When considering breast augmentation, one of the most important decisions for both patients and surgeons is selecting the right breast implant. The variety of implants on the market has grown considerably over the years, making it increasingly important to have an accessible, in-depth guide that compiles the most relevant information into a single resource. We delve into the details of breast implant catalogues, explaining the various brands, types, shapes, sizes, and textures available, as well as sharing relevant medical considerations and factors that can influence the choice of implant.

Breast Implant Catalogues

Breast implant catalogues are essentially comprehensive lists, typically provided by manufacturers or distributors, detailing the full range of implants on offer. They contain vital information about shape, volume, base width, projection, surface type, and material composition (such as saline vs. silicone). These catalogues allow surgeons and patients to compare different implant options side-by-side. As a result, they are an essential reference tool for plastic surgeons, enabling them to tailor each procedure to the patient’s unique goals, body shape, and medical needs.

These catalogues often come in digital as well as printed formats. They include details about warranties, regulatory clearances (for instance, approval by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency [MHRA], or FDA approval in the United States), and safety data from clinical studies. By having everything laid out so systematically, breast implant catalogues have become the gold standard resource in guiding informed decision-making. Many surgeons rely on these catalogues, along with their professional judgement and thorough patient consultations, to select the best implant for each individual.

The Importance of Breast Implant Catalogues in Surgical Planning

Selecting the right implant is crucial for achieving the most natural-looking and proportionate results while minimising complications. Some of the key aspects detailed in implant catalogues include:

1. Shape: Round or anatomical (teardrop).
2. Profile: Low, moderate, high, high Xtra, or ultra-high projection.
3. Size/Volume: Usually measured in cubic centimetres (cc).
4. Surface Type: Smooth or textured.
5. Filling Material: Silicone gel (various degrees of cohesiveness) or saline.

Each of these factors directly influences the surgical outcome, affecting everything from the final appearance to the potential for complications such as capsular contracture or implant migration. By studying a breast implant catalogue, a surgeon can meticulously plan the operation to match a patient’s aesthetic desires, balancing their lifestyle needs and overall health status.

Furthermore, implant catalogues offer a wealth of data regarding the longevity and performance of particular implants. For instance, some manufacturers provide details on the rates of rupture, rippling, and other issues found in post-market surveillance data. Surgeons can use this information to help manage patient expectations and reduce the likelihood of dissatisfaction or revision surgery later on.

The Evolution of Breast Implants

Breast augmentation using implants has been performed since the 1960s. Early implants were made with basic silicone shells and fillings. Over time, advancements in medical research and technology have led to the refinement of implant design, culminating in today’s wide variety of safe and reliable choices. Contemporary implants feature stronger shells, advanced cohesive silicone gels, and improved shapes that better mimic natural breast tissue.

Simultaneously, the way manufacturers present information about their products has also evolved. Decades ago, catalogues were limited, with only a handful of sizes and shapes. Today, it is not uncommon for a single manufacturer to offer hundreds of different implant variations. This variety includes numerous base widths, projections, and gel cohesivity levels. The end result is a catalogue that can run to dozens of pages, each page detailing multiple implants with unique reference numbers and specifications. Such in-depth resources are critical to help surgeons navigate the abundance of options and make informed clinical decisions.

Types of Breast Implants

Silicone Gel Implants

Silicone gel implants are the most commonly used implants in the UK and much of the world, prized for their natural look and feel. Today’s silicone implants typically use a “cohesive” or “form-stable” gel, often referred to as “gummy bear” implants in popular terminology. This means the silicone tends to maintain its shape better if the implant shell is compromised. Catalogues will often detail the gel’s cohesivity level, which can affect how soft or firm the implant feels.

• Pros: Mimics the feel of real breast tissue more closely and tends to ripple less.
• Cons: Require a slightly larger incision for placement compared to saline implants, as they come pre-filled.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are less commonly used in the UK compared to the United States. They consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater solution. Surgeons often insert the implant first, then fill it with saline, potentially allowing for smaller incisions.

• Pros: If a rupture occurs, the saline is safely absorbed by the body.
• Cons: More prone to visible rippling, and can feel less natural to the touch than silicone implants.

Shapes, Profiles, and Sizes in Breast Implant Catalogues

Round Implants

Round implants are symmetrical across their horizontal and vertical axes. They’re designed to provide a fuller upper pole (the upper part of the breast) and a more “voluminous” appearance. Catalogues generally break round implants down into profiles: low, moderate, high, and ultra-high.

• Low Profile: Wider base, minimal projection. Often suitable for patients with a broader chest or those desiring subtle enhancement.
• Moderate Profile: A balance between width and projection, offering a fairly natural slope.
• High Profile: Narrower base, more projection, creating a more pronounced silhouette.
• Ultra-High Profile: Very narrow base and the maximum forward projection. Typically used for those seeking a more dramatic look.

Anatomical (Teardrop) Implants

Anatomical implants, also called teardrop implants, mimic the natural slope of the breast, being fuller at the bottom and tapered at the top. This shape is often selected for patients who want a subtle, natural appearance. Catalogues list these implants with measurements for height, width, and projection. This variety caters to the unique anatomy of different patients, allowing surgeons to fine-tune the final look.

Sizing

Implant size is typically indicated in cubic centimetres (cc). Catalogues provide incremental sizes, often in steps of 25 cc or 50 cc, ensuring surgeons can pinpoint the closest match to a patient’s desired volume. The concept of “bra cup size” is not universal due to variations in bra manufacturing, so surgeons and patients typically rely on volume measurements and sizer implants during consultations to achieve the best match.

Surface Texture Options

In many catalogues, you will see references to smooth and textured implants. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks:

• Smooth Implants: These have a slick outer shell, allowing them to move more freely within the breast pocket. The soft movement can sometimes look more natural, particularly for round implants. However, smooth implants can have a slightly higher risk of capsular contracture in certain patients, although this risk can vary based on multiple factors, including post-operative care. They also have a higher risk of bottoming out.
• Textured Implants: These have a rough surface designed to encourage the breast tissue to adhere slightly, reducing movement and potentially lowering the incidence of capsular contracture. Anatomical implants often require a textured surface to ensure they stay correctly oriented. However, emerging studies over the years have linked certain types of textured implants to a rare condition called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

Manufacturers and Their Implant Catalogues

We have included below some of the most commonly used implant brands and their relevant catalogue or sizing information:

Mentor

Mentor is widely regarded for its broad range of silicone gel and saline implants. Their MemoryGel and MemoryShape implants feature cohesive silicone designed to maintain shape while offering a realistic feel. The Mentor catalogue typically provides exhaustive details on each implant’s dimensions and recommended surgical techniques. Many surgeons value Mentor’s robust warranty programme and their long-standing history in the implant market. They have also launched the MemoryGel Xtra which filled with more silicone to reduce rippling.

Mentor Implant Catalogue

Mentor MemoryGel Xtra

Allergan (Natrelle Collection)

Allergan’s Natrelle range includes both round and anatomical implants in various levels of cohesive silicone. Their 410 anatomically shaped implant has been widely studied, with data indicating good outcomes in terms of shape retention. Their catalogues outline the different “gel cohesivity” classifications and discuss the specific layering used in their implant shells. This information is valuable for understanding how the implant will behave in the long term. These implants have subsequently been withdrawn from the market due to higher risks of ALCL.

Allergan Natrelle

Allergan CUI

Motiva

Motiva has gained popularity in recent years due to its innovative implant surface technology and cohesive gel formulations. Their Ergonomix implant is designed to adapt its shape with different positions of the body, potentially appearing more teardrop-like when upright and rounder when lying down. Catalogues from Motiva emphasise safety features, including microtexturing and RFID technology in some models, used for implant identification. The new Motiva Preserve range aims to use tissue preservation techniques for rapid recovery and rapid recovery. The Mia Femtech uses a minimal access approach from the armpit.

Motiva

Motiva Preserve

Polytech and B-Lite

Polytech is a German manufacturer offering a versatile line-up of breast implants. They are also behind the B-Lite implant line, which is lighter in weight than traditional silicone implants. B-Lite implants reduce strain on breast tissue over time, an appealing feature for certain patients. Their catalogues detail the technology behind their lightweight filler and discuss how it can ease the long-term effects on tissue.

B-Lite

GC Aesthetics

GC Aesthetics is another brand of implants that is used in the UK.

Nagor

Nagor is a UK-based brand of breast implants which has been taken over by GC Aesthetics.

Understanding Implant Catalogue Data

The sheer volume of information in these catalogues can be daunting for those outside the medical profession. Below are a few tips on how best to interpret the data:

1. Dimensions: Focus on the base width, height (for anatomical implants), and projection measurements. Together, these dimensions will determine how the implant looks on the chest wall.
2. Gel Cohesivity: Some implants are softer, while others are more form-stable. Higher cohesivity often means a firmer feel but can better maintain shape.
3. Surface Type: Smooth vs. textured can make a significant difference in look, movement, and complication rates.
4. Warranty Coverage: Many manufacturers outline warranty terms, including coverage for implant rupture or capsular contracture. This information is typically included in the final pages or an accompanying document.
5. Clinical Data: Look for references to studies or trials that demonstrate the implant’s safety profile and rates of complications. This can be particularly useful when comparing multiple brands.

Regulatory Oversight and Catalogues

In the UK, the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) oversees the safety of medical devices, including breast implants. Manufacturers must provide documentation proving their implants meet certain standards before they can be sold in the UK. Catalogues reflect this compliance, often including references to CE marking (previously) or the newer UKCA mark, along with any FDA approvals for international markets.

Transparency in breast implant catalogues is paramount, especially since public awareness of implant safety has grown significantly in recent years. Patients are encouraged to request and read these catalogues (or summaries thereof) from their surgeons to understand precisely what device might be used in their body. The more information provided, the easier it is to make the best possible decision.

Conclusion

Breast implant catalogues serve as an essential blueprint in the world of cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. For patients, they demystify the often-confusing realm of shapes, sizes, profiles, and materials, providing clarity about what is possible. For surgeons, they are a technical resource, helping them plan each procedure meticulously to align with patient goals and medical best practices.

In an ever-expanding market with many reputable manufacturers, it is crucial to focus on factors such as implant shape, volume, gel cohesivity, surface texture, regulatory approvals, and warranty coverage. Taking the time to explore these catalogues, alongside professional consultations, allows for more informed, confident choices that reflect individual aesthetics, lifestyle needs, and health considerations.

If you are considering breast implants then it is important to have a consultation with Mr Nassab who will guide you. We can review any existing implants you may have and their dimensions to ensure any changes are suitable. We can also ensure if you are having implants for the first time that they suit your frame and anatomy.