Types of Breast Implants Explained: Silicone, Saline, and Shape Options

By Dr. Tina Jenq | Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon | Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, Happy Valley, Oregon

When patients come to me for a breast augmentation consultation, one of the first things I hear is: “I had no idea there were so many different types of breast implants to choose from.”

They are right — and the variety of options is actually a good thing, because it means we can tailor your implant selection very specifically to your body, your goals, and your lifestyle. However, all of those choices can also feel overwhelming without a clear explanation of what each option means and why it matters.

So in this guide, I am going to walk you through every major implant decision you will face — silicone versus saline, round versus teardrop, smooth versus textured, and implant profile options. Furthermore, I will explain exactly how I help patients work through these decisions at Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic so that the choice feels clear and confident rather than confusing.

If you want a broader overview of the breast augmentation procedure itself before reading this guide, visit our breast augmentation page. This article focuses entirely on implant types and how to choose the right one.

The Two Main Types of Breast Implants: Silicone vs Saline

The first and most fundamental decision is the fill material — silicone gel or saline (sterile saltwater). Both are FDA-approved, both have strong safety records, and both are excellent choices for the right patient. However, they feel different, behave differently, and suit different body types and goals.

Silicone Implants — The Most Commonly Chosen Option

Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. As a result, they are the most popular choice among my patients in Portland — and among breast augmentation patients nationally. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, silicone implants account for the majority of breast augmentation procedures performed each year.

Why patients choose silicone:

• More natural look and feel — particularly for patients with less natural breast tissue to cover the implant
• Lower risk of visible rippling or wrinkling through the skin
• Available in a wider range of profiles, shapes, and sizes
• Softer, more natural movement with the body

What patients need to know about silicone:

• Silicone implant ruptures are silent — unlike saline, a deflated silicone implant does not change shape visibly, so regular MRI screening every few years is recommended to detect rupture
• Silicone implants are FDA-approved for patients 22 years and older for cosmetic augmentation
• The average cost of silicone implants is higher than saline — typically adding $1,000 to $1,500 to the overall procedure cost

At OCRC, I use only smooth-shell silicone implants — never textured. I will explain why in the texture section below.

Saline Implants — A Solid Alternative

Saline implants have a silicone outer shell filled with sterile saltwater. They are inserted empty and filled to the desired volume during surgery — which means a slightly smaller incision is needed to place them.

Why patients choose saline:

• Lower cost — saline implants are less expensive than silicone, which reduces the overall procedure cost
• Rupture is immediately detectable — the implant visibly deflates when saline leaks, making monitoring straightforward
• FDA-approved for patients 18 years and older for cosmetic augmentation
• The saline fill is harmlessly absorbed by the body if a rupture occurs

What patients need to know about saline:

• Saline implants may feel less natural than silicone — particularly for patients with thin skin or minimal natural breast tissue
• Higher risk of visible rippling or wrinkling, especially in the cleavage area and lower breast
• For patients with adequate natural breast tissue, saline can produce excellent, natural-feeling results

Which Type Is Right for You?

My recommendation depends on your individual anatomy. Consequently, I do not make a blanket recommendation for one type over the other without examining each patient in person. However, as a general guide:

• Patients with limited natural breast tissue or thin skin typically achieve more natural results with silicone
• Patients with adequate natural breast tissue to cover the implant can achieve excellent results with either type
• Budget is a legitimate consideration — saline implants meaningfully reduce total procedure cost and remain an excellent clinical choice for the right patient

Round vs Teardrop (Anatomical) Implants — Shape Options

Beyond fill material, implants also come in different shapes — most commonly round or teardrop (also called anatomical). This is one of the most frequently misunderstood decisions in breast augmentation.

Round Implants

Round implants are symmetrical — they look the same from every angle. Therefore, if a round implant rotates inside the pocket, it does not change the appearance of the breast. This is a meaningful advantage in terms of long-term predictability.

Round implants also provide more upper pole fullness — meaning more projection in the upper portion of the breast — which many patients specifically desire for a more augmented, lifted appearance. Furthermore, round implants are available in a wider variety of profiles and sizes.

The majority of my patients at OCRC choose round implants, and the results are consistently natural and beautiful when the correct size and profile are selected for each individual’s anatomy.

Teardrop (Anatomical) Implants

Teardrop implants are shaped to mimic the natural slope of the breast — fuller at the bottom and tapered toward the top. In theory, this mimics the natural breast shape more closely. However, there are important practical considerations:

• Teardrop implants must be textured to prevent rotation inside the pocket — and textured implants carry an associated risk of a rare condition called BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma)
• If a teardrop implant rotates, the breast shape becomes visibly distorted — requiring corrective surgery
• The aesthetic difference between a well-selected round implant and a teardrop implant is often minimal in practice

At OCRC, I do not use textured implants — and therefore I do not offer teardrop implants. I have found that selecting the correct profile and size of a smooth round implant produces a natural, beautiful result without the added risks that come with textured shells. I always explain this reasoning clearly to patients during consultation so they understand my recommendation.

Smooth vs Textured Implants — Surface Options

Breast implants come with either a smooth outer shell or a textured outer shell. This distinction is important — and at OCRC, my position is clear.

Smooth Implants

Smooth implants move freely within the breast pocket, which contributes to a more natural feel and movement. Moreover, smooth implants have a well-established long-term safety record. At OCRC, I use only smooth implants for all breast augmentation procedures.

Textured Implants

Textured implants were developed to reduce capsular contracture rates and to hold anatomical (teardrop) implants in place. However, research has established a link between textured implants and BIA-ALCL — a rare but serious lymphoma. The FDA has issued advisories regarding this risk, and several manufacturers have voluntarily recalled certain textured products.

Consequently, I do not use textured implants at OCRC. The risk-benefit profile does not support their use when smooth implants produce excellent results with a better long-term safety record.

Implant Profile Options — Low, Moderate, High, and Extra High

Profile is one of the most technically important implant decisions — and one that patients are often least familiar with before their consultation. Profile refers to how much an implant projects forward from the chest wall relative to its base width.

Understanding Profile

Two implants can have the same volume (same cc number) but completely different profiles — and therefore look very different on the same patient. A high-profile implant is narrower at the base and projects further forward. A low-profile implant is wider at the base and projects less. Therefore, profile selection must be matched to the width of your chest and your desired aesthetic outcome.

Low Profile

Low-profile implants have a wider base diameter and less forward projection. They are most appropriate for patients with a wider chest who want a subtle, natural-looking enhancement rather than significant projection. Furthermore, low-profile implants tend to produce the most understated result.

Moderate Profile

Moderate profile is the most versatile option and works well for a wide range of body types and goals. It provides meaningful projection without the more dramatic appearance of high-profile options. Many of my patients with average chest width achieve their ideal result with moderate-profile implants.

High Profile

High-profile implants have a narrower base and significantly more forward projection. They are particularly well-suited for patients with a narrower chest who want more projection — because a wider implant would extend beyond the natural breast footprint. Moreover, patients who specifically want more upper pole fullness and a more augmented appearance often prefer high-profile options.

Extra High Profile

Extra high-profile implants provide maximum projection with the narrowest base. They are typically chosen by patients who want a very full, projected result — or by patients with a very narrow chest where other profiles would not fit properly.

How I Select Profile for Each Patient

Profile selection is not a matter of personal preference alone — it is a clinical decision based on chest wall measurements. During your consultation at OCRC, I measure the width of your existing breast footprint and use those measurements to determine which profile range fits your anatomy correctly. Consequently, patients do not simply “pick” a profile — we determine the correct range together based on your body, and then refine within that range based on your aesthetic goals.

Implant Size — How Many CCs Is Right?

Size — measured in cubic centimeters (cc) — is typically what patients focus on most before their consultation. However, I always explain that cc volume alone does not determine how an implant will look on your specific body. The same 350cc implant looks dramatically different on a patient with a narrow chest versus a wide chest, or on someone with significant natural breast tissue versus minimal tissue.

The Consultation Process for Size Selection

At OCRC, I use sample implants during your consultation that you can place in a bra to approximate the look of different sizes on your body. Furthermore, I encourage patients to bring photos to their consultation — images that represent the result they are aiming for help me understand your goals far more precisely than a cc number alone.

Size selection is always a conversation — not a prescription. I listen carefully to your goals, assess your anatomy, and give you my honest recommendation for the size range that will achieve what you are looking for safely and naturally.

Different Types of Breast Jobs — Implants, Lift, or Both?

Patients searching for information about different types of breast jobs sometimes assume that augmentation with implants is the only option. In reality, the right procedure depends entirely on what concerns you want to address.

Implants Only — Breast Augmentation

Implants alone are the right choice when the primary concern is size, volume, or fullness — and the breast position and skin are in good condition. A breast augmentation with implants addresses volume and projection without repositioning the breast.

Lift Only — Mastopexy

A breast lift is the right choice when the primary concern is sagging or drooping rather than size. A lift repositions the breast and tightens excess skin — it does not add volume. If you want the breast in a higher position but are satisfied with your size, a lift alone achieves this.

Implants with a Lift — Combined Augmentation Mastopexy

Many patients — particularly after pregnancy or significant weight loss — benefit from combining implants with a lift in a single surgical session. This addresses both lost volume and sagging simultaneously. Consequently, one recovery period covers both concerns, which is more practical than two separate surgeries.

Breast Reduction

For patients whose primary concern is breasts that are too large — causing back pain, neck strain, or posture problems — a breast reduction removes excess tissue and reshapes the breast. This is a different procedure entirely from augmentation, and it is worth noting that insurance may cover breast reduction when medical necessity is documented.

Average Cost of Silicone Implants vs Saline — What to Expect

Cost is a practical consideration, and I believe patients deserve transparent information rather than vague estimates.

• Average cost of silicone implants in Portland Oregon: the implants themselves typically add $1,000 to $1,500 compared to saline. Total procedure cost with silicone typically ranges from $11,500 including surgeon fee, anesthesia, and facility fees.
• Average cost with saline implants: total procedure cost typically ranges from $10,000 — meaningfully less than silicone due to lower implant cost.
• Combined augmentation with lift: typically ranges from $14,000 to $16,000 depending on the complexity of the lift required.

At OCRC, I provide a personalized all-inclusive quote after your consultation — not a general estimate. The quote includes every component of your procedure cost so there are no surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Breast Implants

What are the different types of breast implants available?

The main types are silicone gel and saline implants — distinguished by their fill material. Within those types, implants also vary by shape (round or teardrop/anatomical), surface texture (smooth or textured), and profile (low, moderate, high, or extra high). At OCRC, Dr. Tina Jenq uses only smooth round silicone or saline implants — never textured — due to the safety considerations associated with textured shells.

Which type of breast implant feels most natural?

Silicone implants generally feel more natural than saline — particularly for patients with limited natural breast tissue. The cohesive gel closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue and moves more naturally with the body. However, patients with adequate natural breast tissue often achieve a very natural result with saline as well.

What is the average cost of silicone implants in Portland Oregon?

Silicone implants add approximately $1,000 to $1,500 to the procedure cost compared to saline. Total breast augmentation cost with silicone in Portland Oregon typically ranges from $8,000 to $12,000 including surgeon fee, anesthesia, and facility fees. Contact Dr. Tina Jenq at 503-400-6622 for a personalized quote.

What is the difference between round and teardrop implants?

Round implants are symmetrical and provide upper pole fullness. Teardrop implants are shaped to mimic the natural breast slope — fuller at the bottom and tapered at the top. However, teardrop implants require a textured surface to prevent rotation, which carries an associated risk of BIA-ALCL. Dr. Tina Jenq uses only smooth round implants at OCRC.

What implant profile should I choose?

Profile — low, moderate, high, or extra high — determines how much an implant projects forward relative to its base width. The correct profile is determined by your chest wall measurements, not personal preference alone. During your consultation, Dr. Tina Jenq measures your anatomy and recommends the appropriate profile range for your body.

Are textured breast implants safe?

Textured implants have been associated with a rare but serious condition called BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma). Due to this risk, Dr. Tina Jenq does not use textured implants at OCRC. Smooth implants produce excellent results without this associated risk.

Can I breastfeed after breast implants?

Most patients can breastfeed after breast augmentation. The inframammary fold incision used at OCRC does not affect milk ducts. However, breastfeeding success depends on many factors beyond implant placement, and some patients may need to supplement with formula. This is discussed in detail during your consultation.