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12.05.07
Silicone vs. Saline Breast Implants
When you decide to have breast augmentation performed, speaking to a knowledgeable cosmetic surgeon is an important step to take. It is equally as important to conduct your own research to find out which implant option is right for you. Some prefer to have silicone implants while others prefer saline implants. Educating yourself about the two types will make you feel more comfortable at the time of surgery and help you achieve successful results.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants are made of pre-filled soft, elastic gel-like substances. For this reason, they look and feel more natural than saline implants. Patients prefer silicone implants for breast augmentation and reconstruction. Many patients return for revision surgery to replace the implants they have with silicone implants. Silicone implants can correct asymmetry and breast shape and size and even improve the results of past procedures.
The FDA has banned silicone breast implants in the past, due to safety concerns. Silicone implants were blamed for being hazardous to the health, causing lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue disease and cancer. Since they were introduced again, they are proven not to cause such health risks and are safe for use in breast augmentation surgery and reconstruction. There are no risks of rupture or leakage with silicone implants.
Advantages of Silicone Implants
- Since silicone gel is texturally similar to breast tissue, silicone implants are known to have a more natural look and feel.
- A rippling effect is not likely to occur with silicone implants because they are thick and not move. They can be placed in thin women without aesthetic concerns.
- Silicone implants are a good option for replacing an existing implant.
Disadvantages of Silicone Implants
- Since silicone implants are pre-filled, a surgeon is required to make a longer incision to successfully place the implant.
- Silicone implant ruptures are difficult to detect. After the rupture, the silicone gel will leak to surrounding areas, leaving the breast looking and feeling the same.
- If an implant ruptures, a body may develop capsular contracture, which is a thick scar around the implant.
- The costs of silicone breast implants are higher due to manufacturer production costs.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are filled with sterilized salt water. They are typically filled before the surgery to match the patient’s desired size, or they can be filled for minor modifications during surgery. Saline breast implants are used frequently used during breast augmentation surgery, since they are generally considered safe. Saline implants can be a good option for women who are unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts, since they can increase size, restore lift and contour. Saline implants are considered to be soft and especially durable, and can be shaped to tailor a patent’s body.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers saline implants to be less risky. If they leak or rupture, the implants will collapse. They will release salt water instead of silicone gel, which is safer when it is absorbed by the body.
Advantages of Saline Implants
- If a saline implant leaks or ruptures inside a body, the salt water can easily and safely be absorbed into her body tissue.
- The size of saline implants can change post surgery, to accommodate the patient’s aesthetic or physical desires. They can be enlarged or minimized as preferred through the small valves through which a surgeon inserts a needle and adds or subtracts the saline.
- Saline implants require a shorter incision when placed, since their size can be increased after placement.
- Saline implants are less expensive.
Disadvantages of Saline Implants
- Saline implants often do not look and feel natural.
- Saline implants come with risks such as capsular contracture, infections, pain and nerve damage.
- Saline implants do not last a lifetime and may need to be replaced in the future.
- Saline implants may show ripples, especially if they are placed in thin women with little breast tissue.
Keep in mind…
It is essential to discuss the best option for your breast implants with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can evaluate your individual needs. A surgeon can further discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both saline and silicone implants and eliminate any concerns you may have about risks and recovery.
Remember that in order to receive saline or silicone breast implants, a woman should be in good health. Women who are pregnant or nursing should wait before undergoing surgery.
1800mySurgeon is a free consumer service dedicated to patients interested in elective surgery. The service helps patients find qualified Board-Certified Surgeons in their area, as well as information on a surgeon’s board records, credentials, experiences and specialty areas. Call our patient coordinators toll free at 1-800-my-Surgeon (1-800-697-8743) or visit our website at 1800mySurgeon.com to learn more about surgery and access patient resources.
