Choosing the best type of breast implants for your breast augmentation depends on your body proportions, breast anatomy, and desired look; there are many options to choose from, including fill material, size, profile, and brand. Round silicone gel implants are the most popular in the U.S. because of their natural feel and long-standing safety profile.
This post explains your options so you can better understand what may be right for you.
Saline vs. Silicone Implants
Breast implants can be filled with silicone gel or saline. Both types have a strong, stretchy, outer shell made of silicone. Silicone gel implants are chosen by an overwhelming majority of patients at The Center for Cosmetic Surgery. But the choice is entirely the patient’s.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone implants are FDA-approved for breast enhancement patients who are at least 22 years old (any age for breast reconstruction). These implants come pre-filled to a wide range of volumes with a semi-solid gel that does not leak if the shell breaks. At the time of surgery, they are simply removed from their sterile packaging, irrigated with a solution, and inserted into the breast, sometimes with an insertion device or funnel.
Gel implants have three main advantages over saline implants:
- Softer, more natural feel
- Less rippling or wrinkling
- Lower risk of rupture
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are rolled up, inserted into the breast through a tiny incision, and filled with sterile salt water to the desired volume. Although silicone implants are the predominant implant of choice for our Denver patients, saline implants remain a reasonable option. If the shell of a saline implant ruptures, the water is absorbed by the body and the breast deflates. Although saline implants tend to feel slightly firmer and rippling may be more noticeable, they cost less than their silicone counterpart and can be a good choice for women with thicker breast tissue coverage.
Implant Profiles
An implant’s profile, which generally ranges from low to high, specifies how far it projects relative to the diameter of its base.
- Low profile implants look flatter (project less) and have a wider base.
- High profile implants project farther and have a narrower base.
Ideally, the implant’s base should match the natural width of the breast. So a smaller size increase will require a lower profile and a larger increase requires a higher profile to keep the implant base the same width as the breast.
Which Breast Implant Brands Are Used Today?
Several trusted manufacturers produce FDA-approved breast implants in the U.S., including Natrelle, Mentor, and Sientra. All offer a wide range of sizes and profiles.
What About Motiva Implants?
Motiva implants are one of the newest silicone breast implant options available in the U.S., following FDA approval in 2024. Used widely internationally, they are gaining attention for their advanced design and natural feel.
At The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Andrew Wolfe served as a clinical investigator in the development and study of Motiva implants, offering patients access to a surgeon with direct experience in this newer technology.
While availability is still expanding, Motiva implants represent an additional option alongside established implant brands.
Which Breast Implants Look Most Natural?
Natural-looking results come from a combination of implant selection and surgical technique.
In general:
- Silicone implants tend to feel more natural.
- Moderate profiles often create balanced results.
- Implant size is most natural when it’s proportional with the rest of the body.
- Proper placement is critical.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast enhancement surgery is the easiest way to attain the natural look you want.
Take the Next Step
At The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, implant selection is personalized, with access to both established options and newer technologies like Motiva implants. Your surgeon will guide you toward the approach that delivers balanced, natural-looking results. If you’re interested in breast augmentation with implants in the Denver area, request a consultation or call us at (303) 278-2600.
Leave a Reply