Smooth vs. Textured Breast Implants: Which is Best?

Since the first breast implant was successfully placed in 1962, breast augmentation has come a long way. In their recent report, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons revealed that breast augmentation remains one of the most popular surgical cosmetic procedures among women.

And this trend has not changed since 2006!

If you've always wanted to enhance the shape and size of your breasts, there are critical decisions you need to consider carefully. Choosing the breast implant texture -- smooth or textured -- is one of these.

In this article, we will present the pros and cons of the two opposing implant surfaces. With this information, you will have a clearer understanding of which implant surface is the best fit for you. 

Smooth or Textured Implants: What You Truly Need to Know

Today's breast implants are a result of constant testing and clinical trials to promote patient comfort, safety, and the most desirable appearance.

Of course, no two patients are alike. Both types of implant surfaces can be excellent choices for cosmetic breast augmentation. Let's dive into the pros and cons of each implant surface type!

Smooth Breast Implants

As their name implies, smooth breast implants are covered by a smooth outer shell.

Pros:

Smooth implants are softer than textured implants, allowing for a more natural look and feel. They can sometimes last longer than their textured counterparts.

Cons:

Smooth implants may lead to slightly visible rippling and shifting in position over time. Although it should be noted that rippling has more to do with how much existing breast tissue you have. The less breast tissue you have, the higher the risk of rippling.

Dr. Fan's Quick Tip:

If you're opting for round implants, Dr. Larry Fan recommends smooth surface types for most cosmetic breast enhancement (although not for breast reconstruction following breast cancer removal).

Textured Breast Implants

Textured breast implants are covered by a grained outer shell.

Pros:

Textured breast implants tend to stick to the body's tissue. The texturing helps the implants stay in the same position over time. You don't have to worry about an implant getting re-positioned.

Also, textured implants are linked to a lowered risk of capsular contracture (scar tissue forming around the implant).

Cons:

Textured implants tend to look and feel firmer as well as lead to less natural movement. Furthermore, textured round implants have a slightly higher chance of developing palpable folds or wrinkling.

All teardrop-shaped implants are textured by design. This helps maintain their proper placement in the body -- keeping the thin end up top and the thick end down on the bottom.

Dr. Fan's Quick Tip:

There is a widespread misconception among plastic surgeons that texturing reduces the chance of scar tissue formation. This is only true – and minimally significant – if the implant is in front of the muscle, which is rarely done today.

Making an Informed Decision

In comparison to other micro-decisions (implant type, implant size, pocket location, and incision location) that patients frequently wonder about, picking the best implant surface is a variable often relegated to the surgeon with little input from the patient. However, we believe you need to be involved in every decision so that you can be 100% confident in your choice to have breast implant surgery.

As always, those who experience the most satisfying results from breast augmentation are patients who spent time asking questions and weighing what they've learned in order to make the best decisions.

We recommend that you learn as much as you possibly can, but also that you spend the time discussing each piece of new information with an experienced plastic surgeon. Think of it as having a mentor to guide your breast augmentation decisions.

Got more questions on implant surfaces? If you're ready to seriously discuss breast augmentation, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Fan. Otherwise, if you would like to know if you would be a good candidate for breast implants, you can take our free online self-assessment.