When people first consider breast implants, the question is usually, “How big do I want to go?” Size is important, but it isn’t the only decision that affects how your breasts will look and feel. The type of implant, how it’s placed, the way it sits on your chest, and your long-term plans all influence your outcome.
Poring over details such as saline vs. silicone, round vs. teardrop, submuscular vs. subglandular may seem technical, but you don’t need to be an expert to end up with breasts that look and feel right for you. That’s our job at OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare in San Diego, Temecula, and Encinitas.
David Chao, MD, and his team will break down your options, help you try them on with sizing and imaging, and deliver results that fit your body and your goals. This blog will walk you through the most important factors beyond size, so you know what to expect when you sit down with our surgeon.
Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater. They can be adjusted during surgery and, if they leak, your body absorbs the saline safely, and the breast deflates, which is easy to spot. However, they can feel a little firmer and sometimes ripple, especially in people with thinner breast tissue.
Silicone implants are filled with a gel that feels much closer to real breast tissue. They tend to look and feel more natural and are less likely to ripple. They tend to hold their shape even if the shell is damaged, which adds another layer of safety. The tradeoff is that leaks are harder to detect, so routine imaging is recommended.
Implants don’t just come in big and small. They also come in different shapes and profiles. Round implants add fullness throughout the breast, especially in the upper part, while teardrop-shaped implants mimic a more natural slope.
The profile describes how much the implant projects forward from your chest. A high-profile implant creates more projection, while a low-profile implant spreads the volume across a wider base.
Another decision is where the implant sits. Above-the-muscle placement (subglandular) can create a lifted look and often means a faster recovery. Below-the-muscle placement (submuscular) usually looks more natural in thinner people and lowers the risk of visible rippling.
In some cases, a dual-plane approach is used, where part of the implant sits under the muscle and part under breast tissue.
Implants can be placed through different incisions. The most common is in the crease under your breast, which offers the most control and usually heals discreetly. Other options include around the edge of the areola or through the armpit. Each method has pros and cons when it comes to healing, scar placement, and the types of implants it can accommodate.
Your daily life plays a role in implant decisions. If you’re very active (running, swimming, lifting weights), we’ll account for how the implant moves with your body. If you’re planning pregnancy or breastfeeding in the future, that will also be taken into consideration, since both can affect breast tissue and implant position.
Implants are long-lasting, but they don’t last forever. Many people enjoy their results for 10–15 years or more, but future revisions or replacements are common. Understanding this from the start helps you make choices that will age well with your body.
Whether you choose saline or silicone, round or teardrop, above or below the muscle, recovery follows a similar pattern. Most people go home the same day. Discomfort is normal for the first few days, and swelling gradually subsides over weeks. Many people return to light work within a week and resume more physical activities in about a month.
Follow-ups ensure everything is healing as it should. For silicone implants, periodic imaging is part of responsible long-term care. And even though implants last for years, regular check-ins keep your results looking their best.
Breast implants are about more than just size. The material, shape, profile, placement, and your lifestyle all affect the final result. These aren’t details you have to figure out on your own; they’re conversations you’ll have with Dr. Chao and his team.
If you’re considering implants, trust a team with the expertise and experience to get it right. Schedule a consultation with us at OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare today.
