As one of the most customizable cosmetic procedures available, breast augmentation involves many decisions, from implant size and implant type to whether a different or complementary procedure may help you achieve your goals. In this post, we’ll review several considerations you should make as you and your surgeon plan your breast augmentation.
Breast Implant Size
Breast implants come in a variety of sizes, and choosing the right implant size involves more than selecting a desired cup size. Your surgeon will consider factors such as your:
- Chest width
- Existing breast tissue
- Body frame
- Aesthetic goals
The goal is to select implants that create balanced, proportional results that complement your natural anatomy.
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Breast Implant Type
There are 2 main types of breast implants: saline and silicone.
- Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution. They typically use a smaller incision than for silicone implants.
- Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel and feel closest to human fat. Many patients choose this type of implant for its natural appearance and feel.
Both implant types can produce beautiful results, and neither is universally better than the other. The right choice depends on factors such as your anatomy, aesthetic goals, and personal preferences. During your consultation, your surgeon can explain the benefits and tradeoffs of each option and help you determine which implant best aligns with your desired outcome. Learn more about achieving natural-looking breast augmentation results in our related blog post.
As you consider your options, another consideration is rupture detection. Saline implant ruptures are readily apparent because the breast typically loses volume as the body safely absorbs the saline solution. Silicone implant ruptures are often less noticeable, as the gel may remain within the implant shell or surrounding scar tissue. Your surgeon can discuss the recommended monitoring guidelines for silicone implants.
Incision Location
Our plastic surgeons typically offer 2 breast augmentation incision types: inframammary and periareolar.
- The inframammary incision is located in the natural crease under the breast and is often used with silicone implants.
- The periareolar incision is made near the lower half of the areola to help conceal the resulting scar.
The best incision location depends on factors such as your anatomy, implant type, and surgical goals. During your consultation, your surgeon will explain the advantages and limitations of each approach and recommend the option that best supports your desired outcome.
Recovery Expectations
Before undergoing breast augmentation, it’s important to understand the recovery process. Most patients can return to nonstrenuous work within about a week, but exercise and other activities may be restricted for several weeks.
Your surgeon will provide detailed recovery instructions and help you understand what to expect based on your treatment plan and lifestyle.
Do I Need a Breast Lift?
If your primary concern is loss of volume combined with breast sagging, implants alone may not provide the result you’re hoping for. While breast implants restore fullness, a breast lift repositions the breasts and nipples to a more youthful position.
During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy and aesthetic goals to determine whether breast augmentation alone or a breast lift with implants is the best approach for achieving your desired outcome.
Take the Next Step
As with any type of surgical procedure, a consultation is required to determine which breast implants and incision location are best for you. If you are interested in breast augmentation at our Ann Arbor practice, contact us today at (734) 712-2323 or use our online form to request a consultation.
This blog post was originally published in January 2017 and updated in June 2026.
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