Breast Implant Types - Breast Surgery

Deciding to enlarge your breasts is an exciting process. If you are interested in breast augmentation, our Los Angeles plastic surgery team would like to help you learn about the various types of breast implants available.

Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants

At Pasadena Cosmetic Surgery, we offer both saline and silicone breast implants. Saline implants consist of a sterile saline (saltwater) solution housed in a silicone rubber shell. They are approved by the FDA for use with women age 18 and older. Silicone breast implants are made up of a silicone shell filled with a cohesive silicone gel, a thick material that mimics the texture of human fat. They are approved by the FDA for use with women age 22 and older.

Both saline and silicone breast implants have unique advantages and drawbacks which will be discussed with you at your initial consultation. Generally speaking, silicone implants are less prone to rippling, are lighter, and feel more natural. Some patients prefer saline breast implants because they may be filled after insertion, leaving only a small scar. Both saline and silicone breast implants come in a variety of textures, sizes, and shapes. Dr. O’Toole will help you to choose the breast profile (height and width) that best suits your frame.

Dr. O’Toole usually recommends silicone breast implants and uses them in about 90% of breast augmentation procedures because he feels the results feel more natural than saline. We’ll give you the facts on each, but ultimately you must choose the option that you feel most comfortable with. Dr. O’Toole will also discuss the various breast implant placement and breast augmentation incision location options with you at this initial consultation.

Choosing Your Breast Implant

When deciding on the implant type that is best for you, Los Angeles breast surgeon Dr. Martin O’Toole and his team will take into consideration your frame size, skin elasticity, desired cup size, and other factors before making specific recommendations as to implant material, texture, and shape that will best achieve your goals. We are happy to answer all of your questions and provide you with specific details on what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

Watch a 3D animation of a breast augmentation procedure

Please contact Pasadena Cosmetic Surgery today to schedule your complimentary initial consultation. Dr. Martin O’Toole serves patients in the Los Angeles, Covina, Arcadia, and Hollywood, California areas.