About Breast Implants

Breast implants are medical devices that are used during breast augmentation to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. Breast implants are either inserted empty and filled with sterile saline solution or pre-filled with silicone gel. Both types of implants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

TUBA breast augmentation at our Birmingham, Alabama cosmetic surgery center is performed using saline breast implants because they can be rolled up and inserted through the narrow channel created by the endoscope before being filled with saline. Since they are pre-filled, silicone gel breast implants must be inserted using an incision at the breast crease, around the nipple or in the armpit.

Breast Implant Options

Saline breast implants are available in a variety of sizes, profiles, shapes and textures. You will work closely with Dr. William Hedden and the staff of Hedden Plastic Surgery to finalize your size choice and determine the style of breast implants that will enable you to meet your goals for breast augmentation.

Breast implants can be placed over the chest muscle (subglandular) or partially under the muscle (submuscular) using the TUBA procedure. Implants placed over the muscle create a more distinct cleavage and a more rounded appearance to the breasts. If the implants are placed under the muscle, the breasts are usually less rounded and the upper portion of the breasts have a more natural shape.