Feeling dissatisfied with your breast size or shape can impact how you see yourself and even how you move through daily life. Whether it’s due to aging, breastfeeding, or simply genetics, many women consider breast implants to restore balance and boost self-esteem. If you’re exploring augmentation in Kirkland, knowing the differences between implant types will help you get the results you want. In this guide, we’ll walk you through your options so you can choose what’s right for your body.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enlarges or reshapes the breasts by placing a soft, medical‑grade implant either behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle. An implant is a silicone shell filled with saline solution, silicone gel, or a highly cohesive “gummy bear” gel. Its sole job is to add predictable volume and shape while remaining biocompatible and safe inside the body. Modern implants are rigorously tested, approved by the U.S. FDA, and available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and firmness levels to match nearly any aesthetic goal.Why Options Matter: Personalizing Your Outcome
Every torso, ribcage width, and skin envelope is different. A 220 cc low-profile round implant can create a subtle lift in one patient but leave another wishing for more projection. Conversely, a 400 cc high-profile gummy bear implant may be perfect for a narrow frame, yet overwhelm someone with broad shoulders. Having multiple implant categories to choose from ensures the final look blends easily with your unique proportions and lifestyle.Implant Types (Start Here Before You Decide)
Choosing an implant isn’t about picking the biggest number on the chart. The implant should align with texture, fill material, and shape with your anatomy and daily activities. Below is an overview of the main categories that will be discussed during the consultation.Saline Implants
These are Silicone shells filled with sterile saltwater after placement. Why patients choose them:- A smaller incision is made, and the shell is inserted flat and then filled.
- Volume can be adjusted on the operating table for fine‑tuning symmetry.
- Any rupture is immediately obvious as saline is harmlessly absorbed, causing visible deflation.
Silicone Gel Implants
These are pre‑filled shells containing cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics natural breast tissue. Why patients choose them:- Softer feel and more realistic “give.”
- Lower chance of rippling in lean patients.
- Broadest range of sizes and profiles.
Structured Saline Implants
These are Multi‑chamber saline devices with internal baffles that control fluid movement. Why patients choose them:- Combines the safety of saline with a feel closer to silicone.
- Deflation remains immediately detectable.
- Slightly lighter than comparable silicone volumes.
Highly Cohesive (“Gummy Bear”) Implants
These are Firmer silicone gels that hold their shape even if the shell breaks. Available in both round and anatomical (teardrop) styles. Why patients choose them:- Superior upper‑pole stability, the implant won’t collapse when you lie down.
- Less concern about leakage because the gel remains intact.
- An excellent option for reconstructive cases or those requiring minimal natural tissue.
Round vs. Anatomical (Teardrop) Shapes: How Form Influences Final Aesthetics
Round implants add fullness from top to bottom, delivering the classic high‑profile look many patients expect. Teardrop models taper gradually, replicating the natural slope of an un-augmented breast, and are particularly popular among athletes or those seeking understated enhancement. Your chest width, skin elasticity, and existing tissue determine which design best harmonizes with your torso.Size & Profile: Going Beyond Cup Size to Find Your Proportionate Fit
“Cup size” varies wildly between bra brands, which is why surgeons use volume (cc) and profile instead.- Low-profile implants spread wider for subtle projection, making them great for broad chests.
- High‑profile versions project further, creating more forward fullness on narrower frames.
Placement Matters: Sub glandular, Submuscular & Dual‑Plane Compared
Where the implant actually sits is just as important as what it’s made of. Pocket placement affects scar position, recovery speed, and the natural movement of the breast during exercise or daily activities. Understanding the three main approaches below will help you balance aesthetics with comfort and long‑term support.- Subglandular (over‑muscle) placement offers shorter recovery and easier future adjustments, but thin patients may see more rippling.
- Submuscular (under‑muscle) placement provides extra soft‑tissue coverage, lowering visible edges and mammogram interference, but can temporarily limit upper‑body workouts.
- Dual‑plane techniques partially release the muscle to create a blended pocket, often delivering the most natural slope in lean builds.
Incision Location & Scarring: Weighing Visibility Against Recovery Ease
Where your surgeon makes the incision shapes both the final look of your scar and the ease of placing the implant. Choosing the entry point is therefore a balance between hiding marks and giving the doctor optimal control over your breast pocket. Below are the three most common routes you’ll review during consultation:- Inframammary (crease) incisions hide well in most bras and allow precise pocket control.
- Periareolar approaches use the color change at the nipple edge to disguise scars, ideal for small areolae but less suitable for those planning future breastfeeding.
- Transaxillary (armpit) routes keep the breast scar‑free, yet revisions typically require a new incision.
