Breast implants have become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the UK, offering women the opportunity to enhance or restore breast volume, improve symmetry, and boost body confidence.
Whether you’re considering breast implants augmentation for the first time or exploring advanced techniques like fat injected breast implants, understanding your options is essential to making an informed decision.
Breast Augmentation vs Breast Implants: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, breast augmentation and breast implants may sound interchangeable. However, they refer to slightly different aspects of the procedure.
Breast augmentation is the broader term for any procedure that increases breast size. This can be done with silicone or saline implants, or through breast implant fat grafting, a method where fat is harvested from another part of your body and injected into the breasts.
Breast implants, on the other hand, specifically refer to the silicone or saline devices surgically inserted into the chest. Each technique has its own benefits, depending on your body type, desired results, and long-term goals.
Different Kinds of Breast Implants: Silicone, Saline, and More
When choosing a woman breast implant, one of the first decisions is the material.
Silicone vs Saline Implants
Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They are the most commonly used type in the UK and globally.
Saline implants, filled with sterile salt water, are another option. They are typically inserted empty and then filled once in place, allowing for smaller incisions.
Both types are approved for safety, but many women prefer silicone for its more natural texture.
Teardrop vs Round Breast Implants
Shape matters, too. Teardrop breast implants are anatomically shaped, offering a more natural slope and projection. These are ideal for women seeking subtle, natural-looking enhancement.
Round implants, on the other hand, provide more fullness at the top of the breast and are often preferred for a more dramatic or youthful look.
Choosing the Right Size: Personalised Planning Is Key
There is no “perfect” size for everyone. During a consultation at our Leeds-based clinic, Dr. Turton evaluates your chest wall dimensions, skin elasticity, and body proportions to recommend the most appropriate size and projection for your goals.
Trying on sizers or using 3D imaging can help visualise the potential results before surgery. Remember, the goal is not just about size, but achieving harmony with your overall figure.
Innovative Techniques: Fat Grafting and Hybrid Approaches
Fat Injected Breast Implants
Fat injected breast implants—also known as hybrid augmentation—combine traditional implants with fat grafting to improve contour, soften implant edges, or correct asymmetry. This dual technique can result in more natural-feeling results and improved aesthetic refinement.
Breast Implant Fat Grafting Alone
For women seeking a modest increase in volume without implants, breast implant fat grafting (fat transfer) alone is a compelling option. Fat is harvested via liposuction from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and injected into the breast tissue.
While the volume increase is limited compared to implants, this method offers the added benefit of body contouring in the donor areas.
Lifting and Augmentation: Combining Procedures for Optimal Results
Women with sagging breasts often benefit from a breast lift and implants (also called breast mastopexy with implants).
This combined approach addresses both volume loss and drooping, repositioning the nipple and enhancing overall breast shape.
Breast Uplift Implants
Breast uplift implants are used when the patient desires a perkier breast profile along with increased volume. These procedures are typically more complex but can deliver dramatic, youthful outcomes when performed by a specialist like Dr. Turton.
How Long Can Breast Implants Last?
Modern breast implants are built to last longer than ever before.
While not considered lifetime devices, most breast implants can last 10–20 years or more without complications. Regular check-ups and imaging (such as MRI or ultrasound) are recommended to monitor implant integrity over time.
Some women choose to replace their implants due to changes in aesthetic preferences or lifestyle, not because of medical issues.
Making the Right Choice for Your Body
Choosing the right breast implants involves more than selecting a cup size. From teardrop breast implants to fat injected breast implants, today’s options allow for highly personalised outcomes.
Whether you’re considering breast mastopexy with implants or simply exploring the differences between breast augmentation vs breast implants, a consultation with a skilled surgeon is the best first step.
At Dr. Turton’s practice in Leeds, we offer comprehensive guidance, advanced techniques, and a commitment to results that align with your goals.
Breast implants are a transformative investment in your confidence and body image—take the journey with a team you can trust.
