There are a number of factors a woman must consider when trying to determine which type of implant is best suited for her. It is advisable that a woman consider the following factors before the breast implant procedure:

• Implant status. Whether the implants are or are not approved for use in the United States. If they are investigational, the patient will need to become part of a clinical trial to receive a research trial implant.
  
  
• Size and shape. It is important to choose the correct size and shape (round or contoured) depending on the cosmetic result the patient hopes to achieve. Here, the plastic surgeon can offer advice and guidance.
  
  
• Surface of the implants. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a few studies have shown that textured surface implants, which were initially designed to reduce the risk of capsular contracture, show no such decrease in this complication compared to smooth-surfaced implants. Capsular contracture is scar tissue that develops and tightens or squeezes the implants.
  
  
• Implant palpability/visibility. The feel and look of the implants. Textured implants and larger implants may be easier to feel and see. The same is true when patients have less skin or tissue left to cover the implants.
  
  
• Implant placement. Implants are placed either under the chest muscle (submuscular) or under the breast glands (subglandular). The type of placement may influence the performance of mammograms, breastfeeding or breast self-examination.
  
  
• Variations in surgical incision site. Implants may be inserted through an incision at the bottom crease of the breast, in the armpit, along the lower edge of the areola or the navel.

The pros and cons of each of these factors should be discussed with the plastic surgeon before the procedure. The surgeon who performs the breast augmentation surgery may recommend a particular method or implant depending on the individual needs and concerns of a patient.