If you wish to increase the size of your breasts, you can do so through breast implants in a procedure called breast augmentation. This cosmetic surgery should be done by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Bloch is a renowned plastic surgeon in Highland Park who combines his experience and artistry in plastic surgery to fulfill his patients’ personal goals. In your breast augmentation consultation, you can choose to have saline or silicone implants. Both implants produce good results but it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each as well as their risks before choosing your ideal type.
Similarities
Saline and silicone implants similarities include:
- Shells made of silicone
- Exposure to rippling
Differences
The following differences between saline and silicone implants will help you in your evaluation of your ideal implant:
- Saline implants are placed empty and filled with sterilized salt liquid once they are inserted. The amount of saline filled is meant to achieve the desired profile or size. Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel and come in pre-existing sizes
- Saline implants only require a small incision for their placement while silicone implants require an extensive incision because they are pre-sized before placement.
- Saline implants feel less natural compared to silicone implants which feel more natural as they mimic real breast tissue.
- The FDA recommends saline implants for women over 18 and silicone implants for women over 22 years of age.
- If a saline implant leaks, it will deflate and alter the breast size and shape. The saline liquid will be naturally absorbed by the body. The implant shell needs to be removed through surgery. If silicone implant raptures, it’s hard to notice as the silicone gel remains trapped in the capsule surrounding the implant; this is called silent rapture. The result may include changes in breast shape and pain which can be stopped by removal of the implant.
Risks
Silicone and saline implants have similar risks which include:
- Implant rapture or leakage
- Breast pain
- Infection
- Scar formation around the implant (capsular contracture)
- Temporary loss of sensation in breast or nipple
To correct any of these complications, Dr. Bloch might recommend a revisional surgery to remove or replace the breast implant.
