Nowadays, most implants are made of silicone. Saline implants, on the other hand, tend to have a shorter lifespan and come with problems such as air absorption, which causes a "sloshing" sound, and rippling. Additionally, saline implants are not form-stable, meaning their shape can be influenced by the body's soft tissues, and they feel less natural due to the liquid nature of water. Modern silicone implants, however, have very high safety standards because the silicone is cohesive. This means the silicone is solid rather than liquid, resulting in low leakage and rupture rates (0.4% per year) and ensuring that the implants remain form-stable regardless of changes in soft tissue.

Anatomical implants, also known as pear-shaped implants, are utilized for both cosmetic enhancements and reconstructive surgeries. These implants, which have a textured surface, closely replicate the natural shape of the breast, making them particularly useful for post-mastectomy reconstruction where the implant shapes the breast in the absence of natural tissue. However, anatomical implants carry the risk of rotating, which can lead to an irregular breast shape and often necessitates revision surgery. These implants are further categorized by height—low, moderate, and tall—to suit different chest and trunk lengths. Women with longer chests, where the distance from the inframammary fold to the collarbone exceeds the distance from the rib cage to the hip, may require tall anatomical implants to achieve fullness in the upper chest and a well-defined cleavage. Conversely, women with shorter chest walls need low-height implants to avoid the breast extending up to the collarbone. Round breast implants, which can be either textured or smooth, do not pose the issue of rotation due to their symmetrical shape, resulting in a lower revision rate. Despite their round shape, these implants can still create a natural appearance. When about 80% filled, the silicone tends to gather at the bottom when upright, giving a natural pear-shape profile, particularly effective when the implant is placed under the muscle.

Breast implants with a smooth outer shell are known for their soft, slick, and gummy texture. When wet, water simply rolls off these implants due to their smooth surface. Unlike textured breast implant shells, smooth implants are thinner and do not adhere to the surrounding body tissue. Instead, they move freely within the capsule that naturally forms around them.Patients often report high satisfaction with the natural look and feel provided by smooth surface implants. Textured silicone implants feature an outer shell that feels similar to soft rubber sandpaper. This textured surface helps the implant adhere more securely to the body's tissue, reducing its mobility. The surface of textured implants is rough, resembling soft sandpaper. They have an opaque appearance, feel coarser, and are less slippery when wet.

Implant sizes vary from 125cc to 700cc. Many people mistakenly believe that a specific implant size guarantees a certain cup size. However, cup size is influenced by factors such as rib cage shape and girth, and the amount of natural breast tissue present. Additionally, body weight and frame impact the appearance of the implants; a 200cc implant may seem large on a petite individual but may have minimal effect on someone taller or heavier. To determine the appropriate volume for your body, you can try on "sizers" in a sizing bra or use digital imaging software for a visual estimate. Choosing the right implant involves consulting with your surgeon. They will consider your body shape, measure your breast dimensions, and assess your natural breast volume before suggesting an implant type. It's important to discuss with your surgeon the reasons for their recommendation, as an implant that suits one person may not be ideal for another due to differences in body proportions.