Silicone Breast Implants: What You Should Know, According to Dr. Byrne

When patients come in for a breast augmentation consultation, one of the first questions Dr. Bruce Byrne hears is: “What type of implant do you recommend?” It’s one of the most important questions a patient can ask — and it’s one that Dr. Bruce Byrne recently answered directly.

“In my practice, most patients choose the silicone implants,” shares Dr. Byrne, a board-certified plastic surgeon with Regional Plastic Surgery Center, in his video on Instagram.

This post is the written companion to that conversation. Whether you’re just beginning to research breast augmentation or preparing for your first consultation at Regional Plastic Surgery Center in Dallas, here’s what Dr. Byrne wants you to understand about silicone breast implants — including the type most of his patients choose.

Saline vs. Silicone Implants: Understanding the Difference

There are two FDA-approved categories of breast implant types available to patients in the United States: saline and silicone.

Saline implants have a silicone outer shell that is filled with sterile saltwater after placement. Because they’re filled in the operating room, they can sometimes be placed through a slightly smaller incision. If a saline implant ruptures, the body safely absorbs the saline, and the deflation is typically noticeable relatively quickly.

Silicone implants, by contrast, are pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Like saline implants, they also have an outer shell made of silicone, but it is a rubber gel, which tends to feel softer and more similar to natural breast tissue. They come in a range of profiles and sizes, and are available in both round and anatomically shaped (teardrop) forms. Because of their ‘gummy-like’ filling, they are often referred to as “gummy bear implants.”

“This gummy bear style of implants don’t leak or run or anything like that, they hold their shape,” Dr. Bryne says.

How Do You Choose the Right Implant?

“It’s really the patient’s choice,” Dr. Byrne encourages in his video. 

There is no universal answer to implant selection — and that’s by design. The right implant for one patient may not be the right implant for another. For this reason, Dr. Byrne approaches each consultation as an individualized process, taking into account:

• Body frame, chest width, and existing breast tissue
• Skin quality and laxity
• Desired size, profile, and shape
• Placement: above or below the pectoral muscle
• Lifestyle considerations, including activity level

At Regional Plastic Surgery Center, consultations also include access to Vectra 3D imaging technology, which allows patients to visualize potential outcomes before making any decisions. This tool supports informed, confident decision-making — not pressure.

The goal of the consultation is never to recommend the most popular option. It’s to identify the option that best serves your anatomy and your goals.

Reach Out to Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Dallas

If you’re considering breast augmentation in Dallas, the best next step is a personal consultation with a board-certified surgeon who will take the time to understand your goals and guide you through your options with precision and care.

Watch Dr. Byrne’s original Instagram video for a brief, conversational overview — then reach out to our team to schedule a consultation and continue the conversation in person.