Breast implants can serve one or a number of purposes: breast cancer victims can use breast implants for reconstructive purposes after mastectomy, women with asymmetrical breasts may use a single breast implant to balance the difference in size. Following pregnancy, many women decide on for breast implant surgery to correct lessening in breast size as a result of fluctuating hormones. And finely an overwhelming majority of breast implant candidates are simply interested in creating a more flattering contour.

No matter the intended outcome, breast implant candidates should learn as much as possible about the surgery, different types of breast implant materials and various surgical techniques. Bear in mind that the outcome of your breast implant surgery may not match your expectations. While they can change the contours of your body, breast implants are not a magical solution, so having realistic expectations for the surgery is crucial.

Breast implant candidates have a number of choices and decisions to make concerning the surgery: the breast implant size, shape, material, the types of incisions used and location in which the breast implants will be inserted. Due to health concerns associated with silicone, most candidates must use breast implants filled with saline. (Under certain specific conditions, candidates may be appropriate for silicone gel breast implants, for instance, if they are willing to participate in a scientific study.) Most breast implants consist of a silicone shell filled with saline.

Different shapes of breast implants are classified as round or anatomical (teardrop). A round shape provokes the breast implant to create a fuller upper breast, while women who choose the breast implants that are teardrop-shaped find that they create a more natural contour. Specialists often recommend breast implant shapes based upon body type: thinner women are frequently advised to choose the teardrop breast implants to create a more delicate profile.

The surface of the shell used in the breast implant can be either smooth or textured. Some patients have a preference to the natural feel of smooth breast implants, and assert that they are less inclined to ripple noticeably. In their turn adherents of the textured breast implant say that there is lower risk of capsular contracture with a textured surface.

Throughout the breast implant surgery, the plastic surgeon will use an incision or series of incisions to insert the breast implant. Both patient and doctor will decide during pre-surgery consultation whether to place the breast implant above or below the muscle tissue, and what kind of incisions to use. Recent advances in breast implant surgery allow plastic surgeons to insert breast implants using smaller incisions that are hidden in skin creases. The most popular incision locations are under the arms and in the belly button. Breast implants are usually inserted through the small incision and filled to the desired volume as the breast implant has been properly positioned. In some cases, the volume of the breast implant can be adjusted after surgery using a specific model, called an adjustable-fill breast implant.

There are a number of alternatives in any surgery, and the decision to have breast implant surgery or not occupies many choices on the part of the patient. Even as a great deal of breast implant information is available, there is no replacement for discussing your opportunities relating to breast implants with a board-certified plastic surgeon. A qualified plastic surgeon who has experience with breast implant surgery can answer any specific questions you might have, and tell you if breast implants are a practical option for you.