Breast implant types: silicone, saline and gummy bear

Round or teardrop, under the muscle or over it, smooth or textured — every choice affects the final result. What should the surgeon decide together with the patient?

The choice of breast implant affects both the aesthetic result and long-term comfort. Alongside your own research, a physical examination by the surgeon is essential — the size, shape and position of the implant must be chosen to suit the patient's anatomy.

1. Silicone or saline implant

Silicone (cohesive gel) **Structure:** A silicone shell filled with cohesive silicone gel.

Advantages: - A more natural feel (soft, like real silicone) - If it ruptures, the gel stays in place - A better aesthetic result (minimal rippling) - A lifespan of 15-25 years

Disadvantages: - More expensive - An MRI is required to detect a rupture (every 3 years) - Requires a larger incision

Saline (salt water) **Structure:** A silicone shell plus a sterile saline solution.

Advantages: - Cheaper (30-40% less than silicone) - A rupture is visible immediately (the breast flattens) - Can be placed through a small incision - The volume is adjusted during the operation

Disadvantages: - A "water balloon" feel (especially in patients with thin skin) - Rippling is visible - The upper pole does not look natural

2. Shape: round or teardrop (anatomical)

Round **Appearance:** Like a ball — equally full at the top and the bottom.

Advantages: - A full upper pole (attractive cleavage) - Lower cost - Rotation of the implant does not affect the result

Who is it for? - Those who want a push-up effect - Those with little natural tissue - Those who want a full look in the cleavage area

Teardrop (anatomical) **Appearance:** Fuller at the bottom than at the top — it imitates the natural shape of the breast.

Advantages: - A very natural look - "A teardrop shape even when standing" — better without clothing - Less of a lift effect

Disadvantages: - More expensive (5-15% more than silicone) - There is a risk of rotation (a textured implant is used) - Less full cleavage

3. Position: under or over the muscle

Under the muscle (submuscular) Placed **beneath** the pectoralis major muscle.

Advantages: - The edge of the implant is not visible (rippling is covered) - Mammography is easier - Lower risk of capsular contracture - Keeps a natural look for longer

Disadvantages: - More pain during recovery - "Animation deformity" — in athletic patients the implant moves when the muscle contracts - Recovery takes 1-2 weeks longer

Over the muscle (subglandular) Placed under the breast gland but over the muscle.

Advantages: - Faster recovery - No animation deformity - The breast looks "bigger"

Disadvantages: - Rippling is visible (especially with thin skin) - Higher risk of capsular contracture - Mammography is harder

4. Surface: smooth or textured

Smooth **Advantages:** - A more natural feel (it moves) - No risk of BIA-ALCL (a rare lymphoma) - 10-15% more expensive

Textured **Advantages:** - Holds its position (used with anatomical implants) - Lower risk of capsular contracture

Disadvantages: - Linked to BIA-ALCL (an FDA warning) - No longer permitted in some countries

Brands and prices (Baku, 2026)

Surgical fee: 3,000-5,000 AZN (depending on the surgeon)

Tests at the consultation

1. VECTRA 3D — a body model on which you can "try on" different sizes 2. Sizers — trying real implants inside a bra 3. Asymmetry measurement — in 80% of women 1 breast is larger than the other 4. Pinch test — skin thickness (affects the decision on subglandular placement) 5. Activity test — an athletic or active lifestyle (subpectoral placement is needed)

Lifespan

• **10-15 years** — the warranty on most implants
• **20+ years** — silicone implants without problems
• **A second operation** is needed if there is: a rupture, capsular contracture, or a change of size

Recommendations

1. Consult 2-3 different surgeons — surgeons who have genuinely been vetted 2. Choose the surgeon, not the brand — the surgeon's experience matters more 3. Do not choose too large — a result 1-2 sizes smaller looks more natural 4. A long-term plan — a revision is likely after 10-15 years