Breast Implant Types, Profiles, and Safety Explained

Breast augmentation is highly customizable—and that begins with understanding implant fill. The two FDA-approved categories are saline and silicone, both with a silicone outer shell. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water after placement and can be adjusted slightly for symmetry.

They tend to feel firmer and may show rippling in thinner patients, but deflation is obvious if a leak occurs. Silicone gel implants more closely mimic natural tissue; they come pre-filled and are prized for a softer, more lifelike feel. Because silicone leaks can be “silent,” periodic imaging may be recommended. Age indications differ: saline implants are approved for augmentation at 18+, while silicone implants are approved for augmentation at 22+.

For a concise overview from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), visit ASPS: Types of implants, and for a practical comparison article, see ASPS: Silicone or saline?. Structured saline and “gummy bear” (form-stable cohesive silicone) implants expand your options. Structured saline aims to reduce the water-balloon feel using internal baffles.

Form‑stable silicone maintains shape even if the shell breaks, often producing a consistent, gently sloped upper pole. Your choice should align with your anatomy, skin thickness, athletic lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. During consult, your surgeon will review how existing breast tissue, chest wall shape, and skin quality influence which fill provides the most natural look and feel for you. You can also explore our doctor-led breast augmentation approach here: Leva Medical Breast Augmentation.

Beyond fill, the implant’s profile (how far it projects from the chest) and surface (smooth vs textured) shape your final silhouette. Profiles typically range from low to extra-high. Lower profiles are wider with gentle projection; higher profiles are narrower with more forward projection—helpful for patients seeking upper‑pole fullness without overly large base width.

Matching profile to chest width prevents implants from looking too far apart or overly prominent. Your surgeon may use 3D imaging or sizers to demonstrate how different profiles translate on your frame. Surface texture once aimed to reduce movement and capsular contracture, but certain textured devices have been associated with a rare cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA‑ALCL). Smooth‑surface implants remain widely used. For authoritative safety context, review the FDA’s consumer update: FDA: What to know and the CDRH safety commitment: FDA: CDRH statement.

These resources summarize known risks, including BIA‑ALCL and very rare reports of other lymphomas or SCC in the capsule. Sizing is collaborative. Cup size is not a universal measure; surgeons plan by volume (cc), base width, and soft‑tissue characteristics. Try-on sizers, before‑and‑after galleries of patients with your proportions, and clear discussion of lifestyle (fitness, wardrobe) all inform the decision. Profiles and volumes can be mixed to address asymmetries. The right plan feels like an extension of your body—not an overlay.

Every implant has benefits and trade‑offs, and informed consent should feel thorough, transparent, and unrushed. Core considerations include longevity (implants are not lifetime devices), potential need for future surgeries (lift, exchange), and routine follow‑up. Many patients never experience complications, but being proactive helps.

The FDA highlights key points to discuss and provides a patient decision checklist; see FDA: Things to consider and current MDR summaries on BIA‑ALCL: FDA: BIA‑ALCL reports. Your surgeon will also outline appropriate imaging schedules for silicone devices. At Leva Medical, we emphasize safety, natural-looking proportions, and bilingual, family‑run care.

We listen first and create plans that match your anatomy and goals. If you’re early in your research, start with ASPS’s primer on implant choices: ASPS: Types of implants. When you’re ready to talk through options hands‑on, explore our approach and schedule a consultation: Leva Medical Breast Augmentation.