There are two fill options for breast implants: saline and silicone. There are obvious differences between the two:
Cohesive Silicone Gel (also called Gummy Bear implants): Cohesive silicone gel implants are filled with a form-stable “gummy bear”–like gel that holds together and maintains a smooth, flattering contour. This thicker gel often feels soft and natural while helping minimize visible rippling and supporting upper-pole shape over time; if the shell is compromised, the gel tends to stay together rather than flow. Available in different cohesivity levels, shapes, and profiles, they can be tailored to your anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. At Capizzi MD, we use cohesive gel implants as part of a personalized plan focused on comfort, beautifully natural results, and long-term confidence.
Saline implants rely on saline (saltwater) and are filled at the time of surgery via a small incision that results in a small scar. Saline implants tend not to feel as natural as their silicone counterparts.
The shape of a breast implant refers to the shape of the implant itself. There are two general implant shapes, which also come in many different sizes: shaped (also called teardrop) and round. Shaped implants have more of a slope and less fullness in the upper part of the implant, to mimic the natural contours of the breast and produce a natural result. All shaped implants have a textured surface. Round implants provide the upper breast with the most volume and can still yield natural results when paired with the correct body type and volume. Smooth, round implants are our most popular implant choice.
Breast implant volume is simply the amount of fill—measured in cc—that helps create your desired shape, but it’s only one part of a beautiful result. The “right” number depends on your chest width, tissue quality, skin stretch, and chosen profile (how much the implant projects), as well as your lifestyle and aesthetic goals. Rather than chasing a cup size, we focus on proportion and harmony so your results look natural on your frame and feel comfortable long term. During your consult at Capizzi MD, we’ll combine precise measurements with photo reviews, in-office sizers, and (when helpful) 3D visuals to preview different volumes side by side. Together, we’ll choose a range that supports the look you love—soft, balanced, and confidently you.
Dr. Capizzi’s Hybrid Breast Augmentation includes using 200cc Gummy Bear implants along with fat grafting along the transition which makes the implant almost imperceptible for a truly natural look and feel. By using a smaller implant volume, Dr. Capizzi can enhance breast shape and size in the most natural way possible.
There are two options for implant placement: under the chest muscle (submuscular) or above the muscle and below the breast glands (submammary). Placement is very important depending on your desired goals. Dr. Capizzi will recommend the best placement site based on the characteristics of your breast tissue. His unique method of placing implants minimizes the contact of the implant to the skin, and utilizes techniques for an enhanced, streamlined recovery, allowing most patients to return to work and exercise within 48 hours.
When choosing the best implants for your goals, there are a lot of options. We offer breast augmentation consultations so that you may discuss your long-term goals with Dr. Capizzi and receive personalized recommendations. During your consultation, you will be able to see your results ahead of time with Crisalix, a virtual reality software that allows you to upload photos and see what different implant sizes and shapes would look like. Your most important resource is your plastic surgeon and at Capizzi, M.D. we want you to reach your aesthetic goals, with the support of the best team in North Carolina.
Along with Sientra, we also use Mentor and Natrelle implants but that is giving at least a thousand implant options and Sientra is definitely our preferred manufacturer. See Sientra Breast Implant size options.
When choosing your implants, there are so many options available to you. Your best resource when making these choices is going to be a board-certified plastic surgeon that listens to your considerations and ideal goals before recommending a good option for you. In tandem with Dr. Capizzi’s knowledge of implants, at Capizzi, M.D. we also utilize a revolutionary 3D imaging technology that assists our patients in selecting precisely the right fit for their needs.
This 3D imaging technology is an amazing tool for showing patients what certain implants will look like on their body type. First, we take a photo of you, which the software converts into an avatar. Then, you sit down with a member of our team and choose different implants to place on your avatar. This gives you a better idea of what certain volumes and profiles will look like on your body.
