At The Plastic Surgery Center in Maryland, we specialize in breast implants, so we’re used to getting a lot of questions about the different types of implants available. While the type of implant you decide to go with will ultimately depend on your personal goals for your plastic surgery, it’s great to educate yourself on all of your options so you know which questions to ask during your consultation with a plastic surgeon.
One question that we get asked all the time is “what’s the difference between smooth and textured breast implants?” When it comes to breast implants, they are generally categorized by a type of filling and a type of outer shell.
While people are usually pretty familiar with the fillings—saline and silicone—people are usually less familiar with the outer shells—smooth and textured.
Breast implants with a smooth outer shell offer many benefits. First, the smooth shell is thinner than the textured shell, so it feels softer and more natural. In addition, the smooth implants move around more during activity—mimicking the movement of a natural breast.
Smooth implants are also often referred to as smooth, round implants because implants with smooth outer shells have to be round (versus tear-drop shape implants).
Most women opt for smooth, round implants, but which type of implant is right for you will depend on the desired outcomes of your breast augmentation and where the implants will be placed.
For example, women with smaller breasts often opt for the smooth breast implants because the implant is placed on top of the chest muscle and the textured surface would be more noticeable.
Texture implants have a thicker shell that feels a bit like sandpaper. When filled, these implants end up having a firmer feel than smooth implants due to the thicker shell.
Textured implants have a tear-drop shape as opposed to a round shape. The reason that tear-drop shape implants need to have a textured shell is because this helps it stick to your breast tissue—preventing implant rotation. With a round shape, implant rotation doesn’t matter since it looks the same from every angle.
In Baltimore and throughout Maryland, The Plastic Surgery Center has a reputation for helping women aesthetically enhance the shape and size of their breasts. Our doctors bring a unique combination of experience, surgical skill, and personal attention to every procedure. For natural-looking breast implants, women in the Maryland area can rely on Dr. Rosenberg and The Plastic Surgery Center.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and make sure to check out our before and after pictures of actual patients!