What’s the Difference Between a Smooth and a Textured Breast Implant? Trillium Plastic Surgery

February 16th, 2017

Dr. Hall is quickly rising to the top of the plastic surgery field here in Tennessee. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Hall is one of the most gentle and precise doctors in the region. Our patients absolutely love working with him, and they love their beautiful, natural-looking results even more. Check out our page of Before-and-After photos to see Dr. Hall's work for yourself. If you're hoping to work with one of the premier breast augmentation surgeons in the state, then make sure you contact us today.

Textured and Smooth Breast Augmentation Implants

Patients have lots of different choices when it comes to the size and shape of their breast implants. But as far as the outside texture is concerned, there are only two: textured and smooth. Here is some quick history on why there are two different textures.

Why Are There Two Types of Implant Textures?

One of the most common reasons patients need to need a revision breast augmentation surgery is for something called "capsular contracture." After the implant is placed, the body forms a soft, protective capsule of scar tissue around it. But sometimes, this capsule can contract and squeeze the implant, which can deform the breast shape and cause pain.

While smooth implants do not "stick" to the scar tissue capsule, the textured implants do. When textured implants were developed in the 1980s, it was generally accepted that textured implants reduced the instances of capsular contracture because they adhered to the tissues in the breast. However, while some medical studies have supported this, other studies have not.

Textured Breast Augmentation Implants

Women that get textured implants will often notice that the implants feel slightly firmer. This is because textured implants have a thicker outer shell. Also, because textured implants "stick" to the body's tissues, they will not move around as much. From the outside, textured implants should not look any different than smooth, and they won't feel any different as well-especially if they are placed under the muscle.

Smooth Breast Augmentation Implants

Patients most commonly choose smooth implants. Both silicone and saline implants can be smooth-including the so-called "gummy bear" implants (cohesive gel). Additionally, smooth implants tend to have a less likely chance of causing "rippling" at the edges.

If you're ready to get the breasts you've always wanted, or if you're ready to get your pre-pregnancy breasts back after childbearing, contact Dr. Hall today at his Knoxville Plastic Surgery office. We always love hearing from our new patients, and we can't wait to hear from you!