Saline or Silicone Implants?

Saline or Silicone Implants?

Saline or Silicone Breast Implants? What’s the Right Choice for You

If you are considering Breast Augmentation, you are no doubt trying to determine whether Saline or Silicone implants are right for you. Saline and Silicone implants are the only breast implants approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
While I’m sure you’ve read and heard about the benefits and potential issues of each, I wanted to provide you with a synopsis and discussion of each to help in the decision.

Silicone Breast Implants

The minimum recommended age for silicone implants is 22, unless for breast reconstructive purposes Silicone implants have evolved and improved dramatically over the years from a thin, oily silicone substance to the current highly cross linked silicone polymer used today. This improved gel decreases the risk that the silicone will leak out of the shell should it rupture.

Silicone implants are much more natural feeling with a smoother and softer touch. They are also less likely to wrinkle or ripple than saline implants. MRIs are recommended every 2 years to assess the implant.

Saline-filled Breast Implants

Typically, the minimum age for saline breast implants is 18, unless the implants are needed for reconstructive purposes Saline implants are silicone shells filled with sterile saline water, (salt water). The implants may have either a smooth and textured shell and are available in round or tear dropped shapes. Saline implants are inserted into the breast and then filled with the solution to the size the patient desires.

Saline implants are slightly less expensive but there is a greater chance of rippling or wrinkling. This is often considered the greatest issue with saline implants Also, should an implant rupture, you will have one breast that appears deflated and will need immediate attention to restore a normal appearance.

In summary, there is no real consensus on which type of implant is universally considered right for everyone, The choice is essentially an individual one in consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Questions?

Please feel free to call 410-321-6868 or contact me with any comments or questions you may have on our breast augmentation service.