Breast Implant Types

Saline Breast Implants
The three types of saline-filled breast implants are as follows:

One type is a single lumen implant that is filled during the operation with a fixed volume of saline through a valve. There are no adjustments of the saline volume after the operation.

A second type is a single lumen implant that is filled during the operation with saline through a valve. This type of implant allows for adjustments of the saline volume after the operation.

A third type is a single lumen implant that is prefilled by the manufacturer with a fixed volume of saline. There are no valves for filling during the operation or for adjustments of the saline volume after the operation.

Silicone Breast Implants
The three types of silicone gel-filled breast implants are as follows:

One type is a single lumen implant that is prefilled by the manufacturer with a fixed volume of silicone gel.

A second type is a double lumen implant with (1) an inner lumen prefilled by the manufacturer with a fixed volume of silicone gel and (2) an outer lumen that is filled during the operation with a fixed volume of saline through a valve.

A third type is a double lumen implant with (1) an outer lumen prefilled by the manufacturer with a fixed volume of silicone gel and (2) an inner lumen that is filled during the operation with saline through a valve. This type of implant allows for adjustments of the saline volume after the operation.

Shape and Size - Depending on the desired shape and size you wish to achieve, you and your surgeon may choose a round or contoured implant shape of appropriate size (volume). You should be aware that contoured implants that are placed submuscular (under the pectoralis major muscle) may assume a round shape after implantation. Your surgeon will also evaluate your existing tissue to determine if you have enough to cover the breast implant.

Implant Surface - Textured surface implants were designed to reduce the chance of capsular contracture. Some studies with small numbers of women suggest that surface texturing reduces the chance of severe capsular contracture. However, other studies of a large number of women with saline-filled implants show no difference in the likelihood of developing capsular contracture with textured implants when compared to smooth-surfaced implants.

Implant Palpability/Visibility - The following may cause implants to be more palpable (more easily felt) or more visible: textured implants; larger implants; subglandular placement; and smaller amount of skin/tissue available to cover the implant.

Augmentation Incision Sites – The three common incision sites are under the arm (transaxillary), around the nipple (periareolar), or within the breast fold (inframammary). The sketch below shows each of these incisions sites.65

Transaxillary – This incision is less concealed than periareolar but associated with less difficulty than the periareolar incision site when breast feeding.
Periareolar – This incision is most concealed but is associated with a higher likelihood of inability to successfully breast feed, as compared to the other incision sites.
Inframammary – This incision is less concealed than periareolar but associated with less difficulty with breast feeding than the periareolar incision site.


	Home Find a Surgeon Breast Asymmetry Breast Lift Breast Reconstruction Breast Reduction Breast Revision Breast Implants Male Breast Reduction Male Pectoral Implants Compare Costs Breast Implant Types Contact Us Breast Implant Types Saline Breast Implants The three types of saline-filled breast implants are as follows: One type is a single lumen implant that is filled during the operation with a fixed volume of saline through a valve. There are no adjustments of the saline volume after the operation. A second type is a single lumen implant that is filled during the operation with saline through a valve. This type of implant allows for adjustments of the saline volume after the operation. A third type is a single lumen implant that is prefilled by the manufacturer with a fixed volume of saline. There are no valves for filling during the operation or for adjustments of the saline volume after the operation. Silicone Breast Implants The three types of silicone gel-filled breast implants are as follows: One type is a single lumen implant that is prefilled by the manufacturer with a fixed volume of silicone gel. A second type is a double lumen implant with (1) an inner lumen prefilled by the manufacturer with a fixed volume of silicone gel and (2) an outer lumen that is filled during the operation with a fixed volume of saline through a valve. A third type is a double lumen implant with (1) an outer lumen prefilled by the manufacturer with a fixed volume of silicone gel and (2) an inner lumen that is filled during the operation with saline through a valve. This type of implant allows for adjustments of the saline volume after the operation. Shape and Size - Depending on the desired shape and size you wish to achieve, you and your surgeon may choose a round or contoured implant shape of appropriate size (volume). You should be aware that contoured implants that are placed submuscular (under the pectoralis major muscle) may assume a round shape after implantation. Your surgeon will also evaluate your existing tissue to determine if you have enough to cover the breast implant. Implant Surface - Textured surface implants were designed to reduce the chance of capsular contracture. Some studies with small numbers of women suggest that surface texturing reduces the chance of severe capsular contracture. However, other studies of a large number of women with saline-filled implants show no difference in the likelihood of developing capsular contracture with textured implants when compared to smooth-surfaced implants. Implant Palpability/Visibility - The following may cause implants to be more palpable (more easily felt) or more visible: textured implants; larger implants; subglandular placement; and smaller amount of skin/tissue available to cover the implant. Augmentation Incision Sites – The three common incision sites are under the arm (transaxillary), around the nipple (periareolar), or within the breast fold (inframammary). The sketch below shows each of these incisions sites.65 Transaxillary – This incision is less concealed than periareolar but associated with less difficulty than the periareolar incision site when breast feeding. Periareolar – This incision is most concealed but is associated with a higher likelihood of inability to successfully breast feed, as compared to the other incision sites. Inframammary – This incision is less concealed than periareolar but associated with less difficulty with breast feeding than the periareolar incision site.
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