With the recent FDA approval of a new type of silicone gel breast implant, women interested in breast augmentation surgery have more choices than ever.

"Surgical techniques for breast augmentation and breast implants themselves are continuously being refined, increasing the safety and reliability of the procedure," reports the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

While there are two main types of implants - saline and silicone - there are considerations to be made for each one. For instance, there's textured versus smooth implants and round versus shaped implants.

Saline implants consist of a solid silicone rubber outer shell filled with sterile salt water. This type of implant may be pre-filled to a predetermined size, or they can also be filled at the time of surgery. One of the main benefits of this type of implant is that they can be inserted via a smaller incision than silicone implants.

"Saline implants are typically used in younger patients as this procedure only requires a small incision," a Michigan-based plastic surgeon told AmericanHealthandBeauty.com. "The disadvantage is that they may not feel as natural as gel implants if the patient lacks the breast tissue needed to cover the implant."
On the other hand, silicone gel-filled breast implants are medical devices implanted under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. These implants have a silicone outer shell filled with silicone gel. They come in different sizes and have either smooth or textured shells.

Although silicone breast implants are pre-filled and may require a longer incision for implant placement, some people prefer them because they have a more natural feel.

The newly approved "gummy bear" implants - also known as cohesive gel, highly cohesive gel or form-stable gel silicone breast implants - are a type of silicone implant. ABC News reports that the gummy bear nickname because when cut in half, the implant is stable and retains its shape, similar to gummy bear candy.

"[These implants] are longer-lasting and maintain a more attractive and predictable shape," one plastic surgeon explained in a press release.

According to ImplantInfo.com, proponents of gummy bear implants say that other benefits associated with this type of implant include their ability to resist gravity, more infrequent hardening of scar tissue and the fact that they're unlikely to leak.

One of the negatives associated with any type of silicone implant is that they may rupture without the individual knowing about it. Currently, the FDA recommends individuals with silicone implants get an MRI every other year starting with the third year after surgery to look for silent ruptures.

Those who wish to enhance their breast size through breast implant surgery have more decisions other than size. A licensed, board-certified plastic surgeon can help them decide which type and size of breast implant is best for their desired outcome.