Picking the right breast implant is an important part of your augmentation journey. At your Gold Coast consultation your MINKST doctor will walk through each option with you and you’ll decide together what suits you best – but here’s a summary of what’s on the table. For a full deep-dive, read our blog: How to Choose the Right Breast Implant, Shape and Size.
Silicone gel vs saline implants
Almost all breast augmentations performed in Australia today use cohesive silicone gel implants. They feel closer to natural breast tissue than saline, are less prone to visible rippling, and hold their shape even if the outer shell is damaged. Saline implants remain available but are rarely chosen these days. Your doctor will recommend what works best for your anatomy and the result you’re after. Watch our video comparing silicone and saline implants.
Round vs anatomical (teardrop) implants
Round implants are the most popular choice and tend to give more fullness in the upper part of the breast, which can create more visible cleavage. Teardrop (anatomical) implants are shaped to resemble the natural slope of the breast – thinner at the top, fuller at the base – and may be a good fit for patients with very little existing breast tissue who want a softer, more natural shape. Shape choice comes down to your body, chest width, and the look you’re aiming for. See how each looks in practice in our blog: What Looks Can You Achieve With Breast Implants?
Implant surface – smooth vs textured
Smooth implants move freely within the pocket and are often a good choice for thinner patients because they can reduce rippling. All smooth implants are round. Textured implants have a roughened surface designed to adhere in place, reducing the risk of complications from implant slippage. The shape of a textured implant may be round or teardrop, but teardrop implants are always textured to minimise movement. Your doctor will recommend the right surface based on the implant shape and your individual anatomy.
Implant profiles
An implant’s profile is how far it projects forward from your chest wall – sometimes described simply as “how much it sticks out”. Profiles range from low through to extra-high projection. Higher profiles create more forward projection on a narrower base, while lower profiles produce a softer, wider look. The right profile depends on your chest measurements, how much breast tissue you already have, and the result you want. At your consultation you can try on different profiles using implant sizers.
Implant placement
Implant placement describes where the implant sits relative to your muscle, breast tissue, and skin. There are three main options:
- Under the muscle (submuscular): The implant sits behind the pectoral muscle and breast tissue. This can look more natural – especially for patients with less breast tissue – because the muscle adds an extra layer of coverage over the implant.
- Over the muscle (subglandular): The implant sits in front of the pectoral muscle and behind the breast tissue. This may work well for patients with more existing breast tissue and can mean a quicker recovery.
- Dual plane: The implant sits partly behind and partly in front of the pectoral muscle, drawing on the advantages of both approaches.
Each option has trade-offs. Your MINKST doctor will suggest the right placement for your body and the outcome you’re after. Learn more about implant placement options here.
Incision placement
Most breast augmentations use an inframammary incision – the natural crease below the breast. This gives the doctor the clearest view and the most control during surgery, and the scar usually settles in a well-hidden spot. Other incision sites exist (around the areola, or in the armpit) but are used far less often. Your doctor will talk you through the pros and cons of each at your consultation.
Implant brands
MINKST works with a range of TGA-approved breast implant brands, including Mentor (USA), Motiva (Costa Rica), and Polytech (Germany). Your doctor will recommend the brand that matches the size, shape, and characteristics best suited to your anatomy.
As MINKST Medical Director Dr Daniel Fleming has pointed out, the performance and safety of the TGA-approved implants currently available in Australia is broadly comparable – and claims that one brand is clearly superior to another aren’t supported by the long-term evidence. Read more about breast implant brands here.
Every implant used by MINKST is registered with the Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR), a national quality assurance program that tracks long-term safety outcomes for breast devices across Australia.
For a complete guide to your breast augmentation Gold Coast options, watch our Ultimate Guide to Breast Augmentation video below.