Why are there so many different kinds of breast implants?

Prior to the attorney-manufactured breast implant scare in 1991, there were at least seven breast implant companies in the United States. Only two, Mentor and Allergan, survived the controversy and continue to produce breast implants in this country. They battle each other back and forth trying to gain a higher share of the breast implant marketplace. This battle is being fought not only in the advertising market but also in their research and development departments where each strives to create the perfect breast implant.

As breast augmentation has become more popular, different shaped implants have been created to satisfy the desire of every patient. More breast projection without excessive size around is being accomplished by the “midrange” or “moderate projection” style of implant. These allow for a significant increase in cup size without extending the implant off of the chest which can happen with a large “low profile” implant or use of overly round “high profile” implants.

Shaped implants became popular around the turn of the century but their popularity has fallen off since then. The idea of shaped implants was to create an implant which is the shape of a nice sized natural breast. These implants are generally taller than they are wide, are all textured on their surface, and are more expensive than standard smooth round implants. They tend to have a higher rupture rate, are easier to feel under the skin, and usually leave a wider space between the breasts. Why pay more for less?

Texturing of breast implants had been done to reduce the risk of capsular contracture, but are more expensive, are easier to feel, and have a higher rupture rate. Silicone implants feel more natural, particularly in patients with very small breasts to begin with, but are more expensive and have a higher risk of capsular contracture.

The two-implant manufacturers mirror each other in their products, promotions and warranties. Each makes a wide variety of breast implants so that every patient can get the size, shape, and style that they are looking for.

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