Breast implants have gone through decades of refinement since their introduction in the early 1960s. Over the past 65 years, advancements in design, durability, and manufacturing methods have created more reliable options for patients. Today’s implants are made to offer better structure, more predictable outcomes, and longer-lasting results.
One of the most significant changes has been in the materials used to make breast implants. Improvements in silicone gel, cohesive gel types, and outer shell technology have helped reduce complications and improve performance. At Burt & Will Plastic Surgery and Dermatology in Burr Ridge, IL, we use these advancements to offer breast implant options that reflect current standards in safety and design.
The Basic Components of Breast Implants
Breast Implant Shell
The outer shell of a breast implant is made from a durable silicone material. This shell is designed to hold the fill material in place while maintaining the shape of the implant. Some shells have a smooth surface, while others are textured to help reduce the risk of shifting or movement within the breast pocket.
Breast Implant Fill Material
The interior of a breast implant is filled with either saline or silicone gel, and both materials offer different benefits during a breast enhancement procedure. Recent advancements have led to more stable gel formulations that hold their shape better, even if the outer shell is damaged. The choice of fill material affects not only the appearance but also the longevity and maintenance of the implant.
The Earliest Innovations in Breast Implant Materials
About 60 years ago, the first breast implants were made with a basic silicone rubber shell filled with thick silicone gel. These early models were prone to complications such as leakage, rupture, and capsular contracture. The gel used at the time was less cohesive and more likely to migrate if the shell failed. There were limited options in shape, size, and texture. Despite these challenges, the introduction of silicone breast implants marked a major shift in cosmetic surgery. These early designs created the foundation for the continuous improvements that followed.
Silicone and Saline: The Foundation of Modern Implants
Saline breast implants gained popularity in the 1990s, partly due to concerns about earlier silicone models. These implants are filled with sterile salt water after being placed, allowing for smaller incisions and easier adjustments. Although they tend to feel firmer than silicone, they remain a reliable option with a long track record.
Gummy bear implants, or form-stable silicone implants, are a more recent development that further improves durability and shape retention. Their thicker gel helps the implant maintain its contour, and they are a good option for patients seeking long-term results with a low risk of wrinkling or rippling. These advances in both saline and silicone materials have helped create more predictable and lasting results in breast surgery.
Exploring Alternative Materials and Methods
Structured Saline Implants
Structured saline implants were developed to offer a firmer, more natural feel than traditional saline while avoiding the drawbacks of older designs. These implants use a series of nested shells or internal chambers to control the movement of the saline solution, reducing sloshing and improving shape stability. Patients undergoing cosmetic breast surgery may choose this option if they prefer saline over silicone but still want a more natural appearance and feel. In the event of rupture, the saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body, and deflation is noticeable, allowing for easier detection.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Fat transfer breast augmentation uses your own fat to increase breast volume rather than using an implant. Fat is harvested through liposuction, purified, and then injected into the breasts in small, precise amounts to shape and enhance. This method has been around even longer than implants and may be used on its own or to improve contour around existing implants. While the results are more subtle than implants, this approach can be ideal for patients seeking a modest increase in size with the added benefit of body contouring.
How Material Science Has Enhanced Safety and Aesthetics
Reduced Rippling and Folding
Newer breast implants are designed with firmer, more cohesive gels that help them maintain their shape under pressure. These advancements reduce the likelihood of visible rippling or folding, which can sometimes occur with thinner implants or when placed under thinner tissue. Implant placement techniques and improved fill materials both contribute to a smoother appearance.
Improved Biocompatibility
Shell surfaces and filler materials have been refined to reduce irritation and improve the body’s acceptance of the implant. Modern breast implants are less likely to trigger inflammatory responses or lead to capsular contracture. Recovery is more predictable, and the need for early replacement or revision is reduced.
Advances in Consistency and Response to Movement
Form-stable gels and internal structuring allow implants to hold their shape while still moving naturally with the body. The way modern breast implants respond to changes in position or muscle movement has improved both appearance and comfort.
How Implant Material and Placement Work Together
The decision of which material to use is made alongside other decisions, such as the placement of the implants. Submuscular placement is when the implant is placed under the muscle. This option is suitable for patients who have less natural breast tissue, are concerned about rippling, or want more natural-looking breast implants. The implants can also be placed over the muscle with a subglandular technique. This option may be chosen for athletes or those with more breast tissue. In dual plane breast augmentation, the implant is partially placed under the muscle to balance coverage and movement.
Augmentation and Breast Implant Incision Types
Material type can influence the choice of breast implant incision types, since some implants require larger openings for insertion. Silicone implants are pre-filled and may need longer incisions compared to saline, which can be filled after placement. Textured implants or those with specific shapes might also require adjustments to incision location or length. Incisions are typically placed in the breast fold, but are sometimes placed around the areola or in the armpit.
The Role of 3D Imaging and Customization in Implant Selection
The Mentor 3D Augmented Reality Simulator App allows you to preview different implant sizes and shapes on your own body using your mobile device. This tool can help you better understand how factors like volume and projection may look before committing to breast enlargement.
Take the Next Step With a Breast Augmentation Consultation
Advancements in implant materials have improved the safety, feel, and appearance of modern breast augmentation results. Patients now have more control over shape, size, and implant behavior, which allows for more predictable outcomes. To learn more about your options at Burt & Will Plastic Surgery and Dermatology in Burr Ridge, IL, call (815) 267-0231 or contact us using the online form.