Breast Implants

Breast implants  are essential to  breast  augmentation , and can be incorporated into a  breast lift  or  breast reconstruction . During a consultation, Dr. Nordberg will take note of your goals and assess your frame and other factors to recommend the right implant for you.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons assures patients that breast implants are  one of the most widely studied medical devices in the history of medical devices . Your safety is paramount during the procedure, and we perform all surgeries in our fully accredited ambulatory surgical facility which is certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities.

Types of Breast Implants

One of the first decisions you will be asked to consider  when undergoing a  breast augmentation  is which type of breast implant you would like to receive. Each primary type of implant offers unique attributes:

• Silicone implants are filled with a thick silicone gel that feels very similar to natural breast tissue. They are approved for patients age 22 and older. 
• Saline implants are  filled with a sterile saltwater solution. Depending on the size required, Dr. Nordberg can insert pre-filled saline implants, or fill them once inserted. Saline implants are approved for patients age 18 and older. In the event of a rupture, the solution is safely absorbed by the body. Saline implants are generally a more cost-effective option than silicone implants.
• Natrelle INSPIRA ®implants are a  form-stable cohesive gel option. Because of their texture, they are sometimes called “gummy bear implants."Patients 22 and over can be candidates for this type of implant. Patients who are undergoing a  breast reconstruction  or who do not have sufficient breast tissue can also benefit from this type of implant.

Dr. Nordberg  provides several options when it comes to the shape and texture of your breast implant, and he has been named one of Connecticut 's Top Doctors.

Choosing Your Implant Shape

There are several considerations to take into account when deciding which shape and texture of implant to receive during your breast augmentation. During your first consultation, Dr. Nordberg  will assess: 

• Your body type  
• Existing  quantity of breast tissue  
• Desired method of placement
• Incision site and size  

These factors will help determine which type of implant and shape will best help you achieve your desired results. After choosing between silicone vs. saline implants, Dr. Nordberg will review shape and texture with you to find an implant that is right for you. 

Round vs. Teardrop-Shaped  

Round implants are the  most common of the implant shapes . Shaped like compressed spheres, they offer patients dramatic benefits that are completely customizable to their desired results. When choosing a round implant, you can also choose different levels of projection, lift, cleavage, and fullness to determine how dramatically you want to enhance the breast. Round implants are a great solution for patients who already have significant breast tissue but want to increase the shape, projection, and size of their breasts.

Teardrop-shaped implants are designed to  closely  mirror the natural contours and profile of a breast, narrowing gradually at the top. They are a popular option for patients whose natural breasts are smaller or  breast reconstruction  patients who need to add shape to their chest. Teardrop-shaped implants are also a slightly more expensive implant option because of their carefully designed aesthetics. They can protrude further  from your chest without looking overly round, and they are a great option for patients who want a dramatic profile without adding too much volume to their breasts. For patients who choose shaped implants, Dr. Nordberg  proudly offers an FDA-approved, highly cohesive silicone gel implant called the  Natrelle ®implant . This implant is anatomically shaped like a natural breast and textured to provide highly aesthetic results. 

Choosing an implant that is proportionate with your body is important to achieving natural-looking results.

Smooth vs. Textured

Although a textured implant is designed to closely mirror the feel of a natural breast and stay in position, it is also has a  higher risk of rippling and leakage . Additionally, textured implants do not last as long as smooth implants. However, textured implants may have a  reduced risk of capsular contracture  because the textured surface makes it more difficult for capsular fibers to organize.

Implant Size

Choosing an implant that is proportionate with your body is important to achieving natural-looking results. Patients who are smaller in stature and frame will typically need a smaller breast implant than someone who is taller with a larger frame. If you engage in  high-impact  physical activity, consider how a larger breast size may affect your overall comfort level.

Subglandular vs. Submuscular Placement  

Subglandular implants are placed between the pectoral muscle and the breast tissue. Submuscular implants are placed under the pectoral muscle and are a popular option for women who want a more subtle, natural-looking enhancement. A breast implant over the muscle is generally considered less invasive and can help you experience less discomfort during your recovery, while an implant under the muscle requires a longer  breast surgery  and recovery. 

Considering Feel after Surgery

Silicone breast implants are widely considered  to feel more natural than saline implants. The silicone gel feels more natural  because the cohesive  gel is specially made  to closely mirror the feel of your surrounding breast tissue. However, patients who want  saline implants can choose to have them less filled during surgery to give them less firmness.

With  subglandular  implants, you will most likely be able to feel the implant under the skin and  may even be able to feel rippling . When placed under the  muscle, implants receive  natural-feeling tissue coverage; therefore, patients who want a softer, more natural feel should consider implants under the muscle. 

Matching Type and Placement to Your Frame

If you have a thin frame, silicone implants may provide the most natural-looking results. If you have an aversion to silicone, you may consider saline implants, although both silicone and saline have been  approved as safe for use in breast augmentations . Furthermore, if you have ample breast tissue, saline implants can also provide a realistic enhancement.

Athletic women or women with muscular builds often prefer subglandular implants because they do not look abnormal when the pectoral muscles are flexed. Women with smaller breasts or petite women may choose submuscular placement because it allows them to subtly enhance their breast size if they do not have a lot of their own breast tissue to disguise the implant. Placing an implant under the muscle allows  Dr. Nordberg  to  shape the upper part of the breast and help reduce the visibility of the implant. The surest way to determine the right implants for your procedure is to meet with a trusted surgeon.

Saline implants are more prone to rippling than silicone implants, but this effect can be reduced if you are undergoing a  submuscular placement. Implants placed under the pectoral muscle are covered by breast tissue and muscle, reducing the appearance and feel of rippling. If you choose a subglandular placement, Dr. Nordberg may recommend silicone implants to reduce the risk of rippling. For patients who are concerned about incisions and scarring, the incisions used for saline implants are usually smaller than those used for silicone. 

Dr. Nordberg employs safety first when helping patients achieve their desired results, and will provide thorough information on each procedure to help you choose which placement protocol is right for you.

Potential Complications

If a saline implant ruptures after placement, the saline will be absorbed and passed through the body through natural processes and the complication will be easy to identify. However, silicone implant ruptures are harder to detect and require a longer revisional surgery.

Subglandular implants are at greater risk of capsular contraction  than submuscular implants because they do not get constant stimulation from the muscle.