What Are the Best Breast Implants for You? Types & Options Explained

A breast implant is a medical device that is used to improve the size, shape, or symmetry of a patient’s breasts. ⁽¹⁾

Breast enhancement is one of the most commonly sought cosmetic procedures, not just in the UK, but worldwide. ⁽²⁾ Whether the goal is to restore volume after weight loss or pregnancy, create symmetry, or achieve a fuller figure, breast implants provide a time-tested and customisable solution. With advances in implant technology and surgical techniques, patients today can access safe, natural-looking outcomes tailored to their specific anatomy and aesthetic goals. If you are considering breast implants, it helps to explore what options are available and which are best suited to your goals.

Dr Riccardo Frati and his team at Harley Surgery offer a comprehensive range of breast implant options. Known for delivering meticulous results with refined techniques, Dr Frati works closely with each patient to create an individualised surgical plan. His attention to proportion, symmetry, and long-term safety has made him one of the most trusted names in UK plastic surgery. If you are considering breast augmentation with implants, Harley Surgery provides the expertise and support needed at every stage of the journey.

To schedule a consultation with Dr Frati, contact Harley Surgery online or call your closest office:

About Breast Implants

Breast implants are medical devices that are placed within the chest to increase breast size, refine shape, and improve proportion. ⁽¹⁾ They are typically inserted through carefully placed incisions and can be positioned above or beneath the chest muscle, depending on the patient’s anatomy and preferences. Breast implants are a form of breast augmentation, one of the most commonly performed breast enhancement procedures. ⁽²⁾

Types of Breast Implants

There are primarily two main categories of breast implants: saline-filled and silicone gel-filled. ⁽³⁾

Each implant type is available in various shapes, sizes, and projections, which allows for high levels of personalisation. Implants can also differ in texture and firmness, with some options designed to resist folding, rippling, or rotation. Dr Frati offers a range of implant styles and brands and will guide you through each option during your consultation.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone implants are pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the texture of natural breast tissue. These implants are commonly selected by patients who prioritise a soft, natural feel and a more subtle transition between the chest wall and the upper breast. ⁽³⁾ Silicone implants come in a wide variety of shapes, including round and anatomical styles. They are also available in different levels of projection, allowing further refinement in breast profile.

Because silicone implants are filled before insertion, they require slightly larger incisions than saline implants. Dr Frati uses precise placement techniques to keep any resulting scarring as minimal and discreet as possible.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater after they are inserted into the breast pocket. ⁽³⁾ This allows for smaller incisions, greater adjustability during surgery, and improved symmetry in some cases. Saline implants may feel firmer than silicone and are sometimes better suited for patients who have sufficient breast tissue to cushion the implant. In the rare event of a rupture, the body will absorb the harmless saline solution, and the implant will visibly deflate, making it easy to detect and address.

Gummy Bear Implants (Highly Cohesive Gel)

A third type of implant, known informally as the “gummy bear” implant, contains a highly cohesive silicone gel that maintains its shape even after a rupture. ⁽³⁾ These implants are designed to be both soft and form-stable, offering a balance between durability and a natural appearance.

Gummy bear implants are often shaped anatomically to mimic the natural slope of the breast. Because of their composition, they are less likely to fold, wrinkle, or leak compared to other options.

Implant Placement Options

Breast implants can be placed either underneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or over the muscle but beneath the mammary glands (subglandular placement). ⁽³⁾ Submuscular placement often creates a more natural slope and can reduce the risk of visible rippling in patients with limited breast tissue. Subglandular placement may offer a shorter recovery period and more defined projection in patients who already have a moderate amount of natural breast volume. Dr Frati will evaluate your anatomy, tissue coverage, and goals to determine the most appropriate placement technique for your procedure.

Benefits

Breast augmentation with implants offers a wide variety of benefits. Patients often report improved body image and satisfaction with their proportions after surgery, which is achieved through:

If you would like to explore your implant options and experience these benefits for yourself, schedule a personal consultation online or by calling one of our two locations:

Ideal Candidates

Breast augmentation with implants may be right for individuals who:

With so many different options for breast implants and placement, not meeting all of the criteria above does not make you ineligible for this procedure. Dr Frati will assess your candidacy for breast augmentation during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

Your breast enhancement journey begins with a detailed consultation at Harley Surgery. During this one-on-one meeting, Dr Frati will review your medical history, listen carefully to your goals, and perform a physical examination to assess your chest anatomy, skin quality, and natural breast volume. He will explain your implant options, including size, shape, material, and placement, to ensure you have a solid understanding of your options. Dr Frati will also discuss potential risks, recovery time, and postoperative care so that you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

To schedule a consultation with Dr Frati, contact Harley Surgery online or call one of the following:

Preparation

To achieve the best possible results, Dr Frati will provide you with preoperative instructions that should be followed closely. These may include:

Following these guidelines will help prepare your body for surgery and reduce the risk of complications during the healing process.

Procedure

Breast implant procedures vary from patient to patient, and the details will be established during your consultation. Regardless, Dr Frati will begin by making a carefully placed incision based on the agreed surgical plan. Common incision sites include under the breast fold, around the nipple, and in the underarm area. After the incision is made, a space is created either above or below the chest muscle to house the implant. Once the implants are inserted and adjusted for symmetry and positioning, the incisions are closed with layered sutures, and dressings are applied. The procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on which options you select.

Recovery

Most patients experience swelling, tightness, and mild discomfort in the first few days following surgery. These effects are temporary and can be managed with medication and rest.

You will be advised to wear a supportive garment to aid healing and maintain implant positioning. Dr Frati will provide a complete list of postoperative instructions, including restrictions on physical activity, wound care, and follow-up appointments.

Light activities can usually be resumed within a week, while more vigorous exercise should be postponed for several weeks.

Results

Initial changes will be visible immediately after surgery, although swelling may obscure final results for several weeks. As the tissue heals and the implants settle, your breasts will gradually settle into their new shape and position. Modern breast implants can last for around a decade and longer, ⁽⁴⁾ although regular imaging is advised for silicone implants.

Cost of Breast Implants in Harley Street, London and Manchester

The cost of breast implants depends on a variety of factors, including implant type, surgical complexity, and whether additional procedures are performed. During your consultation, Dr Frati will provide a detailed quote based on the unique options you choose.

Schedule your consultation today to explore your breast implant options. If you have any further questions, please call your closest Harley Surgery office directly:

FAQ

References

1. Schrager S, Lyon SM, Poore SO. Breast Implants: Common Questions and Answers. American Family Physician. 2021;104(5):500-508. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34783490/
2. Ri C, Jiang Y, Mao J, Zhao M. Trends in Breast Augmentation Research: A Bibliometric Analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2022;46(6):2691-2711. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-022-02904-9
3. Swanson E. Prospective Study of Saline versus Silicone Gel Implants for Subpectoral Breast Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2020;Publish Ahead of Print. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002882
4. Winters M, Ortiz JA. Postoperatively Adjustable Breast Implant. Nih.gov. Published July 17, 2023. Accessed July 22, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560741/