NEW ONLINE STORE COMING SOON! Current Online Store Unavailable. Check out our VIP Rewards App .
Houston, TX
Authored by: Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD on September 8th, 2025
Breast augmentation offers several options, each with its own look, feel, and benefits. The main types include saline, silicone, and form-stable “gummy bear” implants, as well as fat transfer techniques. Knowing the differences helps someone choose the option that best matches their goals and body.
Some implants, like saline and silicone, vary in firmness and appearance, while others differ in shape, texture, and placement. Each choice can affect how natural the results look and how the breasts feel to the touch. Understanding these details makes it easier to have an informed conversation with a qualified surgeon.
Breast augmentation can increase breast size, improve shape, and restore volume after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. The two main approaches are using breast implants or a fat transfer technique, each with its own benefits, limitations, and recovery considerations.
Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that changes the size or shape of the breasts. It can be done for cosmetic reasons or as part of breast reconstruction after surgery.
In most cases, the procedure involves placing implants or transferring fat from another part of the body to the breasts. Both methods require anesthesia and a recovery period.
Many people choose this surgery to achieve a fuller look, correct uneven breast sizes, or restore shape lost after pregnancy or weight changes.
The best choice depends on desired size, body type, and willingness to undergo future procedures. Implants may be better for those wanting a significant increase in volume.
Fat transfer may work well for those seeking subtle changes and who have enough donor fat. It can also improve contour in the donor area.
A board-certified plastic surgeon can explain risks, recovery, and expected results for each option. Understanding the pros and cons of each method helps patients make informed decisions based on their goals and lifestyle.
Fat transfer breast augmentation surgery is a procedure that uses your body’s own fat to increase breast size and improve shape without implants. The process starts with liposuction to remove fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, which is then purified and carefully injected into the breasts. This technique appeals to those seeking a natural look and feel, as it avoids foreign materials and can provide subtle, balanced results while contouring donor areas at the same time.
This option is ideal for patients who want modest volume enhancement, improved breast symmetry, or to restore lost fullness after weight changes or pregnancy. Recovery is usually shorter than with implant-based augmentation, and because the fat is your own tissue, there’s a lower risk of allergic reaction or implant-related complications. Results can be long-lasting with proper weight maintenance, though some patients may require a second session for optimal fullness.
Saline implants use a silicone outer shell filled with sterile salt water. If the shell leaks, the implant deflates and the body absorbs the saline naturally. They are FDA-approved for breast augmentation in women 18 and older and for breast reconstruction at any age.
A surgeon places the empty silicone shell into the breast pocket through a small incision. Once in position, the shell is filled with sterile saline solution.
This method allows for smaller incisions compared to pre-filled implants. It can also help adjust the size during surgery for better symmetry. If a rupture occurs, the implant quickly deflates. The body absorbs the salt water without harm, but the breast will lose its enhanced shape.
Saline implants come in different shapes and surface textures. They can be placed either above or below the chest muscle depending on the patient’s needs.
Saline implants often cost less than silicone options. They may be a good choice for those who want peace of mind about rupture detection. However, some patients notice that saline implants feel firmer or less natural to the touch. This is especially common in people with little breast tissue.
Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel that is designed to feel similar to natural breast tissue. They are approved for breast surgery in women aged 22 and older and for breast reconstruction at any age.
Silicone implants use a silicone outer shell filled with medical-grade silicone gel. The gel can be either traditional or form-stable (often called “gummy bear” implants).
They come in different shapes, including round and teardrop, and in various sizes to match body proportions. Surface texture can be smooth or textured, which may affect movement and tissue interaction.
Most silicone implants are pre-filled before surgery, so the incision size is based on implant volume. Unlike saline implants, they tend to hold their shape even if the shell is damaged. The FDA has approved silicone gel-filled implants for specific age groups and purposes. Patients should discuss the type of gel and shell surface with their surgeon to match their goals.
Silicone implants are not considered lifetime devices. Over time, they may require replacement or removal due to rupture, capsular contracture, or changes in breast appearance.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons advises regular follow-up visits to monitor implant condition. This can help detect problems early, even when there are no symptoms.
MRI or high-resolution ultrasound is often suggested every few years to check for silent rupture. If a rupture is confirmed, removal or replacement is usually recommended.
Patients should also perform regular self-checks and report any changes in breast shape, firmness, or comfort to their surgeon promptly.
Gummy bear implants are a type of silicone breast implant that hold their shape better than traditional options. They use a thick, cohesive gel that feels firm yet soft, and they are often shaped to create a natural breast contour.
These implants use highly cohesive silicone gel that keeps its form even if the shell is cut. This gives them the nickname “gummy bear” because the gel texture is similar to the candy.
Unlike round silicone implants, many gummy bear implants are teardrop-shaped. This shape is fuller at the bottom and tapers toward the top, which can mimic the slope of a natural breast.
A textured outer shell is often used to help the implant stay in place and prevent rotation. This is important for shaped implants, as movement could affect appearance.
Compared to traditional silicone implants, gummy bear implants are less likely to wrinkle or fold inside the breast. They also tend to maintain their shape longer over time.
Breast implants vary in shape and surface design, which can affect the final look and feel after surgery. Shape influences how the breast appears from the front and side, while breast implant texture can impact movement, stability, and certain medical considerations.
Round implants are the most common choice. They are symmetrical, so they look the same no matter how they rotate in the breast pocket. This can reduce the risk of visible shape changes if the implant shifts. They often create more fullness in the upper part of the breast. This can be appealing for those who want a rounder, lifted appearance.
Smooth implants have a soft outer shell that allows them to move freely within the breast pocket. This movement can create a more natural feel but may also allow more shifting over time.
Textured implants have a rough surface designed to help the tissue adhere to the implant. This can reduce movement and may lower the risk of certain complications, such as capsular contracture, in some patients.
Textured surfaces are often used with teardrop-shaped implants to help maintain their orientation. However, they have been linked to a rare condition called BIA-ALCL, so patients should discuss risks with their surgeon.
Breast augmentation can lead to certain medical and cosmetic problems that may require treatment or surgery. Some issues affect the implant itself, while others involve the surrounding breast tissue or overall health.
Capsular contracture happens when scar tissue forms tightly around the implant. This scar tissue, called a capsule, is the body’s natural response to a foreign object. In some cases, it becomes thick and hard, squeezing the implant. This can cause the breast to feel firm or look misshapen. Pain or discomfort is also possible. The severity is often graded from mild to severe.
An implant rupture means the outer shell of the implant has a tear or hole. With saline implants, the fluid leaks out and the breast deflates quickly. The body absorbs the saline safely, but the breast shape changes.
With silicone implants, a rupture may not be obvious. Silicone gel can stay inside the capsule or spread into nearby tissue. This is sometimes called a “silent rupture.”
Regular check-ups and imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound, can detect silent ruptures. If rupture occurs, surgeons often recommend replacing or removing the implant.
Other possible issues include infection, bleeding, and changes in nipple or breast sensation. Infection may require antibiotics or implant removal. Bleeding can cause swelling and bruising soon after surgery. Some patients experience breast implant illness (BII), a group of symptoms like fatigue or joint pain. While research is ongoing, some choose implant removal if symptoms persist.
Rarely, a type of cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) can develop in the scar tissue around the implant. The FDA advises monitoring for swelling or lumps years after surgery.
Breast augmentation can help restore breast shape and volume after surgery for breast cancer. It often involves the use of implants to rebuild the breast when natural tissue is not available or preferred.
After a mastectomy, some people choose to have breast implants placed as part of their reconstruction. This can be done at the same time as the mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or later (delayed reconstruction).
Implants used in this setting are usually saline or silicone gel. Each type has its own feel, appearance, and maintenance needs. The American Cancer Society notes that implant reconstruction may require more than one surgery to achieve the desired result.
Placement can be under the chest muscle or over the muscle. Over-the-muscle placement, also called pre-pectoral, can reduce recovery time but may not be suitable for everyone. Under-the-muscle placement, or subpectoral, can provide more tissue coverage over the implant.
Some patients may also need a tissue expander before the final implant. This device slowly stretches the skin and chest muscle to prepare for the permanent implant.
Surgeons now use implants with more natural shapes and textures to improve results. Some also use 3D imaging to help patients preview possible outcomes before surgery. Techniques that reduce scarring, such as placing incisions in less visible areas, are becoming more common.
Before surgery, the breasts may have less volume or uneven shapes. After surgery, they typically appear fuller and more balanced. Results vary depending on the technique, implant type, and the patient’s body.
Risks can include infection, bleeding, poor healing, and reactions to anesthesia. There is also a chance of implant rupture or capsular contracture, where scar tissue hardens around the implant. These risks apply regardless of the surgeon or location.
Breast augmentation is the overall procedure to increase breast size or improve shape. It can be done with implants or with fat transfer. Getting breast implants refers specifically to using saline or silicone devices.
Breast augmentation provides a range of options to meet different goals, from subtle enhancement with fat transfer to dramatic volume increases with implants. Each choice, saline, silicone, or gummy bear implants, offers unique benefits in terms of look, feel, and maintenance.
Understanding the differences between implant types, shapes, and placement methods is key to achieving results that feel comfortable and natural. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon allows patients to create a plan that matches their anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term expectations.
Are you located in one of these Houston Metro Area cities?
Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, Pearland, Pasadena, League City, Baytown, Conroe, Cypress, Spring, Kingwood, Humble, Missouri City, Friendswood, Bellaire, Clear Lake, Tomball, Galveston, Richmond, Rosenberg, Stafford, La Porte, Deer Park, Seabrook, Webster, Alvin, and Channelview.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, FACS, and The Clinic for Plastic Surgery Team are here to help you achieve refined, natural-looking results.
Offering expert cosmetic enhancements in:
Visit our modern 18,000+ sq.ft. luxurious plastic surgery center and med spa in Houston, Texas, where expertise meets artistry. Our highly skilled and compassionate team ensures a seamless experience, from consultation to recovery.
For patients outside of the Houston area or those with a busy schedule, Schedule a Virtual Consultation.
Schedule your personalized consultation today at DrSukkar.com or call (281) 940-1535.
Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, FACS is a highly respected Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Houston, Texas, known for his expertise in advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. As the founder of The Clinic for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sukkar has set a new standard for excellence, performing over 20,000 procedures with a focus on delivering natural, refined results.
Dr. Sukkar earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1992 after graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. He then completed an intensive General Surgery Residency at the University of Texas Hermann Hospital before being selected for a highly competitive Plastic Surgery Fellowship at Northwestern University in Chicago, one of the most prestigious training programs in the country.
With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Sukkar is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Houston Society of Plastic Surgery (HSPS). His dedication to innovation and continuing education has solidified his reputation as a leading expert in aesthetic surgery, specializing in breast surgery, body contouring, facial procedures, and non-invasive treatments.
Dr. Sukkar’s expertise has been recognized by Houston Magazine, naming him one of Houston’s “Top Docs for Women,” and he has been featured among RealSelf’s America’s Top Doctors. Committed to his patients, he prioritizes personalized care, ensuring every individual feels informed, comfortable, and confident in their aesthetic journey.
Contact Dr. Sukkar today to schedule a consultation, visit DrSukkar.com to learn more, or call us directly at (281) 940-1535.
Cover Image Credit: ActionSports / 123RF.com (Licensed). Photo Illustration by: Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, The Clinic for Plastic Surgery.
From the first time you walk into The Clinic for Plastic Surgery, you’ll know that you are in a place that cares about results. Under the leadership of Dr. Sukkar, The Clinic for Plastic Surgery has become Houston’s plastic surgery center of choice. Experience the difference for yourself by scheduling a consultation today.
14018 Aesthetic Circle, Houston, TX 77062
14018 Aesthetic Circle, Houston TX 77062
(281) 940-1535
Mon: 8:30am - 5pmTue - Thu: 8am - 5pm Fri: 9am - 3pm
© 2025 The Clinic for Plastic Surgery All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Accessibility | Sitemap | Open Payments Database Notice | Blog
Plastic Surgeon Marketing
*THE CONTENT/IMAGES ON THIS WEBSITE ARE NOT A GUARANTEE OF INDIVIDUAL RESULTS. INDIVIDUAL RESULTS MAY VARY. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS SITE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT REPLACE THE NEED FOR A FORMAL CONSULTATION WITH A PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON BEFORE UNDERGOING A SURGICAL PROCEDURE OR SKINCARE TREATMENT. THE LOGOS LISTED ABOVE REFLECT DR. SUKKAR'S CERTIFICATIONS ONLY.
..