Choosing breast implants is about more than just size. It’s about selecting the right option for your body, lifestyle, and long-term goals. From implant material to safety records, every decision plays a role in the final result and your long-term satisfaction.
At East Cooper Plastic Surgery, we’re proud to be a trusted provider of breast enhancement surgery near Charleston, SC, offering personalized care that blends surgical precision with natural-looking results. Whether you’re exploring your options for the first time or revisiting a previous procedure, we’re here to help you make informed decisions that support your confidence and well-being.
Let’s look at the five most important factors to consider when choosing the right breast implant for your body.
1. Understand the Material: Silicone vs. Saline
The two most common types of breast implants (saline and silicone gel) each offer unique advantages depending on your anatomy, goals, and personal preferences.
- Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater after being placed in the body. This allows for smaller incisions and minor volume adjustments during surgery. If a rupture occurs, the implant deflates visibly, and the body naturally absorbs the saline, making it easier to detect and manage.
- Silicone gel implants come pre-filled with a cohesive gel and are often preferred for their soft, natural feel, especially in patients with less natural breast tissue. They maintain shape well and tend to offer a more realistic appearance under the skin.
At East Cooper Plastic Surgery, we offer both options and take time during your consultation to explain how each implant type may perform based on your body, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. Your choice should feel informed and personalized, and we’re here to guide you through every step.
2. Know How Each Type Responds to Rupture
While both saline and silicone implants are FDA-approved and considered safe, they respond differently in the rare event of a rupture, and it’s important to understand what that means for your long-term care.
- Saline implant ruptures are usually easy to detect. The implant will deflate quickly, and the sterile saltwater is safely absorbed by your body. This visible change often allows for prompt replacement without the need for additional imaging.
- Silicone gel ruptures are often called “silent ruptures” because the cohesive gel tends to remain contained within the capsule, and you may not notice any change in shape or feel. In these cases, regular imaging such as an MRI or ultrasound may be recommended to monitor implant integrity.
At East Cooper Plastic Surgery, your safety and peace of mind come first. If you have concerns about rupture risks or long-term monitoring, we’ll walk you through all available options and help you choose the implant that best supports your health history, lifestyle, and comfort level.
3. Compare Incision Options and Scar Considerations
Your implant type can influence the size and location of the incision used during surgery.
- Saline implants can be inserted empty, allowing for a smaller incision—often through the armpit (transaxillary), under the breast fold (inframammary), or around the areola (periareolar).
- Silicone implants are pre-filled, so they typically require a slightly larger incision, most commonly placed under the breast fold or around the areola for optimal precision.
At East Cooper Plastic Surgery, our surgeons use meticulous techniques and incision placements designed to minimize visible scarring. Over time, most scars fade significantly. During your visit, we’ll guide you through which placement will offer the best outcome based on your anatomy and goals.
4. Consider Safety and Long-Term FDA Approval
Both saline and silicone gel implants are FDA-approved and have undergone extensive testing for safety and effectiveness. Still, choosing a reputable implant brand and a skilled surgeon is essential for reducing risks and achieving long-term satisfaction.
At East Cooper Plastic Surgery, we use only FDA-approved implants from trusted manufacturers. Our board-certified surgeons, including Dr. James Craigie, Dr. Richard Kline, and Dr. Robert Allen, have decades of experience in breast augmentation, revision surgery, and implant removal. We’ll help you navigate safety data, explain your options clearly, and provide recommendations based on your health, age, and future plans.
5. Think About Who Prefers What & Why
Every patient is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. However, trends can offer helpful insight into what might work for you.
- Women with less natural breast tissue often choose silicone implants for their realistic texture and shape.
- Patients who prefer a saline option for peace of mind and easy rupture detection may gravitate toward saline.
- Those seeking smaller incisions or minor adjustments during surgery may benefit from the flexibility of saline implants.
- Women who previously had implants and are considering replacement or implant removal with a lift often work with us to revisit implant type or explore lift-only solutions.
During your consultation, we’ll take the time to understand your lifestyle, body type, and expectations, then recommend an approach that aligns with your vision for your results.
How East Cooper Plastic Surgery Can Help
Whether you’re considering breast enhancement surgery near you for the first time or looking for a trusted opinion from an experienced breast plastic surgeon near Charleston, East Cooper Plastic Surgery is here to support you.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Decades of experience in breast surgery, including augmentation, lift, implant removal, and reconstruction
- A focus on natural-looking results tailored to your unique anatomy and goals
- Board-certified breast augmentation surgeons near you, recognized for their skill and compassion
- Clear communication and education throughout your journey. No pressure, just honest guidance
From the moment you walk into our Mount Pleasant office, you’ll receive care that’s personal, thoughtful, and rooted in long-term safety and satisfaction.
Explore Breast Implants with East Cooper Plastic Surgery
Choosing the right breast implants involves careful thought and expert guidance. Our team is here to help you understand every option so you can feel confident and informed.
Schedule a consultation with East Cooper Plastic Surgery today to learn more about breast enhancement surgery near Charleston, SC. Call us at (843) 849-8418 or request your appointment online. We look forward to helping you feel at home in your body, on your terms.
