Breast augmentation is an effective way to significantly enhance the size and shape of your breasts. By placing breast implants, patients improve body contours, achieve their dream chest, and boost self-confidence and femininity. However, as you explore breast augmentation, it can be daunting to determine which implant type is best for you. There are many different types of breast implants available, and knowing which is best for your unique goals often leads to optimal outcomes.
Dr. George Lefkovits is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who leads Park Plaza Plastic Surgery with several dedicated years of experience. He has earned a reputation as one of NYC’s leading plastic surgeons because of the safety, satisfaction, and attention he provides his patients.
If you are exploring breast augmentation and want to learn more about breast implants, we invite you to schedule a consultation online. If you have any questions, please call our office at (212) 750-9494 or email [email protected]
Contents
The Different Types of Breast Implants
The breast implants you select will directly influence the resulting size, volume, shape, appearance, and feeling of your augmented breasts. As you plan your procedure, it is important to have an idea of the final appearance you desire. With this information, Dr. Lefkovits can guide you to the implants that achieve your goals yet still look natural and harmonious. (1)
In general, breast implants fall into two categories:
Saline Implants
Saline implants have a silicone outer shell that is filled with a sterile saltwater solution. Typically, they can be placed through a smaller incision, and they can be filled once in the chest or placed pre-filled. Saline implants may feel firmer or less natural than silicone and real tissue. However, if they are placed below the muscle, they may have a satisfactory feel. In the event of a rupture, saline implants will quickly and noticeably deflate, and the body can safely absorb the harmless salt water.
Silicone Implants
Silicone breast implants encapsulate a cohesive, natural-feeling silicone gel filling in a silicone shell. These implants offer a softer consistency that mimics the natural feel and density of breast tissue. Silicone implants are available in round or teardrop (anatomical) shapes. Round implants have even fullness across the entire breast. They are often the preferred choice for significant cleavage, and there is no risk of implant rotation. (2) Teardrop/anatomical implants concentrate fullness at the bottom, with the intent of mimicking the natural slope of the breasts. Nevertheless, in studies comparing the results following round versus teardrop shapes, no noticeable difference can be noted. Therefore, most plastic surgeons use round implants because if the implant rotates, even slightly, there is no noticeable distortion. With teardrop implants, there can be a real malposition of the implant. However, ruptures are not as easily detectable with silicone implants, so Dr. Lefkovits recommends regularly checking them with imaging.
How to Select the Right Implant Type
As you plan your breast augmentation, Dr. Lefkovits recommends evaluating these factors alongside your natural anatomy and personal aesthetic goals:
Filling Material
Saline and silicone implants have trade-offs in feel. Saline implants are ideal if you want a uniform, firm feel and want a smaller incision. Silicone gel closely mimics the consistency of natural breast tissue, holds its shape well, and is less prone to rippling over time. You can also choose a “gummy bear” silicone implant. These have a thicker and highly cohesive silicone gel that keeps its shape even if the outer shell ruptures.
Implant Shape
Saline implants are generally only available as round implants. If you want a more natural breast appearance, a teardrop-shaped silicone implant may be more beneficial. However, round silicone implants are also available. You should consider where you want the most fullness in your breasts; if you want enhanced cleavage and even fullness on the top and bottom, round may be better. If you want a sloped, curved breast shape, teardrop/anatomical may be your choice. However, teardrop implants may distort breast shape if they rotate. Round implants do not have this risk.
Implant Profile (Projection)
Implant profile refers to how the implant projects from the chest. Low profile implants offer a wider base and narrower front. These are often ideal for patients with wider chests. High and ultra-high profiles have a narrower base with significant outward projection. These offer the most forward volume, typically benefitting patients with narrower frames. Moderate profile implants sit between these two extremes, offering a soft, flattering projection that will benefit most body types.
Size
Implants are available in a vast range of sizes, which is measured by volume with cubic centimeters (cc’s). Average implant volume ranges between 150cc to 800cc, though there are a handful of options both smaller and larger than this spectrum. More volume means larger breasts, so you should consider the size you wish to achieve. During your consultation, you will have an opportunity to try on implant sizers. These will help you visualize the final look of different implant volumes.
Benefits
Selecting the right pair of implants with the recommendations of an expert surgeon enhances procedure outcomes. By matching implant type, shape, and profile to your body proportions and aesthetic goals, you gain benefits such as:
- Natural look and feel
- Proportional harmony
- Customized projection
- Desired shape and fullness
- Long-term comfort
- Increased confidence
Personal Consultation
During your personal consultation, Dr. Lefkovits will review your medical history, discuss your breast augmentation goals, and examine your breasts and upper body. With this information, he will share implant recommendations. You will have the opportunity to try on different implants with sizers, allowing you to gauge size, profile, and shape more clearly. Dr. Lefkovits’ goal throughout the consultation is to help you visualize your ideal results and select implants that will create your dream breasts. With this finalized, Dr. Lefkovits will create your treatment plan, explain the breast augmentation procedure in detail, outline your recovery, and answer any remaining questions you may have. If you are ready to explore your breast implant options, contact us online or call our office at (212) 750-9494.
Preparing For Your Consultation
To make your breast augmentation consultation as effective as possible, Dr. Lefkovits recommends that you:
- Bring an updated medical record history
- Collect reference photos of breasts you like (specific size, fullness, shape, hang, and more)
- Compile a list of medications and vitamins you are currently taking
- Bring record of past mammograms or breast biopsies (if applicable)
- Wear a comfortable and easily removable top to your consultation
- Bring a few different tops to see volumes and shapes in a range of garments
Results
Your breasts will appear fuller, more shapely, and more flattering immediately after your procedure, but swelling may initially obscure your true results. As swelling dissipates and you progress through your recovery, your breasts will settle and fall into their natural position. When this occurs, your final results will begin to appear.
Patients report significantly enhanced confidence and self-esteem after breast augmentation, (3) and results are long-lasting. Although breast implants are not lifetime devices, many can remain in place longer than a decade before revision or removal becomes necessary.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in NYC, New York
The total cost of your breast augmentation will depend on several factors, including the price of the implants you select, surgical and anesthesia fees, and more. After finalizing your treatment plan, Dr. Lefkovits will provide a comprehensive price quote. Park Plaza Plastic Surgery is also partnered with multiple reputable financing companies to help make your goals more accessible. To learn more about the cost of your breast augmentation, contact us online or call our office at (212) 750-9494.
FAQ
How will I know which breast implant type is right for me?
Dr. Lefkovits recommends looking at photos of breasts to gain a reference of ideal size and shape. After this, you can evaluate factors such as filling, volume, shape, and more alongside your personal goals, your body proportions, and more. This information, paired with Dr. Lefkovits’ expert recommendation, will help you select the right pair of implants for your case.
How many implant types are there?
Implants fall into two main categories: saline and silicone, referring to their filler medium. Silicone implants have a subtype called “gummy bear” implants. Implants also differentiate in their shape, volume, and profile.
What is the difference between silicone and saline implants?
Both a saline and silicone implant feature a silicone shell, but saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater, while silicone implants contain a cohesive medical-grade gel.
How much does breast augmentation cost?
The total cost of your breast augmentation will vary depending on size, shape, filling, and profile of the implants you select, surgical fees, anesthesia costs, and other factors. Dr. Lefkovits will provide a price quote during your consultation.
How long do the results of breast augmentation last?
The results of breast augmentation are long-lasting. Most modern implants can safely remain in the body for more than ten years. However, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding, natural tissue aging, and other factors can alter breast appearance over time.
References
- Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. 2021. Accessed August 26, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
- Gampper TJ, Khoury H, Gottlieb W, Morgan RF. Silicone gel implants in breast augmentation and reconstruction. Annals of plastic surgery. 2007;59(5):581-590. doi:10.1097/01.sap.0000258970.31562.5d
- Nichter LS, Hardesty RA, Zimmerman TJ. IDEAL IMPLANT ® Structured Breast Implants: Core Study Results through 10 Years. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Published online February 27, 2023. doi:10.1097/prs.0000000000010312
