Breast Implant Types Explained: Gel, Shape, Profile and Placement

Choosing a breast implant involves more than a size in cc. The fill, the shape, how far it projects and where it is placed all change how the result looks and feels. This guide explains the terms you will hear at consultation.

Fill: silicone gel

Most implants used for cosmetic augmentation today are filled with silicone gel. Cohesive gel is formulated to hold together as one mass, which helps the implant keep its shape and means the gel is less likely to move if the shell is damaged. Saline implants exist but are less commonly chosen for cosmetic work.

Shape: round or anatomical

Round implants give fullness in the upper part of the breast. Anatomical, or teardrop, implants are fuller at the bottom and aim to imitate a natural slope. Which looks better depends on the starting breast and the result the patient wants.

Profile

Profile describes how far the implant projects forward for a given base width. Two implants of the same volume can look very different: a higher profile projects more, a lower profile spreads wider. The base width is usually chosen to fit the chest, and the profile then sets the projection.

Placement

• Under the muscle: more tissue covers the upper edge of the implant, which can soften its outline in slim patients.
• Over the muscle: may suit patients with adequate natural tissue and avoids muscle movement affecting the implant.
• Dual plane: a combination used by many surgeons to balance both effects.

Adding fat

Some plans combine an implant with fat grafting to refine cleavage and soften the transition around the implant. This is called hybrid augmentation.

Questions to ask

• Which implant brand and type do you use, and what documentation will I receive?
• Why this profile and placement for my body?
• What follow-up is recommended over the long term?