Breast augmentation surgery is performed more often in the U.S. than any other type of plastic surgery procedure. Some women receive it to enhance what they have while others make the decision to have it done after undergoing radical treatment for breast cancer. With technology advancing at a lightning pace, breast augmentation is becoming safer, more long-lasting and more precise all the time.

3D Printing

One of the most complex components of breast augmentation surgery is the nipple. Achieving just the exact size, shape and color a woman wants is a challenge – but one that today is being met with 3D printing.

Imagine an old-fashioned inkjet printer, except today’s innovators are not using ink but are working with cells being layered one on top of the other to build blood vessels and tissue structures.

“Gummy Bear” Implants

For women seeking a natural look and durable results, shaped cohesive gels, commonly called “Gummy Bear” implants, are a popular choice that has been on the scene for nearly five years. Their textured surface enables them to remain in place better than alternative solutions. This breast augmentation specialist, along with many others prefer to use gummy bear implants more than any other type of implant.

B-Lite Implants

Standard silicone implants can be heavy and cumbersome, making the innovative B-Lite device a preferable potential option for many. Coming in at 30 percent lighter, it uses tiny, hollow beads that are interspersed throughout the silicon. The end result is an implant that is lighter but has the same volume.

Lighter implants such as this promise to last longer since they will cause less stress on the breast tissue. Only time will tell; this technology is not yet available to patients.

Ideal Implant

One of the complaints that patients have about traditional saline implants is their tendency to slosh around and bounce in an unnatural, even disconcerting way. The Ideal implant, while still saline-based, contains a network of connecting inner shells that minimize swish and jiggle.

Natrelle Inspira

Made by Allergan, Inc., this round, gel-filled implant can be used for augmentation, reconstruction and revision. Because it has a higher gel fill ratio, women have 243 sizes to choose from and several different projection styles. The result is more customizability than ever.

Medical technology is estimated to double in its effectiveness every decade. When it comes to plastic surgery and popular procedures such as breast augmentation, the pace might be even faster. Before you have your surgery, be sure to discuss what innovative implant solution would best meet your needs.