Types of Implants Available

The first step is to decide what implant type you want, and will be best for you and your body.

The two main types available are:

Silicone (Cohesive Gel) Implants

You may be aware that there was a time when silicone implants had a poor reputation because of safety concerns. Well, times have changed, and silicone is back as a safe, FDA-approved breast augmentation option.

The breakthrough in breast augmentation in Toronto comes in the form of cohesive gel implants. Unlike older silicone implants that could leak if ruptured or torn, cohesive gel implants do exactly what their name suggests—they stay together. If you cut a cohesive gel implant in half and turn it on its side, you’ll see the gel doesn’t move. It remains solid and even slightly sticky. For this reason, they’ve become known as the preferred choice for safety and natural feel. For this reason, they’ve become known as “gummy bear implants.”

Saline Implants

While they are filled with sterile salt water, saline implants contain a silicone outer shell. Some are available pre-filled, while others come empty, and are filled with salt water after they’ve been inserted into the breasts. Saline implants have a few advantages over silicone.

If unfilled implants are used, the incisions necessary to insert them into the breasts can be much smaller. This usually means less discomfort, faster healing, and less scarring. In addition, if a saline implant ruptures or breaks inside the body, any saline that may leak out is simply absorbed by the body with little chance of detrimental side effects. Saline implants are also FDA approved.

Many plastic surgeons, including the ones here at TCC, prefer the silicone cohesive gel breast implant. In fact, more women prefer silicone implants as well. This is because the cohesive gel more closely mimics the look and feel of natural breast tissue.

Implant Profile

The profile of a breast implant refers to its width, and its projection, which is how far out it protrudes from the body, most noticeable when the breasts are viewed from the side. The current width of your breasts is an important factor in helping your surgeon decide which implant profile will best suit you, from moderate, to moderate plus, to high profile.

Implant Shape

Two implant shapes are available for breast augmentation—round or teardrop, sometimes also referred to as the anatomical shape.

Round implants are the traditional and most popular shape used today, likely because they’re uniform in volume. Teardrop implants are usually preferred by patients who want a more natural look closest to their own anatomy.

Implant Placement

Breast augmentation is performed using one of two implant placement methods—subglandular, or submuscular.

Subglandular, sometimes also called “over the muscle” placement means the implant is placed under the breast tissue, but on top of the pectoralis muscle. The implant is put in essentially the same area where natural breast tissue resides. For this reason, it offers a more natural look than the submuscular method.

Submuscular placement means, of course, that the implant is placed under the pectoralis muscle. This is often the best choice for women undergoing breast reconstruction, or who have smaller natural breasts, meaning there’s little breast tissue in which to place the implant.

Incisions and Scar Minimization

Scarring is a result of any kind of surgery that requires cutting the skin. Certain types of breast augmentation incisions can help to minimize scarring.

Periareolar Incision

This incision is made along the edge of the areola, where there is darker skin around the nipple, thereby keeping the incision—and later, the scar—less visible. In our experience, this incision heals beautifully with the least long-term visibility.

Inframammary Incision

Also known as the “breast fold” incision, this is the most common of incision type for breast augmentation. It’s made where the bottom of the breast meets the rib cage. The scar can only be seen when the breast is lifted.

Transaxillary Incision

This incision is made along the inside of the armpit, along the outer edge of the breast. The scar can only be seen when the arm is lifted.

Transumbilical Incision

Transumbilical breast augmentation, also known as TUBA, is the newest incision method when using unfilled saline implants. Here, the incision is made in the navel, allowing the unfilled implants to be inserted and placed before being filled. Scarring is minimal.

For those seeking the best breast augmentation Toronto offers, our clinic prioritizes advanced surgical techniques to minimize scarring and also offers scar removal products and procedures.

Implant Size

Implants are not measured in bra sizes. Instead, implant sizes are categorized according to how much liquid or gel they contain, and this is measured in cubic centiliters (cc). In Canada, implant sizes range from 200cc to 800cc.

Your surgeon will help you translate those measurements into the more familiar cup sizes. For example, if you want to go from an A cup to a C cup, your doctor will be able to gauge the implant size you need. You’ll also be able to try on implants of different sizes to get an idea of how they look and feel.