Breast Augmentation in Mallorca: Complete Guide to Breast Implant Types

Augmentation mammoplasty is one of the most requested procedures in cosmetic plastic surgery in Spain. For many patients, access to rigorous clinical information is essential when making an informed decision. This guide gathers the essential aspects about the types of breast implants available, the placement techniques and the criteria that determine which is the most appropriate option in each case.

1. Types of breast implants: shape and filler

The first relevant distinction refers to the shape of the implant. Round implants are symmetrical in all axes and provide greater volume in the upper pole of the breast, which creates a more pronounced cleavage. Anatomical implants, also called “tear drop” implants, reproduce the natural shape of the breast with more volume in the lower pole and a smoother transition at the top. Their result tends to be more discreet and natural in patients seeking volumetric enhancement without a pronounced cleavage.

As for the filling material, the latest generation of cohesive silicone gel is the current clinical standard in Europe. Its texture and mechanical behavior faithfully reproduce natural breast tissue, with a stability that is maintained over time. Saline implants, less common in current European practice, allow intraoperative volume adjustment, although their feel is less natural.

2. Coating textures: smooth, microtextured and nanotextured.

The implant shell also varies. Smooth implants have greater mobility within the cavity and are currently the preferred option for many plastic surgeons, as their long-term safety profile is the best documented. Microtextured implants have an irregular surface that favors adherence to the surrounding tissue, reducing the risk of rotation in anatomical implants. Nanotextured implants offer a very fine microtexture that combines controlled adhesion with an optimized safety profile.

“The choice of implant cannot be made in a generic way. Each patient has a different thoracic morphology, breast tissue thickness and expectations. In my practice, I dedicate the necessary time to understand what each person wants to achieve and to explain honestly what is possible to achieve in their specific case.”

– Dr. José Ignacio García Ceballos FCCP – Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgeon – Mallorca Medical Group

3. Implant placement plans

The location of the implant with respect to the pectoralis muscle is one of the factors that most influences the esthetic result and postoperative recovery. The three main planes are:

• Subglandular (above the muscle): indicated in patients with sufficient breast tissue to cover the implant. It allows a more comfortable recovery and a more natural result in the movement.
• Submuscular (under the muscle): provides greater implant coverage, especially useful in thin patients with little tissue. May generate greater discomfort in the immediate postoperative period.
• Dual plane (mixed plane): the most versatile and widely used technique today. The pectoralis muscle covers the upper pole of the implant, while the lower pole remains in a subglandular position. It combines the advantages of both planes and is particularly suitable when there is some mild breast ptosis.

4. Surgical access routes

The incision through which the implant is introduced can be made in three main ways: inframammary (in the groove under the breast, the most common and versatile), periareolar (in the lower edge of the areola) and axillary (with hidden scar in the armpit). The inframammary approach is the one that allows greater technical control during surgery and is preferred in most current surgical protocols. The choice depends on the type of implant, the chosen plane and the anatomical characteristics of the patient.

5. Ideal candidate and preoperative evaluation

The candidate profile for augmentation mammoplasty includes adult patients who present breast hypoplasia (low breast volume), asymmetry between both breasts, or loss of volume after pregnancy, lactation or significant weight loss. It is essential that the patient has reached body maturity and is not planning a pregnancy in the short term.

The preoperative assessment includes detailed physical examination, measurement of the anatomical distances of the thorax, analysis of the thickness of the breast tissue and, in some cases, imaging tests. This evaluation makes it possible to define the most appropriate size, shape and plane of the implant, avoiding complications such as capsular contracture or results disproportionate to the patient’s morphology.

6. Postoperative follow-up and long-term results

Breast augmentation surgery is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia and requires between 1 and 2 hours of intervention. The patient can return to her daily activities within 7 to 10 days, although intense physical exercise should be avoided for 6 weeks. The use of a specific postoperative bra is mandatory during the recovery period.

The latest generation silicone implants have proven durability, but they are not lifetime devices. Periodic follow-up with the plastic surgeon is essential to monitor the integrity of the implant and detect any complications early. Most patients do not require replacement before 15-20 years, although this varies according to the type of implant and individual response.