Silicone Breast Implants
In modern day breast enlargement surgery in the UK, several main types of synthetic breast implants used. These are saline, polyurethane and silicone breast implants. Silicone elastomer and silicone gels are used to make silicone implants. Today, surgeons in the UK favour the use of the silicone implant although polyurethane are bcoming more popular. Silicone is soft and pliable which gives the implant a natural look and feel and it is also durable and extremely tough, making it resistant to tear or rupture.Saline Breast Implants
In breast enlargement surgery in the UK, three main types of synthetic implants used. These are saline, polyurethane and silicone breast implants. Saline implants consist of a silicone elastomer bag filled with sterile saline solution. Saline implants can be pre-filled or inflated during surgery. The size can also be adjusted quite easily after surgery without having to have them replaced. This is done by removing or topping up saline through a valve. They have a long lifetime, from 10 to 14 years.Polyurethane Breast Implants
All synthetic implants used in modern breast enlargement surgery have a silicone elastomer shell. Silicone implants have a silicone elastomer shell but they are filled with cohesive silicone gel. This is extremely tough and durable. Polyurethane breast implants are very similar to silicone implants except that an outer surface coating of polyurethane foam is secured to the elastomer shell with a silicone adhesive. The polyurethane foam coating is around 1mm thick. They first became available in the 1970's.Breast Implant Shape, Texture and Profile
In addition to the silicone or saline options, shape, texture and profile also need to be considered. Breast implants are either round or teardrop (anatomical) in shape. Their surface is either textured or smooth. The thickness to diameter ratio (or implant profile) can be either high, moderate or low. High profile implants will project out more from a side-on view than low profile.Breast Size: Before and After
Don't know what breast implant size to go for? We will explain the simple rice test which you can do at home in 15 minutes to give you a feel for new breast sizes for you to try out. Also, around 70% to 85% of UK women wear an incorrect bra size! You could be one of them. Tips to ensure that you are wearing the right size bra also the right type of bra which is ever so important for your breast implants in those early stages of post-op recovery.