancing the natural contours and proportions of the breasts. By working closely with a qualified plastic surgeon, patients can select the best implant option to enhance breast shape and achieve their personal aesthetic goals.

Choosing a Qualified Surgeon

Selecting the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important steps in your breast augmentation journey. A board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation surgery will guide you through the consultation process, helping you understand the different implant types, sizes, and shapes available. During your consultation, your surgeon will listen to your goals, assess your anatomy, and recommend options tailored to your desired outcome.

To ensure the highest standards of patient safety and results, look for a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and with a proven track record in cosmetic surgery. Reading patient reviews, seeking referrals, and reviewing before-and-after photos can help you find an experienced plastic surgeon who makes you feel comfortable and confident throughout your breast augmentation journey.

What Types of Breast Implant Options Are Available?

There are three primary implant categories used in modern breast augmentation: saline, silicone, and cohesive gel (“gummy bear”) implants. These options vary in feel, appearance, and structure. Breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women aged 18 and older for saline-filled implants and age 22 and older for silicone implants. Breast implant options range from low to extra high profile, chosen based on the individual frame.

Many women seek breast augmentation to achieve larger breasts and improved body proportions. A patient decision checklist can help ensure you are fully informed about your breast implant procedure.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone implants are filled with cohesive silicone gel that mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Many surgeons consider silicone implants the most popular option because they typically look and feel more natural than saline.

Benefits of silicone implants include:

• Natural look and feel
• Less visible rippling
• Wide range of sizes and projections
• Ideal for patients with thinner breast tissue

Silicone implants come pre-filled, so they require slightly larger incisions than saline implants.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline implants use a silicone outer shell that is filled with sterile saline after placement. Because surgeons fill them during surgery, they can be inserted through smaller incisions.

Benefits of saline implants include:

• Smaller incision placement
• Adjustable volume during surgery
• Rupture is easily detected as the breast deflates
• Often lower cost than silicone implants

Saline implants may feel slightly firmer than silicone implants, especially in patients with minimal natural breast tissue.

Gummy Bear (Cohesive Gel) Implants

Gummy bear implants are form-stable silicone implants that maintain their shape even if the shell breaks. These implants use thicker cohesive gel and often feature a teardrop shape that’s designed to look like natural breast contours.

Benefits of gummy bear implants include:

• Maintain shape over time
• Natural sloped appearance
• Reduced risk of implant folding
• Firmer internal structure

These implants usually require slightly larger incisions and precise placement due to their shape.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation (Implant Alternative)

Some patients prefer a natural alternative without implants. Fat transfer breast augmentation uses your own fat to increase breast volume. Dr. Bedolla’s fat transfer procedure can provide a modest increase, typically about half a cup to one cup size, while enhancing shape.

Fat transfer may be ideal if you want:

• Subtle enhancement
• Natural feel
• No implants
• Body contouring from liposuction

Patients seeking dramatic volume increases typically benefit more from implants.

Breast Implant Materials and Textures

When considering breast augmentation, understanding the materials and textures of breast implants is essential for making an informed decision. Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water and offer a firm, adjustable option, while silicone breast implants are filled with a soft silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. The implant shell can be smooth or textured; textured implants are designed to help reduce the risk of capsular contracture, a condition in which scar tissue forms tightly around the implant.

Gummy bear implants, also known as cohesive silicone gel implants, are a type of silicone breast implant that maintains its shape even if the implant shell is compromised, offering a natural look and feel with added stability.

By discussing the different types of breast implants, including saline, silicone, and gummy bear implants, with your surgeon, you can choose the material and texture that best aligns with your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.

What Breast Implant Brand Is Right for Me?

Several FDA-approved breast implant manufacturers exist, and your surgeon will help you determine the best option based on your anatomy and goals. It’s important to choose a qualified cosmetic surgeon for optimal results. While brands vary slightly, most offer both silicone and saline implants in multiple profiles and sizes. Surgeons in the DFW area also offer a variety of implant shapes and textures, including round and teardrop options.

Your surgeon typically considers:

• Desired breast size
• Chest width and body proportions
• Implant projection preference
• Natural tissue thickness
• Lifestyle and activity level
• Long-term goals

Patients are encouraged to consult board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss tailored treatment plans and review before-and-after photos.

Rather than focusing solely on the brand, surgeons prioritize implant type, size, and profile to achieve balanced, natural-looking results.

Round vs. Teardrop Breast Implants

Beyond material, implants also come in different shapes:

Round implants:

• Provide more upper breast fullness
• Create a noticeable cleavage
• Most commonly selected option
• Rotate without affecting appearance

Teardrop (anatomical) implants:

• Mimic natural breast slope
• Fuller lower pole appearance
• Typically used with gummy bear implants
• Require precise placement

The right shape depends on whether you prefer a natural slope or a fuller upper breast appearance.

High Profile vs. Moderate Profile Implants

The implant profile determines how far the breast projects forward:

• Low profile – wider, subtle projection
• Moderate profile – balanced, natural projection
• High profile – more forward projection and cleavage
• Ultra high profile – dramatic projection

Your body frame and chest width help determine the best profile for your results. Dr. Bedolla likes to make his determination for profile based on your anatomy, the volume desired, and the overall look you are considering.

Breast Augmentation Procedure

The breast augmentation procedure is typically performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. During the procedure, your plastic surgeon will make a small incision in the breast area, commonly in the inframammary fold, or around the areola to create a pocket for the implant. Depending on your anatomy and desired outcome, the implant may be placed either above or below the pectoral muscle and a combination called dual-plane technique.

The entire procedure usually takes one to two hours. After surgery, it’s normal to experience some breast pain, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication and by wearing a supportive surgical bra. Your surgeon will provide detailed postoperative instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery and a beautiful outcome.

Potential Complications and Risks

While breast augmentation surgery is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, it’s important to be aware of potential complications and risks. These may include implant rupture, capsular contracture (the formation of tight scar tissue around the implant), implant rippling, and breast implant illness, a collection of symptoms some patients report after receiving implants. There is also a rare cancer known as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) that has been associated with certain textured implants but is exceedingly rare (1 in 30,000).

To minimize risks, it’s essential to choose an experienced plastic surgeon, follow all aftercare instructions, and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your implants and overall breast health. Open communication with your surgeon about any concerns or changes is key to achieving a safe and satisfying breast augmentation outcome.

How Do I Choose the Best Implant Option?

The right implant depends on your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals.

During your consultation, Dr. Bedolla will:

• Measure chest width and breast base
• Evaluate skin elasticity
• Discuss size goals
• Review implant options
• Show before and after examples
• Use implant sizers when appropriate

This personalized approach ensures your results will be natural and proportional.

Final Thoughts

Breast augmentation offers multiple implant options, including silicone, saline, gummy bear implants, and fat transfer. Each option provides unique benefits, and the best choice depends on your body type, goals, and desired level of enhancement. Understanding your options can help you make a confident, informed decision and achieve long-lasting results.

Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation in Dallas, TX

If you are considering breast augmentation and want to explore your implant options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Edgar Bedolla. He will evaluate your anatomy, explain the differences between implant types, and help you select the best option for natural-looking, balanced results.

Call (214) 910-5582 (ext 102) or complete the online contact form to schedule your breast augmentation consultation in Dallas, TX.