March 19, 2026 | Breast Augmentation
4 minute read
For women who are unhappy with their breast size, breast augmentation can give them the curves they’ve always wanted. The decision to undergo augmentation mammaplasty is just the first of a series of choices you will need to make as you and your surgeon create a customized plan that meets your needs and goals. This blog covers the different types of breast augmentation to help you determine what’s right for you.
Types of Breast Implants
Today, patients have many options in the implants they use, from the implant material to a range of sizes and shapes:
Breast Implant Material
Silicone implants are the most affordable type and feature a silicone shell that’s filled with a sterile saline solution once the shell is placed into the breast tissue. These implants offer the greatest size customization using smaller incisions. However, a leak or rupture in the implant will be quickly noticeable on the breast surface.
Silicone implants also feature prefilled silicone shells filled with silicone gel. Many patients think they look and feel more like natural breast tissue, but they may require longer incisions for placement. Highly cohesive “gummy bear” implants also fall into the silicone category.
Breast Implant Shape
Silicone and saline implants are usually round, providing ample upper-pole fullness for women who want more cleavage. Gummy bear implants are usually teardrop-shaped, producing a gentle, natural slope on the upper breast. However, these implants offer more limited cleavage definition.
Breast Implant Size and Profile
Implants come in a wide range of sizes and profiles. A high profile produces more projection, while a lower profile gives a more natural appearance. Your surgeon will help you choose a size and profile that best suits your existing breast size and body frame.
Breast Augmentation Alternatives for Incision Placement
Depending on the type and size of implant you select, you may also have choices in your incision placement. Incision options might include:
Peri-Areolar Incision
This incision encircles the areola, the pigmented area surrounding the nipple. This placement allows for a saline or smaller silicone implant and for a bit of a lift to the breasts. Peri-areolar scars tend to blend into the pigmentation, making them nearly unnoticeable.
Inframammary Incision
This common implant incision involves a horizontal incision across the crease below the breast. It allows for the placement of larger silicone implants and for additional lifting of the breasts. This incision is longer, but usually hidden in the natural breast creases.
Transaxillary Incision
The transaxillary incision is placed in the armpit, eliminating visible scarring on the outside of the breast. This technique uses a camera and special tools to place the implant into the breast tissue. The transaxillary incision is the least versatile for the types of implants it can accommodate.
Types of Breast Augmentation Techniques
Your implant placement depends on your anatomy and lifestyle. Placement options include:
Subglandular Implant Placement
This technique places the implant in the breast tissue above your chest muscles. The placement offers a faster, more comfortable recovery and may create more upper pole fullness and cleavage. This placement is not usually recommended for patients with little natural breast tissue, since the existing tissue may not adequately cover the implants.
Submuscular Implant Placement
Submuscular placement puts a portion of the implant behind the chest muscles, creating a more natural upper pole slope. This type of placement offers a more natural appearance, but the recovery period is typically longer and more uncomfortable. The placement can also cause animation deformity during weight training or other strenuous exercises.
Ready to Learn More About Breast Augmentation Types in Orange County?
Breast augmentation is a customizable cosmetic surgery that offers natural results tailored to each patient’s unique body frame and goals. Our experienced surgeons at UCI Plastic Surgery offer numerous breast augmentation options to ensure patients are delighted with their results. To learn more about your options for breast augmentation in Orange County, call our offices at (714) 456-3077 (Orange), (949) 999-2411 (Costa Mesa), or (714) 456-3077 (Tustin), or complete the online contact form to schedule your appointment.