"What Type of Breast Implant Should I Get?" — One of the Most Common Questions We Hear in Therapy

Whether you’re recovering from breast surgery or preparing for an upcoming cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, one of the most common questions we hear in therapy sessions is:

👉 “What kind of breast implant should I get?”

It’s a smart question — and not just for cosmetic reasons.
The type of implant you choose can impact:

• How your body heals

• How your shoulder and chest move

• The long-term feel and comfort of the implant

• And your risk for complications like capsular contracture or even frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

There’s a lot of noise online — and even in some consultations — so this blog breaks it all down in a simple, balanced way:

✅ Silicone vs. saline
✅ Pros and cons of each
✅ Long-term outcomes and shelf life
✅ Risks like capsular contracture and shoulder stiffness
✅ And how to make an informed choice based on your body and lifestyle

🧪 Silicone vs. Saline: What’s the Real Difference?

🔹 Silicone Implants

Filled with cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue.

✅ Pros:

• Soft, natural texture

• Less visible rippling

• “Gummy bear” versions hold their shape well

🚫 Cons:

• Silent rupture — harder to detect

• Requires MRI or ultrasound to monitor

• Higher cost

• Could have a higher risk of capsular contracture

📅 Shelf Life: Typically 10–20 years
🔍 Monitoring: MRI or high-resolution ultrasound every 5–6 years

🔹 Saline Implants

Filled with sterile salt water after insertion, giving a slightly firmer feel.

✅ Pros:

• Rupture is obvious — breast deflates

• No imaging required for rupture detection

• Smaller incision during surgery

• Lower cost

🚫 Cons:

• Firmer, less natural feel

• Higher chance of rippling or visible folds

• Less popular in thin or post-reconstruction patients

📅 Shelf Life: Usually 10–15 years
🔍 Monitoring: No imaging needed

📐 Shape and Surface Options: Round vs. Teardrop, Smooth vs. Textured

🔸 Shape

• Round implants: Provide upper pole fullness, rotate without changing shape

• Teardrop (anatomical): More natural slope, but there is a risk asymmetry if rotation occurs

🔸 Texture

• Smooth implants: Move more naturally, but may shift over time

• Textured implants: Designed to stay in place, but linked to a rare cancer (BIA-ALCL)

⚠️ Note: Due to BIA-ALCL risk, textured implants are now used less frequently and are under stricter regulation.

⚠️ Common Long-Term Considerations & Complications

1. Capsular Contracture

• Occurs when the scar tissue capsule around the implant tightens and hardens

• Can cause discomfort, distortion, and visible changes

• More common with:

  • Silicone implants

  • Above-muscle placement (subglandular)

  • Infection, trauma, or hematoma post-op

2. Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

• Not caused by the implant itself, but can happen after breast surgery, especially when:

  • Implants are placed under the muscle

  • Shoulder and chest mobility are restricted during recovery

  • Patients avoid arm movement due to pain or fear

Early movement, proper post-op rehab, and guided stretching greatly reduce this risk.
This is one of the reasons we focus on rehab care after implant surgery — not just aesthetics.

⏳ How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Despite what you might hear, breast implants are not lifetime devices.

• Most implants need to be replaced after 10–20 years

• Some people experience no issues for decades, others need early revision

• Regular follow-up with your surgeon is crucial, even if you feel fine

📊 Quick Comparison Chart

Type✅ Pros🚫 ConsIdeal ForSiliconeNatural feel, less ripplingSilent rupture, needs imagingMost cosmetic & reconstruction patientsSalineEasy rupture detection, smaller incisionFirmer feel, more ripplingYounger patients or those cautious about siliconeRoundSafe to rotate, fuller top shapeMay look less naturalCosmetic enhancementTeardropNatural slope, better for asymmetryMay rotate, textured surface riskPost-reconstructionSmoothMoves naturally, lower cancer riskMay shift or rotateMost general useTexturedStays in place betterBIA-ALCL riskUsed less frequently now

🙋‍♀️ So, What Type of Implant Should You Get?

Here’s the truth:
There’s no “best” implant — only what’s best for your body, goals, and recovery.

What we help clients understand in therapy is that your decision should be based on:

• Your anatomy and lifestyle

• Your comfort with long-term monitoring

• Whether the surgery is cosmetic or reconstructive

• Your risk factors (e.g., past radiation, autoimmune conditions)

• And how committed you are to post-op care and rehab

Your surgeon will help guide this decision — but we’re here to support what comes next:
Proper healing, mobility, scar management, and comfort.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Breast implants are only part of the journey.
Your recovery, comfort, and confidence depend just as much on the aftercare — including:

• Lymphatic therapy

• Range-of-motion work

• Scar mobilization

• And guidance to help prevent complications like frozen shoulder

💬 Ready to Support Your Post-Implant Recovery?

Whether you’ve already had your surgery or are planning ahead, we offer:

• Post-op rehab for mobility and swelling

• Lymphatic care to support healing

• Scar tissue therapy

• Education to help you feel confident in your recovery

📞 Book a session
💬 Ask us your questions
🧍‍♀️ Your implants are just the beginning — let’s help your body feel strong, supported, and at ease for years to come.