If you’re a woman thinking about getting breast implants to improve your appearance, boost your self-esteem, look better in your clothes, or all the above, there are some things you need to know. The best way to learn more is by meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon, but here’s what to know about breast implants in the meantime.

Breast Implants Currently Available in the U.S.

You should know saline and silicone breast implants are the most popular breast implant options available. According to the National Center for Health Research, around 300,000 women received implants filled with saline or silicone in 2019. Here’s what to know about these two types of breast implant.

Saline Breast Implants

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has long since approved saline breast implants for breast augmentation procedures in women 18 years old or older. They have also long since approved them for use in breast reconstruction and revision surgeries, irrespective of age. Saline breast implants have a silicone outer shell that can be pre-filled with saline solution or filled with the solution during the breast implant procedure. Breast implants can provide most women with fuller and better-looking breasts.

Silicone Breast Implants

Like saline breast implants, silicone breast implants, too, have an outer silicone shell, but instead of saline solution, they contain silicone gel. This gel, along with the outer silicone shell, enables women to achieve fuller and more symmetrical-looking breasts. Silicone breasts implants are FDA-approved for any woman needing them for reconstructive or revision surgery and to facilitate a breast augmentation procedure in women 22 years old and older. It is worth noting that gummy bear breast implants also fall under the umbrella of silicone breast implants. And for some women, they represent a much better and safer alternative to traditional silicone breast implants.

Schedule a Consultation

Whether you choose saline or silicone breast implants, you’ll still have to pick the right size and decide whether they want smooth or textured implants. And all of this, even for those who have done their homework, can be daunting. For help deciding which breast implant is best for you, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Wendell Perry today. You can contact us by calling or filling out our online form to get started.