Choosing the Right Type of Breast Augmentation
Asking which type of breast implant to get is a good question, and an important one. There's no single "best" implant. There's only the best choice for your body, your goals, and the kind of result you want to live with for a long time. Here's how I walk patients through that decision at my Minneapolis practice.
Start With Your Goals
First, Let's Talk About What You're Hoping For
Before we ever discuss implant types, I want to understand the look you're after.
Most of the women I see aren't looking to be dramatically larger. They want to feel balanced and proportionate, to fill out clothing the way they used to, restore what changed after pregnancy or weight loss, or simply feel more like themselves. That "natural, like-it's-always-been-there" breast augmentation result is what I aim for, and it shapes which option I recommend.
We start with your goals. From there, the choice between silicone, saline, and fat transfer becomes a lot clearer.
Your Three Options
Comparing Silicone, Saline, and Fat Transfer
Silicone Implants
A Natural Feel
- Feel the most like natural breast tissue, thanks to the soft cohesive gel.
- Tend to look smooth and natural, especially for women with less of their own tissue.
- A strong fit for slender patients, where saline can be more likely to ripple.
Silicone needs a slightly longer incision, and like any implant, it isn't meant to last forever. I walk every patient through long-term care so there are no surprises.
Saline Implants
Trusted & Adjustable
- Filled after placement, so I can fine-tune volume and symmetry during surgery.
- Can often go in through a smaller incision.
- If one ever ruptures, you'll know right away, and the saline is safely absorbed.
The trade-off is feel. Saline is a bit firmer than silicone and can ripple in very thin patients. For the right patient, it's safe, reliable, and time-tested.
Fat Transfer
Using Your Own Tissue
- Adds modest volume with no implant at all.
- Uses liposuction to move your own fat from an area like the abdomen or thighs.
- A nice fit when you want a subtle increase and a little contouring elsewhere.
It won't achieve the same difference an implant can, and some fat is naturally reabsorbed. But for "just a little more, and all me," it can be exactly right.
Making the Choice Together
How I Actually Help You Decide
Once we've talked through your goals, the decision usually comes down to a few honest questions I'll ask you:
- How much of a size change are you looking for? Larger goals point toward implants; subtle ones may be a great fit for fat transfer.
- How important is a natural feel to you? If that's the priority, silicone often leads the conversation.
- What does your own tissue give us to work with? Your frame and existing tissue genuinely affect what will look best.
- How do you feel about having an implant at all? Some patients have a strong preference, and that matters.
There are no wrong answers here. My job is to give you straight, experienced guidance, and then help you choose the path you feel confident about.
Bonnie's Story
Hear About a Patient's Experience
Bonnie has been a patient of mine for several years. After multiple procedures, she says her clothes fit better and she feels more confident. She has referred three close family members to the practice.
Safety & Timing
A Note on Screening
Because your health comes first, I ask patients 35 and older to have a mammogram before surgery, and patients over 40 may need additional screening. It's a simple step that lets us move forward with peace of mind.
I'm also happy to combine breast augmentation with procedures like a breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction when it makes sense. Many of my mommy makeover patients do exactly that.
Let's Talk About What's Right for You
You don't have to figure this out on your own. Choosing between silicone, saline, and fat transfer is something we'll do together, with your goals leading the way.