What Breast Implant Options Are Available for Breast Augmentation?

Posted June 09, 2026 in Breast Implants

Breast augmentation requires careful planning and multiple choices. Patients play an active role in determining which type of breast implant they’d like for their surgery. Breast implants are used to increase breast size, restore breast shape, and improve overall breast enhancement. 

Patients have many options, and each implant style has its own benefits and unique characteristics. The right choice will depend on your unique anatomy, body goals, and desired results. 

Dr. Al Cohn is a board-certified plastic surgeon who personalizes breast augmentation to match each patient’s body proportions and deliver beautiful, natural-looking results. During your consultation, Dr. Cohn will discuss your surgery in detail so you can make a well-informed decision.

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Which Implant Option for Breast Augmentation Is Right for Me?

Patients can choose silicone or saline implants, and with each implant type, there are options for appearance, material, shape, and size. 

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are filled with soft, elastic silicone gel that imitates the feel of natural breast tissue. If you’re seeking a more natural feel to your implant that minimizes palpability and rippling considerations, then silicone implants may be a better option for you compared to saline implants. 

Some benefits of silicone implants include:

• Realistic/more natural appearance and feel
• Less prone to visible rippling
• Durable and sustains form-stable shape
• Ideal for patients who are thin and have minimal native breast tissue 

Additionally, silicone implants may require a slightly longer incision because the devices are pre-filled, and Dr. Cohn fits the pre-set volume into the breast pocket. 

Saline Implants

Saline implants have an outer silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater. Saline implants may feel slightly firmer compared to natural breast tissue. 

Some benefits of saline implants include:

• Shorter incisions since the silicone shell is inserted empty
• Usually less expensive than silicone implants
• Rupture easily detected if the implant is compromised (e.g., the implant “deflates”)
• Volume can be managed by the surgeon intra-operatively to adjust asymmetry between the breasts

Saline and silicone implants offer long-lasting results, with expectations being for patients to keep their implants for 10–15 years before any routine upkeep or maintenance is considered.

Structured Saline Implants

Structured saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and feature an inner structure that mimics the soft, elastic properties of silicone gel, providing a more natural feel.

Some benefits of structured silicone implants include:

• Combines a natural silicone-like feel with the safety of traditional saline implants
• Reduced chances of rippling
• Holds shaped better than traditional saline implants
• Doesn’t require MRIs 

Dr. Cohn will evaluate your anatomy and discuss which implant option is best for you. 

Breast Implant Texture

When weighing your options for breast augmentation, it’s important to consider which implant material you’d want. Dr. Cohn offers smooth and textured breast implants. 

Smooth breast implants are a slippery, polished outer shell. They have a soft shell that allows the implant to move naturally in the breast pocket. However, with smooth implants, their lack of friction can cause shifting or rotation over time, leading to visible rippling. 

Textured implants have an outer shell with a grain-like finish that helps keep the implant in place and reduces the risk of capsular contracture. This type of texture feels firmer and moves less naturally than smooth implants because it attaches to the surrounding tissue and has a thicker shell. 

Breast Implant Shape

Beyond the implant texture, they also come in different shapes and sizes. 

Round Implants

Round implants are a popular option that achieves a fuller, upper breast appearance and a noticeable cleavage. With this option, there is little concern with the implant rotating since the shape is the same all around. 

Teardrop Implants

Teardrop implants, also known as anatomical implants, are narrower at the top and gradually widen toward the bottom to achieve a natural breast slope, creating a fuller appearance at the lower pole. It requires textured implants and precise placement to prevent rotation.

Breast size is another layer of breast augmentation to consider, measured in cubic centimeters, and Dr. Cohn will help determine which size suits you by showing how different volumes will look on your frame.

Will I Ever Need to Replace My Implants for My Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast implants offer women long-lasting results, but if you do need replacement, it is likely due to one of the following reasons:

• Capsular contracture
• Implant rupture
• Change in aesthetics

Attending your follow-up appointments is essential for monitoring the integrity of your breast implants. It’s recommended to begin screening your silicone gel-filled implants with an MRI or ultrasound five years after the initial surgery, then two to three years after that.

Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation in Birmingham, AL

If you’re considering breast augmentation and want to know more about your breast implant options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cohn. He has specialized training, notable accomplishments, and provides a welcoming environment. 

Call (205) 590-9900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation in Birmingham, AL.