Key Differences Between Saline And Silicone Implants

Alexander Cosmetic Surgery prides itself in providing thorough consultations for women who are considering breast augmentation in the San Diego area

. One of the most frequent considerations patients have is whether to choose saline or silicone gel breast implants. Both implant types are approved by the FDA for use in breast augmentation procedures, but each has different aesthetic qualities that should be discussed with a plastic surgeon before any decision is made about what type of implant is best for the patients post-augmentation goals.

Silicone Gel Implants

Silicone implants have a soft, natural feel that is similar to fat tissue. They are often the preferred choice for patients with very little body fat, patients opting for breast reconstruction after mastectomy, and patients who choose over-the-muscle implantation.

Because silicone implants come pre-filled, the incision required to place each implant is larger than what is needed for saline implants, which are filled with saline (a medical-grade saltwater solution) only after they have been placed. The larger incision may result in a larger or more noticeable scar, though we make every effort to conceal incisions and minimize scarring for our San Diego breast augmentation patients.

The biggest advantage to silicone implants is the look and feelplain and simple. Not only do silicone implants feel more natural than saline implants, they also weigh less, since silicone is a lighter element than water. The lower weight of the silicone implant results in the reduced risk of downward displacement over time.

Saline Implants

Saline implants have silicone shells filled with a sterile salt water solution, which can be absorbed by the human body harmlessly in the event of puncture or rupture. The empty implant shells are placed inside the body during surgery and then filled with the solution. This gives the surgeon the opportunity to adjust each breast for better symmetry during the surgery itself, rather than pre-selecting breast implant size. Saline implants do not require incisions as large as silicone implants, and can even be fitted via an incision around the areola, making the resulting scar well hidden in the darker skin of the areola.

Aesthetically speaking, saline implants are equal to silicone implants in some respects, although there is some chance of visible rippling with saline implants. This effect is minimized by placing the implants underneath the pectoral muscles, but some thinner patients might be able to feel the ridge of the implant through their skin. Also, the slightly heavier saline implants are more likely to cause drooping of the breasts over time.

Saline implants, once ruptured, will likely deflate noticeably within a very short timeframe. The empty implant shell should be removed as soon as practicable, even though the saline itself is not at all dangerous to the human body. Keep in mind that neither silicone nor saline implants are designed to be lifetime medical devices, and many women will have their implants removed or replaced after a certain number of years of use, even if no rupture or leak is detected.

Making the Choice

Ultimately, the type of implant used during a breast augmentation procedure is left up to the patient, but it is important that any patient considering breast enhancement surgery has a thorough consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon before making any decisions. At Alexander Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego, breast augmentation procedures using either silicone gel or saline implants are designed to yield natural and pleasing results due to the careful consideration of body type, breast anatomy and the desired effect. To learn more, contact us today for a consultation.

by: Alex Taylor

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