By Kahlil Andrews MD
When a woman decides to have breast implant surgery or breast augmentation surgery, one of the most difficult decisions she will have to make is whether to go with saline or silicone implants. Many cosmetic surgeons offer both types in their office, because the different materials each have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Choosing between the two can be difficult, but understanding the similarities and distinct differences between the materials is an important first step.
About Breast Implants
Breast implants are medical devices used in breast augmentation or breast reconstruction procedures. Women may choose to receive implants for a variety of reasons. Some patients have always been self-conscious about their small breasts and wish to increase their size to enhance their feminine contours. Implants can also provide significant emotional benefits to women who have undergone a mastectomy for breast cancer treatment. Certain breast implants are better suited for specific concerns or aesthetic goals. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andrews works with each patient to determine the best choice of implant for their procedure.
What Are Saline Breast Implants?
Saline implants have been on the market since the 1960s and became the only choice for women from 1992 to 2006, when silicone implants were taken off the market. This implant consists of a soft silicone rubber shell that is filled with sterile salt water once it is placed into the breast. The saline solution is completely safe for the body, so there is no major concern if the implant leaks or ruptures while it is inside the breast.
Benefits of saline-filled implants include:
There are a number of advantages to saline implants, including:
- A smaller incision is required to insert the implant
- Leakage or rupture of the implant is clearly visible
- The size of the implants can be adjusted once they are placed in the breast
- Saline implants cost about 50% less than silicone implants
What Are Silicone Implants?
Silicone implants have also been around since the 1960s, although the FDA removed them from the market between 1992 and 2006. At the time, there was concern about implant rupture or one of these implants leaking silicone gel into the body. However, advancements in silicone gel-filled implants, including the creation of gummy bear breast implants, have created stronger formulas and a more stable silicone outer shell to minimize the risk of complications.
Benefits of the silicone implant include:
- Mimics the feel of natural breast tissue
- Ruptures do not result in a changed outer appearance
- Tend to be lighter than saline-filled breast implants
- Less likely to result in rippling
- Technological advancements in the gel allow for even less rippling, lower rupture rates, and more shape options (highly cohesive/”gummy bear” implants)
Additional Breast Implant Customization
Along with the material used in your breast implants, there are considerations to be made regarding the shape and texture of the implants. Patients can choose from smooth or textured breast implants, and teardrop-shaped or round breast implants. The choice of implant is based on many factors, including personal preference, desired look, and medical history. For example, patients who have had a previous breast implant procedure and developed capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue) may find textured implants to be a safer option than smooth implants.
Making a Choice
Most physicians agree that excellent results can be achieved with both saline and silicone implants today. The choice in implants will depend on a number of factors:
- The current size of the breast
- Thickness of skin and breast tissue
- Preferences on incision length and placement
- Age: Saline implants can be used in breast augmentation patients 18 and over, while silicone can be used in patients 22 and over
At your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kahlil Andrews, he will discuss your breast implant options in greater detail and ask about your breast surgery goals to help you make an informed decision.
Schedule a Consultation for Breast Augmentation Surgery
The most important factor in a successful breast augmentation procedure is not the type of implant you choose, but the experience and training of the surgeon. We have had ample experience in using both types of breast implants at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and will help you choose the best implant for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about breast augmentation at 319-800-6877.
