Profile Makes the Difference Between Good and Great Breast Implants
Breast implants are a popular way for patients to get the enhancement they’re looking for, but when you’re spoiled for choice, you need an expert to help guide your decision-making process. Ensuring your perfect fit, feel and look is a multi-step process, and the key to natural-looking results lies in the balance.
Saline vs. Silicone
For Chicago plastic surgeon Michael Horn, MD, it’s the material composition of an implant that often starts the conversation.
“The choice between saline and silicone implants is one of the primary decisions,” Dr. Horn explains. “Silicone implants are popular for their natural feel and appearance, while saline implants provide flexibility in adjustments and a smaller incision during placement.”
Your surgeon should walk you through what happens in the event of a breast implant rupture, where the outer shell of an implant is pierced. In saline implants, a rupture causes a saline leak, which is naturally absorbed by the body, leaving a deflated implant. In silicone implants, a rupture may leak silicone gel, which, while it presents no danger, must be removed.
“Silicone breast implants may require more attentive monitoring,” Dr. Horn explains. “Though many modern implants use a ‘cohesive’ gel, which maintains its shape even if the outer shell is damaged. This type of implant is often referred to as a ‘gummy bear’ implant, highlighting its durability and ability to mimic natural breast tissue.”
The Importance of Implant Profile
Perhaps the most critical factor in achieving a natural-looking result is your implant profile.
“The term ‘implant profile’ refers to the projection of the implant from the chest wall,” Dr. Horn explains. “Profiles can range from low to high and determine how prominent the implants appear. Selecting the right profile depends on several factors, including the patient’s body type and aesthetic goals.”
Factors like anatomy, chest wall-width and the patient’s desired outcome all contribute to this choice. And modern technology allows patients to see exactly how their chosen profile will look.
“The most effective way to choose an implant profile is through computer imaging,” Dr. Horn says. “This process is incredibly visual—essentially, what you see on the screen is a reliable preview of what you’ll see after surgery. Patients can feel confident that the profile they prefer in the imaging will closely match their post-surgery results.”
What to Know Before Getting Implants
“Patients considering breast implants should take into account potential risks, recovery time, and the commitment to follow-up procedures,” Dr. Horn notes. “It’s crucial to have candid discussions with a qualified surgeon regarding expectations, and to consider both the physical and emotional impacts of the surgery.”
Choosing a breast implant should be a collaborative process between you and a qualified plastic surgeon. By understanding your body and lifestyle, medical professionals can help guide your choice towards the most natural-looking outcome.
“By addressing these factors, patients can achieve their desired aesthetic outcomes while ensuring their well-being throughout the process,” Dr. Horn says.
